Blue-White Industries President and CEO Rob Gledhill and Director of Sales Danny Sanders answered questions pertaining to the state of the pump industry heading into 2023.
Pumps & Systems is celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2023. What do you think has made the biggest impact on the industry in the last 30 years? What do you think needs to happen to push the industry forward in the next 30?
The most significant impact our industry has experienced over the last 30 years is the microprocessor. Microprocessors allow engineers to create more efficient pump designs and test them with computer simulation. Microprocessors give us endless possibilities to increase efficiency on many levels across the globe.
What are your thoughts regarding Build America, Buy America? How has that impacted your company?
The impact for Blue-White has been significant. Under the Build America, Buy America Act, manufactured products must be greater than 55% of the total components to qualify. Blue-White is wholly manufactured in California, and approximately 90% of our materials are sourced in the U.S. As infrastructure spending continues, the confidence our end-users particularly in the municipal segment has for Blue-White, and being that we fit within the Build America, Buy America, parameters, will allow us to further gain trust from the marketplace.
- Danny Sanders
How have any price increases of products or materials impacted you or your company?
Raw material price increases have raised costs with staple products within the industry. The price increases are fast and can be significant, so manufacturers have no choice but to absorb the added costs. The best companies will respond by designing more efficient processes to reduce manufacturing costs and become stronger.
- Rob Gledhill
What needs to happen in regard to industry improvements in the short term?
Companies in the industry must keep their eyes open for new technologies to increase quality and improve efficiency throughout their process. New technologies may cost more upfront but can lower costs in the long run, giving you more money to grow your company.
- Rob Gledhill
What issues have you seen with any material shortages or supply chain issues?
I have seen material shortages negatively impact most manufacturers. Component lead times that used to take three weeks can now take up to one year. Manufacturers address this by increasing inventory levels and working creatively with suppliers.
- Rob Gledhill
What industry trends are you seeing as we go into 2023?
As companies continue to seek out opportunities to further growth, key trends of leveraging technology, customer retention and talent management strategies will be vital to meeting expectations. At Blue-White our vision to seek continuous growth with new product development has been a lynchpin for success. Beyond the basic concept piece of what a new product will look like, it is vital to ensure that an investment in advanced technologies is key to mitigating risk, or being behind the curve. Whether it be introduction of advance IIoT solutions or developing an efficient and energy conscious solution, industrial manufacturers need to develop new products that fit the needs of our clients and a client base that seek out advanced technologies. A direct connection from the technology piece is how do we retain the customer base we have. With a very competitive landscape and an unknown economic picture ahead us, the challenge will be how do you retain, and continue to earn the trust/confidence of our customers. Lastly, despite the record level of new hires in 2022, job openings in the industry are still at an all-time high. But unlike in past years, recruits are selective at which opportunities to pursue. This challenges an organization to expand on how they recruit, incentivize, encourage and retain key talent to spur growth.
- Danny Sanders
What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
In 2023, I am looking forward to a more reliable supply chain and receiving components when we need them. Additionally, the current supply chain challenge has created opportunities for more companies to make and deliver the critical components industries need. I am optimistic about a stable and robust future.
- Rob Gledhill