Load Controls Associate Michael McClurg answered some questions from Pumps & Systems on the state of the industry heading into 2022.
1. What industry trends are you seeing going into 2022?
At Load Controls, we are seeing the expanded importance of pump distribution partners in the industry. Having a network of partners who are local, knowledgeable and trusted was key to moving through the pandemic and seems sure to increase going forward. To support this trend, we’re shifting more of our training, marketing and sales budget to support our partners.
2. What issues have you seen with material shortages or supply chain issues?
It feels like the phrase of 2021 has been “it’s on a boat somewhere!” We’ve had to adjust to our customary suppliers having issues getting many of the parts we need for our controls. Part of the adjustment has been seeking out additional suppliers, many of whom have smaller quantities at much higher prices. Fortunately, we’ve been able to meet our customers’ demands so far, but it has been a wild year.
3. How have any price increases of products or materials impacted you or your company?
Although we’ve seen component prices rise significantly, we are more focused on the availability of parts than the cost increases. We’ve had to invest in more inventory of both components and finished controls to ensure our customers and partners have ready availability of our products.
4. What needs to happen in regards to industry improvements?
Industrial pumps are still a major consumer of the world’s energy. We believe that we can play a role in improving pump sizing and efficiency going forward by not only protecting pump motors but offering insights into energy usage patterns. We think solutions based on individual pump energy usage will be key to the next wave of awareness and improvements in pumping efficiency.
5. What keeps you up at night?
As a leader in pump power sensing, we’re always looking for opportunities to raise the visibility of the advantages of power sensing relative to other pumping metrics like vibration, flow and temperature. Trying to raise the industry awareness of motor power as not only the best way to protect pumps but also as the source of truth for motor efficiency and energy expense reductions is a major initiative that we won’t rest until we’ve made progress on.