About Clow Valve Company
Clow Valve Company: Building a Stronger Water Infrastructure
Clow Valve Company is a leading manufacturer of water distribution and infrastructure products. The company is part of the McWane family of companies, which has been providing high-quality pipes, valves, fire hydrants, and fittings for over 100 years. With a commitment to innovation and sustainability, Clow Valve Company is dedicated to building a stronger water infrastructure for communities across the United States.
History
The history of Clow Valve Company dates back to 1878 when James B. Clow founded the J.B. Clow & Sons company in Chicago. The company initially produced cast iron products such as stove plates and plows but later expanded into manufacturing valves for waterworks systems. In 1921, J.B. Clow & Sons merged with several other valve manufacturers to form the American Cast Iron Pipe Company (ACIPCO). Today, ACIPCO is one of the largest manufacturers of ductile iron pipe in North America.
In 1985, ACIPCO acquired Kennedy Valve Company and added it to its family of companies. Kennedy Valve was founded in 1877 by Richard Welling Kennedy in Elmira, New York and was known for producing high-quality valves for municipal water systems.
In 2006, ACIPCO acquired another valve manufacturer called M&H Valve Company based in Anniston, Alabama. M&H had been producing valves since 1854 and was known for its innovative designs.
Finally, in 2010 ACIPCO consolidated all its valve manufacturing operations under one brand name - Clow Valve Company.
Products
Clow Valve offers a wide range of products that are essential components of any modern water distribution system:
- Gate Valves: These are used to control the flow rate or shut off the flow completely.
- Check Valves: These prevent backflow or reverse flow.
- Fire Hydrants: These provide access points for firefighters to connect hoses during emergencies.
- Tapping Sleeves: These allow new connections to be made on existing pipelines without shutting down service.
- Couplings & Fittings: These connect pipes together or change direction as needed.
- Municipal Castings: These include manhole covers and frames that provide access points into underground pipelines.
All these products are made from high-quality materials such as ductile iron or stainless steel that can withstand harsh environmental conditions like extreme temperatures or corrosive chemicals.
Innovation
One thing that sets Clow Valve apart from other manufacturers is their commitment to innovation. They have invested heavily in research & development over the years which has resulted in several patented designs:
- Flex-Ring® Joint System - This joint system allows pipes to flex slightly during ground movement without breaking apart.
- Fastite® Joint System - This joint system uses an elastomeric gasket instead of lead caulking which makes installation faster and easier while also reducing leaks.
- E-Z Flange™ Joint System - This joint system eliminates flange bolts by using an integrated groove design which reduces installation time while also improving reliability.
Sustainability
Another area where Clow Valve excels is sustainability. They have implemented several initiatives aimed at reducing their environmental impact:
- Recycling Programs - They recycle scrap metal generated during production as well as office paper waste.
- Energy Efficiency - They have installed energy-efficient lighting throughout their facilities which has reduced electricity consumption by up to 50% compared with traditional lighting systems.
- Water Conservation - They use rainwater harvesting systems at some locations which reduces their reliance on municipal water supplies.
Conclusion
Clow Valve Company has a long history dating back over a century but they continue to innovate today with new product designs aimed at improving efficiency while also reducing environmental impact. Their commitment towards sustainability combined with their dedication towards quality makes them one of the most trusted names when it comes to building our nation's water infrastructure."