Reflecting on 2023 and Looking Ahead to 2024

The fall issue of Valve is starting to become a favorite of mine, mostly because it provides the opportunity to share with the greater industrial valve industry value chain a lot of the activities and benefits that VMA member companies can take advantage of. This issue is no different, with a look at VMA’s Market Outlook Workshop and the VMA and VRC Annual Meeting —VMA’s 85^th!

Both events are only open to VMA and VRC member companies, and attendees can hear the latest and best insights into our industry and the markets served. They are also able to network and learn from the leaders in the industry. At both events, but especially the Annual Meeting, it is heartening to see how many individuals contribute to not only VMA, but also to advancing the industry and their companies. I am incredibly honored to be able to recognize a few of these individuals each year with VMA’s Membership Awards — this year recognizing and thanking Ron Warren of Bray International as the prestigious Person of the Year recipient, and Nathan Brunell of Baker Hughes as the Service Award recipient.

At both the Market Outlook Workshop and the Annual Meeting, attendees heard that the industry continues to be strong, but there may be cracks showing in certain market segments. There still seems to be plenty of opportunity overall, however, for the industry, especially when new opportunities in energy are considered. The article on page 18 delves deeper into the various markets served.

In addition to topics on new energy like the possibilities with hydrogen and carbon capture — and somewhat related — is a conversation on sustainability. For our industry and the customers served, there are varying approaches from all companies. Due to the reduction in fugitive emissions over the last quarter of century, our industry has made a substantial positive impact on the environment. VMA is proud to announce a more focused effort on sustainability with the creation of a sustainability message, and future plans to develop and share toolkits, resources and examples of programs member companies have in place. I am also excited that VMA will be holding our first Hydrogen Valve Summit, which will also address carbon capture technologies, on April 9, 2024, in Houston.

VMA’s efforts in the government affairs area were also front and center. Especially regarding the current approach to broadly categorize, legislate and regulate all PFAS chemicals — including fluoropolymers and PTFE — in the same manner. PFAS substances must not be categorized into overly broad groups or classes but should be differentiated based on their hazard and risk. Otherwise, there will be significant negative economic, industrial competitiveness, national security, environmental and quality-of-life impacts. As our industry knows, there are not currently alternatives to the gaskets, seals, coatings, chemical piping and industrial valves that use this material. VMA is continuing to raise awareness and educate legislators and regulators on our concerns and is also providing suggestions to a path forward.

This issue also contains a few articles that focus on valve technology – from basic to more advanced. Regardless of how long valves have been used to better our lives, technological advancements continue! Valve magazine is a great place to help you stay on top of those advancements.

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

Heather