Inlet Mechanical, Inc. worked with Victaulic on a pre-fabricated boiler piping package for a remote Alaska school.
t is often said that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, but thanks to Victaulic, its products hold many “whole” projects together.
Though most people never see the pipe joining systems created by Victaulic, they are vital in creating infrastructure worldwide every day.
Ernest Tribe, who was in the Royal Engineers’ Trench Warfare Division in World War I, started Victaulic in 1919. Tribe’s experience inspired him to invent a new kind of pipe coupling that was safe to use and quick for operators to assemble and take apart. With help from Henry Selby Hele-Shaw, a British research engineer, they invented the Victaulic Coupling, which got its name by combining the words “victory” and “hydraulic.”
Efficient Fittings
As construction boomed in the ‘60s, commercial builders recognized the advantages of Victaulic products for plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems. Victaulic also vertically integrated its manufacturing process to ensure quality and maximum supply. Company leaders started a product development group, which led to the innovations of valves, flange adaptors, and mechanical tees.
Victaulic provided spools of pre-fabricated pipe for the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) at Clear Space Force Station. Victaulic uses its vast product and service line to cater to multiple industries.
Some prominent landmarks using Victaulic technology include the Seattle Space Needle; Wembley Stadium in London; the AT&T Stadium where the Dallas Cowboys play in Arlington, Texas; Trump Tower in New York City; The Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing; The National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City; the CN Tower in Toronto; and the Willis Tower, formerly the Sears Tower, in Chicago.
In Alaska, Victaulic products are found in the Long-Range Discrimination Radar, or LRDR, at Clear Space Force Station, Eielson Air Force Base’s utilidors for use with the F-35 squadron, North Pole Middle School’s heating system replacement, Fort Knox gold mine’s heap-leach piping, and Pogo Mine’s high-pressure backfill line.
“We provide products that are easy to install and reduce labor risk for contractors during construction,” says Nathan Lang, Victaulic territory manager.
The biggest challenge Victaulic manages is a cold and short construction season in Alaska. Bradish says it’s essential to work on a project before the snow melts. Pre-season, it helps companies with design, does take-offs, and pre-fabricates spools so materials are ready by the start of construction season.
“All of our products are tested in-house to ensure it meets the high standards we set,” says Bradish. “We have a wide range of gaskets to meet different media and temperatures. We’ve updated the design of our coupling over the years to be installed quicker and easier, which leads to faster build times.”
Eielson Air Force Base relied on Victaulic for pre-fabricated utilidor piping for their water and sewer lines. Victaulic has worked on several significant projects worldwide in mining, oil and gas, power, water treatment, fire protection, HVAC, maritime, and infrastructure.
“They are a great company to work with at all levels and easy to track project progress,” says Velasquez.
Bradish says AGC membership allows people from his company to meet great people, both in his industry and others.
Bradish says Victaulic plans to continue what it does best: innovating and growing:
“What that means for Alaska is better service and products that help the customers with their construction projects.”