Every second year Uponor throws a big bash in Las Vegas for contractors and engineers from across North America.
This year’s event took place April 4-5 at Hotel Bellagio, drawing over 1,200 participants including 191 from Canada. There were speakers on almost every aspect of the industry but with a focus on the how technology is changing it.
Uponor North America president Bill Gray opened the event by talking about a couple of issues that Uponor has faced in the past few years. A problem with engineered polymer fittings in 2016 was solved quickly and, more recently, the company is taking steps to ensure a recent PEX pipe supply shortage won’t happen again. “Most people were not aware of it,” he added, because distributors had enough stock.
He said one of the company’s key goals is to get closer to its customers. “We are listening,” he added. “Our goal is to look for your pain points.”
He said Uponor’s new Pro Squad, a partnership with contractors to install the Phyn Plus smart water leak detector and shutoff, is a game changer for the company. Over 50 Canadian contractors have applied to join. For more information, visit www.uponorprosquad.com.
The company, which is based in Finland with North American headquarters in Apple Valley, Wisconsin, is celebrating 100 years. CEO Jyri Luomakoski said he expects the industry will experience the same amount of progress in the next 10 years as the last 100. He added that the company is spending $150 million in research and development to help customers “deal with the modern world.”
“Feedback (from customers) confirms if we are on the right track or challenges us to be better,” remarked Brent Noonan, vice president of sales for North America. “Progress to us means moving our business forward, but also moving the industry forward.”
The next Uponor convention will take place in 2020. For more information, please visit www.uponor.ca