New Year, New-ish Magazine

Welcome to 2024 and an updated version of Valve Magazine! You may notice that we have incorporated several changes to this issue, from an updated logo to a refreshed internal design, and some new content areas — including this column!

I’ve been fortunate enough to be the editor of Valve since the Fall 2022 issue. I’ve spent my entire career in industrial editorial, marketing and communications roles, including with a global valve and fittings manufacturer where I interacted with professionals across industries and around the world. While many in my life don’t understand exactly what this industry is about, I have been known to simplify it by telling people not only is a bathroom faucet handle a valve, but so is a beer tap! Not quite what we cover in this magazine, but the same basic principles apply.

Valves have existed since ancient times, even if they looked different than they do today. Since humans figured out how to transport liquids and gases, valves have been crucial components in those carrier systems. Our industry is ever-changing. It meets the needs of customer applications through updated designs, new materials and by finding new ways to manufacture the actual valves. While the basic technology may not have changed as quickly as other products, the refinement and constant design tweaks manufacturers are making have been consistent across sectors.

This magazine is published by the Valve Manufacturers Association (VMA), but this magazine, and the related website and newsletters, is here to educate the entire industry, specifically end users such as EPCs, plant managers and engineers, MROs and virtually every sector where valves are used. You’ll find articles in this issue about semiconductor yield optimization through proper valve selection, and get up to speed on new regulations impacting actuators. Also featured is our second in a series on control valves, and our stalwart Valve Basics column, with an updated article on electric actuator controls. Finally, you’ll find industry news, new product information, and a regular section from VMA, along with a new column where we interview someone from the valve industry. Let me know if you want to be considered!

But we can’t do it without you. Please send your press releases and news to press@vma.org, or send me an email at hgaynor@gardnerweb.com with your article ideas and feedback. It takes a lot of content to publish not just this magazine but also our website. Connect with me on LinkedIn, so I can also follow what’s happening in your businesses. We are here to serve you and rely on your expertise and ideas to do this. Thank you for being here, and I can’t wait to continue growing this venerable brand and long-running magazine together.

Cheers!

Heather G.