Member Monday: NFSA’s Team Tours Wheatland Tube to Learn About Fire Sprinkler Pipe Manufacturing

President Shane Ray, Caleb Armbrust and Michael Wilson of the National Fire Sprinkler Association were honored to take a tour of two of Wheatland Tube’s facilities in Wheatland, Pennsylvania, and Warren, Ohio, last month. On this tour the team learned more about Wheatland’s history as well as the company’s vision for the future. 

Wheatland Tube, a subsidiary of Zekelman Industries, serves a variety of different industries, one being fire protection. The NFSA team learned about the process of fire sprinkler pipe manufacturing, from the rolls to the cured product ready to ship to contractors. 

TEAM NFSA TOURS THE FACTORY FLOOR TO LEARN ABOUT FIRE SPRINKLER PIPE MANUFACTURING

rolls of steel to be cut into fire sprinkler pipe

The fire sprinkler pipe starts as rolls of steel.

Wheatland’s steel is sourced 100% from American manufacturers. The steel starts as wide rolls of flat steel. From there, the steel is cut to the proper diameter using knives that perforate the steel. It is then rolled along a series of points until it takes its shape. Once it reaches the desired diameter it is then welded.  

After the pipe is welded, it is cut, has its edges finished, painted, and cured. The fire sprinkler pipe is then stacked into its distinctive hexagonal shape and prepared to ship to distributors. 

fire sprinkler pipe being rolled and welded.

The fire sprinkler pipe is then rolled into shape and welded.

During the process, the fire sprinkler pipe is also hydrostatically tested to measure for any leaks. The pipes are also washed with an antimicrobial that prevents microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), which is a huge concern when it comes to the functionality of a fire protection system. 

During the process, the fire sprinkler pipe is also hydrostatically tested to measure for any leaks. The pipes are also washed with an antimicrobial that prevents microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), which is a huge concern when it comes to the functionality of a fire protection system.  

A METICULOUS EYE FOR QUALITY IN FIRE SPRINKLER PIPE 

Since the company prides itself on delivering a quality product, Wheatland Tube regularly conducts tests to measure integrity of their fire sprinkler pipe. One such test involves pressing the pipe flat until it cracks. The team does this to test the weld of the pipe. If the pipe cracks before the weld, it passes the test.  

Wheatland’s team explained on the tour that their Pennsylvania mill is the only continuous weld mill in the United States. Beyond the fact that this enables an uninterrupted level of production, it also leads to a higher quality weld. Wheatland’s team showcased the difference in their welds. The team explained that when it came to welds, consistency was key, rather than the weld being harder all around. This consistent, quality weld prevents issues such as pinhole leaks, something fire protection contractors are no doubt familiar with.  

The finished fire sprinkler pipe is prepared for shipment.

The finished fire sprinkler pipe is prepared for shipment.

Looking to the Future and Breaking Ground on an Expansion 

President Shane Ray in front of Wheatland's new facility in OH.

President Shane Ray in front of Wheatland’s new facility in OH.

While the team at Wheatland Tube has their pipe making process perfected, they are not ones to rest on their laurels; the company is constantly looking for ways to innovate and expand to make its process more efficient and its product a better quality. At the Wheatland facilities in Warren, Ohio, the NFSA team learned all about the companies plan to expand their facilities. Wheatland is currently building a section of their facility that will include automated machines. These state-of-the-art machines will automatically pick and sort pipe for stocking and delivery.  

Team NFSA hopes to one day help Wheatland celebrate this new chapter in their history.  

A NEW GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE: AMERICAN METAL  

Wheatland and other companies under Zekelman Industries are committed to American labor and sourcing from American businesses. The company goes through great lengths to source its steel from American manufacturers.  

Pulling on the strong steel working tradition of the area, Wheatland employs talent around Western Pennsylvania and Eastern Ohio. For more information on Zekelman Industries’ commitment to American steel, visit their site at https://www.chooseamericanmetal.com/.   

WHEATLAND TUBE AND THE NATIONAL FIRE SPRINKLER ASSOCIATION: PARTNERS IN PROGRESS  

After touring the facility, the NFSA team sat down with Wheatland’s team. President Ray listened to what the Wheatland team had to say and offered some insight into what the NFSA has been working on to grow the industry, namely pushing for more high-rise retrofit bills like the one that passed in Minnesota.  

Caleb and Michael shared NFSA’s training opportunities with the Wheatland Team, primarily NFSA’s online classes and introduction to the fire sprinkler industry.  

For more information on Wheatland Tube and the company’s mission to supply the contractors with quality fire sprinkler pipe, visit their site.  

The NFSA and its Members Change the Face of the Fire Sprinkler Industry 

For over a century, the National Fire Sprinkler Association has advocated for the widespread acceptance of the fire sprinkler concept. The association advances common sense legislation that seeks to protect lives and property and grow the industry for contractors and suppliers.  

As a member-based trade association, the NFSA is always looking to act in the interest of members like Wheatland, whether its legislative work to grow the industry or networking opportunities to build relationships. 

For more information on the NFSA’s mission, or to join the association, visit our membership page. To learn more about NFSA events in your area, visit our events page.