Meet the Chairman: Rob Velan

Source: Velan

Tell us about your background. Where and what did you study in university and how did you get involved in the valve industry?

Given that Velan is a family business (founded by my grandfather AK Velan in 1950), I was essentially born into the valve industry. As a teen, I worked various summer jobs in the office and in the shop, allowing me to get to know the business. Upon graduating from Queen’s University (in Canada) with a degree in business, I joined Velan full-time as a project manager for orders going into the power industry, which was booming with gas-fired power plants in the mid-90s. After an MBA at Cornell University and six years in management consulting working on strategy and supply chain projects, I rejoined Velan in 2004. Over the past 20 years, I have been fortunate to get to know many suppliers, manufacturers and customers within this great industry.

Energy expansion and the regulatory environment around issues such as PFAS and tariffs are top of mind right now. What other pressing issues do you think that the industry and VMA need to focus on for our members and the industry in the coming years?

Tariffs and PFAS continue to be primary and potentially disruptive legislation for our industry. Our members rely on complex global supply chains for raw materials, components and finished products, so increased tariffs affect companies differently — they can impact costs and change the competitiveness model. Strategies to cope with tariffs require careful planning to avoid disruptions in an ever-changing environment. Broad PFAS categorization risks sweeping bans of all PFAS classes, including PTFE. VMA has been advocating for a differentiated approach, safeguarding critical polymeric PFAS while targeting the most hazardous variants.

Energy expansion is fueling demand for durable, precision-engineered valves capable of operating under extreme conditions and requiring smart integration and leak-tight performance across a variety of strategic, growing sectors. While all energy sectors are expecting significant growth in the next few years, the largest surges for valve manufacturers are expected in hydrogen and nuclear.

Other pressing issues include the use of AI and additive manufacturing. AI is transforming the industrial valve sector by optimizing design, improving predictive maintenance and streamlining business processes. The extent to which we leverage AI will help define the growth trajectory for our industry. Additive manufacturing, or 3D printing, is emerging as a game-changer for producing complex valve components and prototypes. While challenges remain in scaling production and ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards, the technology promises significant cost savings and flexibility in the coming years.

What do you see as the biggest challenges we face in our industry today? What about the greatest opportunities?

In terms of challenges, our members are facing increasing global competition, fluctuating demand creating uneven order flow and difficulty securing skilled labor.

There are many opportunities facing North American valve manufacturers as energy markets are poised for rapid growth. Rising demand for IoT-enabled “smart valves” with sensing, diagnostics and connectivity supports predictive maintenance and offers an opportunity for premium product differentiation. Focused expertise in complex valve types enhances value proposition and pricing power.

How do you see VMA continuing to serve and advance the industry?

VMA recently conducted a survey of our members to gather feedback on how we could best serve them. There were three key areas of focus that came to light and VMA is crafting its strategic plan around:

• Building a stronger community by increasing membership and hosting events (in-person and online) to deliver important content and offer networking opportunities.
• Educating its members in a variety of areas including valve basic knowledge, existing/new technical standards, market trends and new legislation.
• Promoting our industry to policy makers and influencing government affairs in response to common challenges.

What will your focus be as the chairman of the VMA?

Over the past five years, my predecessors, fellow board members, along with our President Heather Rhoderick, have done a great job to solidify the VMA and position it for growth. We are now looking to expand membership across all business partners to include even more suppliers and distributors for a truly connected industry association. We will also strive to align the committee mandates to support the three areas of focus in the new strategic plan.

What advice do you have for someone considering joining VMA? For our members?

The VMA offers a community of valve-focused members with similar issues and interests. There are so many ways to get involved: join a committee, take advantage of educational opportunities, participate in events and many more. The more one gets involved, the more one gains from it. So please spread the good word throughout your organizations.

What advice would you offer those entering the industry as either a new graduate or someone switching career paths mid-career?

The valve industry is more exciting than many might think and offers great career opportunities. It is a sector that is experiencing growth and embracing technological advances in many areas. To be a part of it is an opportunity to help propel this industry forward.

Tell us a bit about what you like to do outside of work.

I enjoy competing and pushing myself. I played a lot of sports while growing up including soccer, ice hockey and rugby. In my older years, I now focus on tennis and jogging. Exercise is a great escape for me.