18 April 2017
As a leading world supplier of plastic pipe systems and solutions, Wavin has built its reputation on high quality products and striking innovation. But how did it all begin? That question takes us back to the 1950s and a local water problem in Zwolle, The Netherlands.
There was a severe issue with their drinking water passing through old iron pipes that were corroding and leaking. J.C. Keller, a director of the district’s water utility decided to search for a solution.
It’s Hollywood movie material – in a small workshop the dedicated Mr. Keller worked ardently and successfully developed the first large diameter plastic pressure pipes suitable for potable water! It was revolutionary, and soon a wide demand for these pipes overwhelmed the small government-owned utility.
In August, 1955, WAVIN was established – joining WAter and VINyl for its name! Today Wavin is highly connected with commercial operations located in over 25 countries.
Now let’s go back to 1963 and check out this historical video (above) that shows the early tenacity of Wavin – including an amazing water pipe that is 1100m long (that’s over 3,600 feet). The historic film shows construction workers at the Wavin factory assembly site, large teams of men are helping to carry and stack huge PVC pipes, unwieldy and hard to handle. A helicopter is even utilized at one point for moving pipe.
This technology and materials were far ahead of its time nearly 60 years ago, and it was just the start. Creativity was the shape of things to come. Wavin continues its inspired process today, building an unrivalled reputation for continuous innovation, intelligent problem-solving, dedicated technical support and the highest standards. Always. That’s how Wavin is recognized and respected as a world leader of plastic pipe systems and solutions.