Always Innovating

Developing a strategic future from 100 years of experience

by Rachael Kvapil

ictaulic has experienced every kind of economic cycle, market shift, and industry trend imaginable since it created its first pipe coupling in 1919. Its founder, Ernest Tribe, built the concept of resilience into the company name, a combination of the words “victory” and “hydraulic.” After 106 years in the business, Victaulic continues to innovate the pipe-joining technology used in structures worldwide.

Alaska Territory Manager Derek Bradish says Victaulic completed several water treatment projects in Alaska in 2024. The company outfitted plants in Wrangell and Bethel with Victaulic coupling systems and provided mechanical services to a at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. He says it was a particularly busy year, filled with many similar projects—which is sometimes challenging, as he is the only Victaulic manufacturing sales representative in the state.

“When you’re the only one here, time management is the biggest challenge,” says Bradish. “I wear a lot of different hats and work with people in many different industries.”

Bradish says his position also requires him to become an expert in multiple industries. For instance, the products and systems needed for a wastewater plant are different than what is necessary for an oil and gas power plant or a mine. The only way to fully assist these different industries is by becoming well-versed in their specific needs.

Since its official inception in 1925, Victaulic has created pipe-joining solutions to meet these needs. Its initial grooved, malleable iron fittings quickly became the standard worldwide for oil, gas, water, sewage, and air pipelines, as well as water and air lines for mines. Later, Victaulic adapted its products to plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems. As the construction industry continued to boom, Victaulic increased its focus on product development, which led to the innovation of valves, flange adaptors, and mechanical tees.

Innovation in products and services is nonstop, says Bradish. Over the past two years, he says, Victaulic has developed new valves and gaskets better suited for specific types of media in the pipe. For instance, the company offers a new gasket that can handle the various chemicals used to treat and disinfect water. Bradish says that many states use a different combination of chemicals to make water safe for human consumption, so it made sense to develop a gasket that could withstand multiple processes.

“In this day and age, we are constantly innovating materials and technology,” says Bradish. “Our new couplings and gaskets are better than the last ones, and we didn’t come out with those all that long ago.”

Victaulic is taking steps to keep its supply chain modern and efficient in addition to its products. In recent years, to address supply chain issues, Victaulic has opened new manufacturing plants in the United States, which will prove beneficial given the current uncertainty currently surrounding global tariffs. However, Bradish says that Victaulic has “gone on this ride before” and has the resources and knowledge to pivot as needed.

Except for a few smaller projects, Bradish is working through a new project cycle in 2025 as he identifies contractors that could benefit from Victaulic products and services. He says it’s best to get his company involved in a project during the design phase, where it’s possible to work closely with the engineering group. In a best-case scenario, Victaulic products are written into the specifications, or the Victaulic team is brought in to help develop a piping system. Even once a job is awarded, Bradish says Victaulic is “boots on the ground” for contractors using their products and services.

“It’s a long process,” says Bradish. “These jobs have a lifespan of two or three years, and you start working now, so they come to fruition four or five years down the road.”

Victaulic has played a vital role in numerous projects statewide. Noah Velasquez, chief operations officer for Inlet Mechanical, says the recently renovated Bethel Water Treatment Plant features various types of plastic, copper, and steel Victaulic systems. Inlet Mechanical first worked with Victaulic about five years ago, when their products were listed in the job specification. Since then, the two companies have built a strong relationship.

“They are very helpful with making sure they can provide you with what you need,” says Velasquez. “They have the knowledge and skills to install their products and offer services that meet the scope of the project.”

Victaulic has been an Associated General Contractors, or AGC, of Alaska member since May 2015. Bradish says networking is the main AGC benefit his company appreciates. There are so many great people in Alaska, and the ability to connect with contractors and develop genuine friendships and solid working relationships is valuable, he says. AGC offers many fun events that allow members to get to know each other and celebrate hard work, he adds.