The Critical Role of Our Industry in the Ebb and Flow of a Changing World

As anyone with even a small stake in the valve industry knows, many markets and sectors are served. Companies source materials from all over the world and in different ways; serve numerous types of customers; manufacture different kinds of valves, actuators and controls; offer various solutions; and take unique approaches in marketing and selling their products. It is a complicated web, which is not surprising for an industry that has developed organically over hundreds of years. Our products are just as needed today as they were 1,000 years ago when the first valve was developed — and arguably needed more so as their importance will not diminish in the future.

While this longevity may provide security, it is important not to become complacent. New challenges, materials, products and opportunities will continue to arise and become commonplace. Case in point: Words and concepts like sustainability, green manufacturing, net zero, environmental, social and governance (ESG) are not mere buzzwords. Companies of all sizes representing many industries continue to grapple with how to react to government, societal, shareholder and customer pressure to measure their impact and demonstrate responsible stewardship. At first glance, this may seem like a major shift for our industry with a big stake in markets like oil, gas and chemicals. However, as our second article in a two-part series points out, while there are opportunities in new energy sources like hydrogen, fossil fuels will still play an important part in providing energy to the world for some time to come. 

Because our industry is complicated, those new to it — and those that have been a part of the industry for years — seek out basic information on valves, actuators and controls. VMA provides education and courses on this type of information through our Valve Basics events and webinars, as does VALVE Magazine in articles such as Electric Actuator Controls.  

Also helpful to new or seasoned professionals is the article on strategic account management. The diversity of the industry coupled with disruptions experienced the past few years continue to provide even more reasons to reflect on customer accounts and shore them up if needed.

Since becoming VMA president, I’ve learned about how diverse and important the industry is, as well as the many similar challenges and opportunities for all companies with a stake in the industry. Some of these are highlighted throughout the magazine — our manufacturer, distributor and industry supplier members can draw on this information and knowledge to more fully understand how to address issues and incorporate these learnings for continued success. I encourage anyone interested in knowing more about VMA membership to contact me directly or visit http://vma.org/membership.