The National Fire Sprinkler Association membership team sat down with Chris Dilday, vice president of sales for SPP Pumps, a fire pump supplier. During the meeting, the team and Chris discussed SPP Pumps’ history, services, role within the industry, and the company’s vision to expand its services with SPP University.

The SPP Pumps Story

SPP Pumps is a well-known name in the fire protection industry. Founded in late 19^th century England as “The Pulsometer Engineering Company Ltd,” the company has grown its reputation and expanded to be a worldwide provider of pumps.

SPP Pumps, the American branch of the company, was established in 2004, with Chris being employee #2. For the fire protection industry, SPP Pumps manufactures fire water pumps, vertical turbine pumps, end suction pumps, split case pumps, vertical inline pumps, to name just a few. These pumps are powered by either electricity, diesel, or steam, and are a solution to any fire protection need.

A Dedication to Customers

Chris Dilday of SPP Pumps, a fire pump supplier and NFSA SAM member.

Chris shared that SPP Pumps prides itself on its customer service. Seeing the state of how customers were treated in the industry, SPP strove to make a change. The company provides shipping for all its customers as well as an open line of communication. “We make ourselves as available as possible,” Chris shared. “Our customers can call our factory at any time with any questions they have about our products.”

This dedication to customers no doubt informed the company’s next venture: SPP Pumps University. Chris and his team took a long look across the industry they service to see what was needed. Across the board, the answer was the same: training. This led Chris and his team to found SPP Pumps University. This facility, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a state-of-the-art training lab complete with five fully operational fire sprinkler systems, four fire pumps, and a complete range of fire sprinkler supplies and pump tools.

Students learning at SPP Pumps University

This facility allows for a complete hands-on training experience for students. The topic of the classes includes everything from instruction on fire pump installs as they pertain to NFPA 20, pump maintenance under NFPA 25, and everything in between. Courses range from beginner all the way up to advanced. Instructors include SPP Pumps staff as well as other representatives from the industry. Students who attend classes at SPP Pumps University receive a factory certification at the end of each class

In addition to this training center, Chris takes his show on the road and has taught at General Air’s training center as well as for the American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians (ASCET).

Giving Back

When Chris and his team aren’t traveling the country promoting and teaching about pumps, they look for ways to give back and make the world a better place. The company’s strong environmental safety and health policy has led to measures such as recycling shavings and other materials used in pump manufacturing as well as other measures to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. In the past decade alone, the company has given over a million dollars to charities.

Being a veteran himself, Chris looks for ways to give back to those who served, which is why SPP Pumps takes part in the Heroes First Foundation Annual Golf Outing. This funds from this year’s outing will go to Paws4Vets, a charity that provides service dogs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

SPP Pumps and the NFSA

SPP Pumps is a proud NFSA supplier and manufacturer (SAM) member. Chris explained that being an NFSA member has been a great way for his company to connect with leads and decision makers. NFSA’s expo has been a great way for Chris to have face to face time with contractors.

Click the links for more information on SPP Pumps and SPP Pumps University.

For more information on the Heroes First Foundation, visit their site here.