Martin Smith, Conex Bänninger’s newly appointed business unit director for UK & Ireland, is a man on a mission and is looking to help create a new generation of press fitting installers.
“I want to sponsor a debate amongst traditional installers and contractors on how they can benefit from a change in technology – by moving away from traditional brazing methods,” he explains. “Whilst this process has been underway for a number of years now, we still need to drive home the key message that it’s not always a great idea to be using a naked flame in constricted spaces and there are much safer, faster and more efficient ways to join pipes.”
Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to Conex Bänninger, with extensive experience in the HVAC industry, including senior roles at Ideal Stelrad Group and Wolseley. Over the years he says he has gained detailed insight into different areas of the sector and, during this time, the industry has seen significant developments, driven by technological advancements, environmental policies, and changing consumer demand.
“The increasing use of press fittings is an excellent example of how a change in technology can offer installers real competitive advantage. They offer substantial benefits over traditional jointing methods, including faster, safer installations, consistent and reliable connections, minimal disruption, environmental advantages, cost effectiveness and ease of inspection and maintenance.”
Overcoming barriers
However, he acknowledges that there are significant numbers of installers who have been brought up using traditional jointing techniques and are somewhat, understandably, resistant to making the change. One of the biggest barriers to change is the initial cost of a press tool. Installers often look at the purchase price and stop right there without considering how short the payback time on the initial purchase of the press machine can be.
The speed of installation when press fitting provides significant time savings on a job, resulting in payback on a press tool often achieved within a matter of months. In addition, installers will no longer need to spend as much on consumables such as a gas, blow lamp, flux and solder, and the savings continue. Investing in press also removes the need for a hot works permit and having to stay on-site for hours after installation due to fire risk and health and safety reasons that can often be the case when working with flame-based fittings.
“That’s why it’s vitally important that we do all we can to help educate and inform installers on the longer-term benefits of using press fittings,” adds Martin. Furthermore, this is not just about converting existing installers, there are also new entrants coming into the industry all the time.”
As a global manufacturer of high-quality fittings, valves and accessories, Conex Bänninger is at the forefront of the trade’s migration from traditional to press.
“By supporting our innovative and extensive range of >B< Press fittings, with best in class, online, in class and onsite training, we will continue to provide a first-class back up service to ensure that installers of all types can realise the benefits of an investment in press,” concluds Martin.
To find out more, visit: www.connexbanninger.com
