RIDGID

The new production area reduces manufacturing processing time to one day and doubles yearly production capacity

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, recently completed an advanced manufacturing investment to expand its press jaw production at its world headquarters in Elyria, Ohio. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 30,000-square-foot workspace was held for its employees and invited guests.

The new pressing production area incorporates flexible robotic systems, new milling machines and high-capacity part fixtures. Each machine has the capability to run all pressing parts instead of select components for increased efficiency. These new machines, combined with new in-house capabilities, will reduce lead time by 30 days and double the annual production capacity of jaw sets. This enables customers to receive needed jaws faster for quicker job completion.

“This investment in new equipment and an improved workflow means we can quickly produce a press jaw set made in America that keeps us competitive in the marketplace,” said John Ruese, VP of Product Strategy & Development, RIDGID. “What makes this manufacturing space special is how it brings together the best of both worlds. We’ve incorporated state-of-the-art machinery, while maintaining our commitment to quality through hands-on assembly and inspection by our skilled team members. This balance ensures we continue delivering the exceptional quality that RIDGID is known for around the world.”

This is the latest RIDGID investment into their 27-acre campus that includes their world headquarters, as well as a 463,000 square foot manufacturing facility, state-of-the-art technology lab, customer training center, and an authorized service center.

RIDGID celebrated 25 years as the industry leader in pressing in 2024 and markets the only press jaws manufactured in the United States. The brand first introduced press technology to North America in 1999 and has continued to help professional tradespeople utilize the platform to drive jobsite efficiencies. This commitment has led RIDGID to become the most recognizable name in pressing, with a product portfolio of innovative solutions that help tradesmen and women achieve fast, secure, and flame-free connections. Their most recent pressing innovation was introduced last fall, the RP 251 Press Tool, a compact press tool that delivers powerhouse performance with total access.

Pfister® Faucets continues its celebrated docuseries, hosted by country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan, spotlighting real-life stories of plumbers’ successes and the individual approaches that enabled them to achieve their dreams through a career in plumbing.

Pfister® Faucets, a trailblazer in the plumbing industry, proudly announces the launch of the fifth season of their docuseries, American Plumber Stories. Over the past four seasons, this series has captivated audiences nationwide, showcasing the inspiring stories of plumbers who have overcome challenges to pursue their dreams in the plumbing trade.

Season 5 will present perspectives from plumbing experts in Australia, Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and California, shedding light on the common challenges faced by plumbers worldwide. For the first time, the show has ventured outside the United States, creating great excitement about reaching an international audience—especially the next generation of plumbers.

Craig Morgan Returns for Season 5 

Country music star and Army Reserve soldier Craig Morgan will return as the show’s charismatic host. Craig’s authentic passion and profound connection to the stories of tradespeople make him the ideal guide on this journey of discovery and inspiration.

“This year, Pfister’s American Plumber Stories is heading to my second home state of Alaska and beyond, and five seasons in, it remains an honor to share these stories of inspiring men and women on the frontline of the worldwide plumbing trade,” Craig Morgan shared.

Strong Alliance Partners and New Partnerships

Three new partners joined forces with American Plumber Stories for Season 5. The International Code Council, NIBCO and AprilAire will help expand the reach of the series to their sizable audiences in the US and around the world. They are joining the ranks of industry leaders RIDGID, Cintas, Oatey, and the PHCC in this important mission.

“NIBCO partnering with American Plumber Stories was a natural fit, as we are committed to supporting and elevating the plumbing industry,” said Ashley Martin, president and COO, NIBCO. “The U.S. is in critical need of the next generation of plumbers. This show is helping to engage young men and women in an authentic way to help change the perception and inspire successful and fulfilling careers in the plumbing trades.”

Beyond the Boundaries

Season 5 tracks down some interesting plumbers around the world.

1. Maui–Arecently retired plumber lost his house and everything he owned in the Lahaina fire disaster. The set-back motivates his son Raymond to recruit the next generation of plumbers to help build Lahaina back.
2. Australia– Martin is the “Crocodile Dundee” of the plumbing industry in Tasmania. He specializes in servicing remote locations that he reaches by helicopter and small “bush” planes.
3. Alaska– In this episode we explore the beauty of Alaska and what it’s like for Bill to work as a plumber in an extreme climate.
4. Vancouver Island, B.C.– This episode tells the inspirational story of Mary Anne who employs an all-female team of plumbers. Her 100K+ social media followers know her as @the_ladyplumber. Discover why she is a role model to tradeswomen.
5. Salinas, CA– Plumber Instructor Jorge helps rehabilitate inmates by teaching them the plumbing trade in the Soledad State Prison. We have an open discussion with the warden on why this approach works so well.
6. Victorville, CA– Meet the Motherflushers. They are young and passionate about plumbing and have changed the perception via social media– well beyond the borders of the United States.

For more information and to watch the new episodes of American Plumber Stories, please visit www.americanplumberstories.com.

Interested plumbers who would like to share their own story can do so here: www.americanplumberstories.com/pages/i-am-an-american-plumber.

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RIDGID^®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, hosted “We Love STEM Day” in June for 50 local students in grades three through eight. The annual event, held at RIDGID global headquarters in Elyria, Ohio, gave young learners the chance to see the real-world role science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) plays in critical jobs, such as manufacturing. Throughout the day-long experience, students participated in group projects, interactive learning games and more.

“STEM learning encourages students to explore new ideas and solutions to real-world challenges, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive as students and future professionals,” said Rose Hitchens, event chair and chapter lead, RIDGID Women’s Impact Network for Emerson. “We loved experiencing the energy this year’s students brought to the day’s activities. Even the youngest participants had the chance to see how the concepts they’re learning in school can be applied to what we do every day at RIDGID.”

Students participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including making balloon cars, robotic hands, pinwheels, water filtration systems and solar-powered engines. Each activity allowed students to learn about the importance of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, renewable energy and natural resources in manufacturing.

RIDGID is a proud supporter of local programs and education-based initiatives throughout Lorain County, including the Elyria school makerspaces that reinforce STEM learning. The company also partners with current and future trade professionals and regularly invests and donates products. For years, its leaders have served on industry boards to help strengthen the trades.

Emerson’s professional tools business, which includes RIDGID as well as the Greenlee^® and Klauke^® brands, provides the industry’s broadest portfolio of advanced, reliable tools and technologies for the mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades globally. Visit emerson.com/professionaltools for more information.

RIDGID^®, Greenlee^® and Klauke^® are trademarks of Emerson or its subsidiaries. All other trademarks belong to their respective holders.

RIDGID®, a part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, announced their participation in the WWETT Show, Jan. 25 – 27, in Indianapolis. This year’s in-booth experience will include demos of their latest underground and pressing technology solutions, the opportunity to network with other pros during an exclusive show meetup and the first chance to enter to win a spot at the 2024 RIDGID Experience.

“RIDGID is taking cleaning, inspecting and patching to the next level and our team can’t wait to meet with the plumbers and drain cleaning professionals at WWETT to share our latest solutions,” said Jeff Albertini, marketing director, plumbing and mechanical, RIDGID. “We also can’t wait to host an exclusive in-booth meet up for industry pros to connect with each other and to offer the possibility of winning a new K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine.”

RIDGID invited tradespeople to stop by the RIDGID booth to experience their innovative drain cleaning, inspection, pipe rehabilitation, and pressing tools, including these latest solutions:

• NEW: FlexShaft® KM-1004 Milling Machine – This new innovative milling machine provides heavy-duty milling and a wall-to-wall clean on 1 ¼ to 4-inch pipe up to 80 feet with unmatched efficiency. With cordless freedom, plug-in capability, first ever cable counter, and best-in-class durability, the FlexShaft KM-1004 Milling Machine allows users to adapt to tough jobsite conditions and makes in-field serviceability effortless.
• NEW: K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine – This upgraded version of the K9-204 FlexShaft Drain Cleaning Machine has latches around the perimeter to provide easy access to the inside of the machine, an improved cable clamp for increased cable protection, and on-board hex key storage. The K9-204+ can be used on 2 to 4-inch pipe and includes 70 feet of 5/16-inch cable. A full range of chain knockers and accessories are available.
• RIDGID Pipe Patching System – An all-inclusive, start-to-finish solution for faster and simpler trenchless repairs, the Pipe Patching System is the most versatile system on the market, offering more types of repairs with less materials and equipment. Featuring a durable fiberglass patch, it is ideal for repairing small sections of damaged pipe in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
• SeeSnake® Mini Pro Inspection Camera with TruSense Technology – The first reel of its kind to provide digital self-leveling without mechanical rotation, the small, yet rugged Mini Pro is designed to inspect up to 200 feet of 1 ½ to 8-inch pipe with its mid-flex push cable that can navigate hard 90-degree bends. Its innovative 25 mm digital self-leveling camera head always keeps the in-pipe image upright and, when
  paired with a TruSense enabled monitor, the Mini Pro delivers the industry’s best in-pipe image with superior clarity, detail and fewer blown-out areas and sections of the pipe that are too dark to see.
• K-4310 FXP™ Drum Machine – The K-4310 features an industry-first cable counter that provides real-time, in-pipe cable distance in 3 to 10-inch lines for faster locating and diagnostics. Ideal for residential and commercial plumbing and drain cleaning projects, its powerful brushless DC motor spins at 230 RPM allowing you to tackle tough jobs with less required maintenance. The battery-powered K-4310 is also the newest addition to the FXP Technology Platform, delivering cordless freedom and powerful performance.

Other RIDGID drain cleaning, diagnostic, and press tools will also be available for demo including sectional machines, drum machines, jetters, SeeSnake® camera systems and locators.

Along with product demos, RIDGID had several other booth experiences, including hosting a booth meetup where they will gave away a K9-204+ FlexShaft Machine. Additionally, the first day of the show kicked off the RIDGID Experience 2024 and the RIDGID WWETT booth was the first opportunity for attendees to enter for their chance to win a spot on the seventh annual, all-expenses-paid trip to RIDGID headquarters. Throughout the show, attendees scanned their badge to enter to win one of three K9-102 FlexShaft Machines.

RIDGID also took their social followers to WWETT virtually on their social channels and with drain cleaning professionals Evan Berns (@re.plumb) and Nick Parlet (@plumbingsk8r) who will shared their WWETT show experience on their social media channels too.

To learn more about RIDGID purpose-built tools they had at WWETT, contact your local distributor or visit RIDGID.com.