Last November, the PIA council and members met for the association’s 13th annual general meeting and dinner. Attendees discussed the extensive training and liaison activities undertaken by the PIA in 2016, and discussed potential pump opportunities in China.
The PIA was happy to report the continuing success of its Installation and Commissioning training course, which was held twice during 2016 at Link Pumps in Sydney in February and September.
The course is continually being updated and improved, with the council currently exploring the possibility of running the course in Perth if suitable facilities for the practical “hands on” demonstrations can be organised.
The PIA also discussed its continuing liaison with industry organisations and government departments to promote cooperation between industries.
During his President’s speech Ron Astall reported that a fire pump installation checklist produced by PIA life member Ken Kugler has been adopted by the Fire Protection Association Australia as an official document.
The checklist will be included in the next revision of AS 2941 as an appendix.
The council reported it is continuing to work with the Department of Environment and Energy on Emissions Reduction Fund initiatives and is putting together the Industrial Equipment Upgrade proposal for pumping equipment.
The council also awarded the PIA Industry Innovation Award 2016 to Pentair for its SX Solids Pneumatic Air Operated Vacuum Pump.
To find out more about the award, read PIA Industry Innovation Award.
At the end of the AGM, attendees also enjoyed a presentation by special guest speaker Harry Katunar, Queensland and New South Wales Sales Manager at Pentair, who discussed his experience doing business in China while working at KSB.
He discussed the differences and similarities in the industry between the countries, as well as the opportunities that China could provide the Australian market.
The presentation provided great insight for those wanting to break into the Chinese market.
