Perspectives

Over the past six weeks, VMA held its Market Outlook Workshop, 84^th Annual Meeting and had a presence, along with VALVE Magazine, at the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS). I was fortunate to attend all three events, and enjoyed connecting in person with VMA’s manufacturer, distributor, and service provider members, as well as members from the Valve Repair Council. The energy and enthusiasm felt together in person can’t be duplicated! Through conversations with attendees and the speakers, the events provided a good snapshot of the current business climate of the industry and the markets served by it – as well as trends to watch for.

While the industry remains strong, there are certainly concerns on the horizon. Companies continue to face workforce reduction and increased costs for labor, unrest in global geopolitical stability, inflation, price fluctuations, supply chain disruptions, and more. However, those challenges have come with increased orders and a strong backlog regardless of the markets served, and opportunities in growing markets like hydrogen and mining. Check out the article on page X for a closer look at predictions for some of the markets served by the valve industry.

I’ve been a part of many discussions around the workforce over the past months at the VMA meetings and elsewhere – everything from how to implement a hybrid work environment, ideas to retain workers, and strategies for finding new hires. The article on page XX continues that focus.

VALVE Magazine and VMA’s continued goal to help increase knowledge is evident again with the article on gate valves on page X. And if you enjoy articles like this, I encourage you to attend VMA’s Valve Basics Seminar and Petting Zoo in-person this Fall. There isn’t another event like this anywhere in the U.S. or Canada that provides the breadth and expert knowledge on valves, actuators and controls – all in a nonproprietary approach. A full VMA calendar of events is on page X.

At the VMA meetings and at IMTS, discussions around automation and digitization, workforce and sustainability could be heard in the hallways and on the stage. Thanks to the leadership of the VMA Board and VMA’s past Board Chairman, VMA is poised to help lead the industry and our members through these issues. I’d like to thank Ron Warren, President, Bray International, for his past year serving as Chairman of the VMA Board of Directors, and also welcome Matt Theil, President, AUMA Actuators, as the new VMA Chairman of the Board. Find out more about Matt on page X.

Lastly, VMA welcomes Heather Gaynor as the new editor for VALVE Magazine. Heather comes to VALVE with some industry experience, and plenty of communications, marketing and publication experience.

If you’d like to find out more about VMA, please contact me at hrhoderick@vma.org.

See you soon!

Heather