Pentair’s legacy pump brands, some of which have operated for over 200 years, are renowned worldwide for their rugged, reliable pumps in mission-critical applications. However, that global reputation has its roots in the company’s high-quality manufacturing locations in the United States. Below, General Manager Dan Hrkalovich explains how this strategy underscores Pentair’s commitment to designing and producing pumps that protect people, property, and the planet.
MPT: Could you explain briefly Pentair’s commitment to domestic manufacturing?
Dan Hrkalovich: In light of the significant federal funding available for projects nationwide, Pentair is fully committed to providing a diverse range of products that adhere to the Build America Buy America (BABA) Act requirements. We take pride in our rich history of American manufacturing, offering solutions for various applications so our customers can fully leverage opportunities in the marketplace.
MPT: How do these benefits extend to your customers?
Dan Hrkalovich: As the demand for BABA Act-compliant products continues to surge, Pentair is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of any project. Our three manufacturing facilities in the greater Midwest specialize in engineering, machining, assembly and casting. This allows us to efficiently produce products that comply with federal funding requirements.
MPT: Could you tell me more about these facilities?
Dan Hrkalovich: In Kansas City, Kansas, Pentair Fairbanks Nijhuis end suction, in-line, split case, and vertical turbine solids handling pumps are built to customers’ exact requirements by some of the best hydraulic minds in the business. Engineered-to-order, essentially any pump model can be customized to meet BABA Act requirements as needed.
A bit further east, in Ashland, Ohio, Pentair Hydromatic and Pentair Myers grinders, solids-handling, and reciprocating pumps are manufactured across a 92-acre campus, including a 106,000-square-foot facility that includes a foundry—an increasingly rare capability in the United States today. Hydromatic and Myers products, including the Next-Gen Submersible, our newest BABA Act-compliant solids handling pump, are in high demand for federally funded municipal wastewater projects. Ashland’s highly experienced technical support team can work with you to determine if a pump model complies with its standard configuration or needs to be customized to ensure compliance.
Rounding things out in Chicagoland is our Pentair Aurora factory in North Aurora, Illinois. A team of talented engineers and craftsmen here produces a dynamic portfolio of commercial fire protection and HVAC pumps. Engineered-to-order, many of these pumps are BABA Act-compliant in their standard configuration.
MPT: So you can accommodate customer needs even on a custom order?
Dan Hrkalovich: We can provide specifying engineers with the documentation necessary to validate this compliance for a given pump model to be installed in a federally-funded project. When a standard configuration is not BABA Act-compliant, our sourcing team will work diligently to modify components so that Pentair’s fire protection and HVAC pumps can be the solution for your project.
Moreover, our experienced team of application engineers and technical sales associates is always ready to assist you in determining if the Pentair equipment for a project meets the necessary requirements for government funding, underscoring our dedication to the success of our customers.
From residential and commercial water solutions, to industrial water management and everything in between, Pentair is focused on smart, sustainable water solutions that help our planet and people thrive. For more information, visit www.pentair.com/baba.