TPi April 2008

news business & market

The organisers of the XIV Pipes Conference expect this year’s event to be the largest ever. The conference brings together the global plastic pipe community, and will be held 22-24 September 2008 at the Marriott Hotel in Budapest. The previous event, in Washington in October 2006, attracted 450 attendees from over 35 countries. According to Dr David Walton, marketing manager, Borouge Pipes, “ After more than 70 years, our knowledge of plastic pipe technology is still continuously expanding. Important developments will be announced during the course of this conference. Key subjects of papers will involve market issues, plastic pipeline solutions, application areas and pipe system developments. ” Plastic pipe systems are making important inroads in Central Eastern Europe. Frank Jones, director of the BPF Plastic Pipes Group explained, “ This year’s premier conference takes place at a turning point for the industry and especially for the region. The pace of plastics conversion is now accelerating in every application and on every continent. The reasons are clear: the poor legacy of competitive pipe materials, concern for climate change and attendant water shortage and surfeit coupled with a wider appreciation for the benefits of plastic pipe systems. ” XIV Pipes Conference

AM Castle & Co acquires Metals UK Group

The conference will also address environmental issues. “ It is perhaps time we should stop talking about climate change and start thinking about how to create a mind change ,” commented Mr Jones. “ If the world were to invest in a sustainable future by using plastic pipes, many water issues would be solved. We would have leak free distribution of water, more economic irrigation techniques and improved drainage and flood control. ” The three-day schedule will include the presentation of around ninety papers, a trade exhibition and a social pro- gramme. As many as 600 participants are expected. Technical information will not be the only resource on offer: communication will also be a valuable medium. Zoran Davidovski, vice president marketing of Pipelife and chairman of the organising committeecommented, “ Theconference is always an ideal meeting place for delegates and the latest ideas from utility companies, technical and certification institutes, plastic pipe companies, equipment manufacturers, compound makers and other suppliers. ” Plastic Pipes XIV is organised by TEPPFA, PE 100 +, PVC4Pipes and the Plastics Pipe Institute. XIV Pipes Conference – Hungary zoran.davidovski@pipelife.com www.ppxiv.com

AM Castle & Co, a global distributor of speciality metal and plastic products, value-added services and supply chain solutions, has announced that it has acquired the outstanding capital stock of Metals UK Group, a distributor and processor of speciality metals primarily serving the oil and gas, aerospace, petrochemical and power generation markets. Metals UK Group has four processing facilities; two in Blackburn, England, including its headquarters, one in Hoddesdon North East of London, and one in Bilbao, Spain. Sales outside of the UK comprise approximately 25% of the company’s total revenues, and include customers in 36 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Australasia and the Americas. Current management will remain in place, including Ian Griffiths, founder and president of Metals UK Group and a former member of the AM Castle management team. “ Metals UK Group is complementary to our existing North American operations and provides an opportunity for Castle to expand its global reach ,” stated Michael Goldberg, president and CEO of AM Castle. “ The company’s speciality metals product offering, processing capabilities and supply chain expertise not only complement our business, but also service potential high growth industries we seek to expand our presence in. ” Within its core metals business, AM Castle & Co specialises in the distribution of alloy and stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminium and carbon. Through its subsidiary, Total Plastics, Inc, the company also distributes a broad range of value-added industrial plastics. Together, Castle operates over 50 locations throughout North America and Europe.

Plymouth Tube Co appoints new general manager

Plymouth Tube Company, USA, has announced that Gavin Ford has accepted the position of general manager of Winamac Hot Mill, as of 3 March 2008.

Mr Ford, who has a BS in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from Bradley University in Peoria, IL, was previously employed at Prestolite Wire Corporation, where he held the positions of director of manufacturing and sourcing, Asia, and director of manufacturing, Canadian operations. Mr Ford has also held operations management positions with Pram Filtration and Wheelabrator Corporation. Additionally, he owned and operated a premium private label meat company.

AM Castle & Co – USA info@amcastle.com www.amcastle.com Metals UK – UK sales@metalsuk.com www.metalsuk.com

Plymouth Tube Company – USA gford@plymouth.com • www.plymouth.com

14

Tube Products International April 2008

www.read-tpi.com