CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., June 12, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mueller Co. has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Elk Grove Village, IL-based Advanced Valve Technologies (AVT) for its EZ2™ Insertion Valve System, the Company announced today. The agreement makes Mueller Co. the master distributor in the United States and Canada for AVT's EZ2 Valve System, an advanced line stopping and insertion valve that helps water service providers increase operational efficiencies. Mueller Co. is a subsidiary of Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA), a leading North American provider of water infrastructure products and services, and is the largest full-line supplier of flow control products used in distribution systems for municipal potable water and natural gas providers.
The EZ2 Valve System only requires a narrow slot to be milled into the top of pipe for installation, which is a much smaller and easier opening for municipalities to make compared to openings typically required by most other inserting valves on the market. The narrow slot also helps maintain pipe integrity, and installations can take less than one hour for pipes under 12 inches in diameter and less than four hours for 16 inch pipes. A 24 inch version is expected to be available soon. The EZ2 Valve System includes the EM Power Tool to machine the required slot quickly and easily on all types of water distribution pipes while under pressure. This system helps installers reduce the time and money typically needed for such projects, and allows utilities to avoid service interruptions, boil water orders, dechlorination, rechlorination and other steps that are typically required for valve insertion or line stopping.
Mueller Service Company currently utilizes the AVT EZ valve system and expects to add large valve insertion capability in the near future.
"Being the exclusive distributor of AVT's EZ2 Valve System in the U.S. and Canada, enables Mueller Co. to help our customers significantly increase operational efficiencies for valve insertion or other line stopping projects to improve customer service, and save time and money," said Ken Clark, vice president of Product Management and Marketing for Mueller Co. "We are pleased to partner with AVT in offering municipalities this innovative system."
"Advanced Valve Technologies looks forward to increased exposure of the EZ2 Valve System—our state-of-the-art valve insertion and line stop solution—to the U.S. and Canadian markets as a result of this exclusive distribution agreement," said Kevin P. Murphy, president of AVT. "Mueller Co. is the premier valve manufacturer in North America, and we look forward to a long and mutually prosperous relationship that will help water service providers streamline processes that traditionally have been time and labor intensive."
The EZ2 Valve System uses precision-machined castings and a resilient coated ductile iron gate that meets AWWA C509 and requires a normal number of turns to operate. EZ2 Valve System training for new customers is offered and provided by Mueller Co. personnel or distributor sales representatives.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements that address activities, events or developments that we intend, expect, plan, project, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and assessments made by us in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Actual results and the timing of events may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:
- the level of spending on water and wastewater infrastructure;
- the demand level of manufacturing and construction activity;
- our ability to service our debt obligations; and
- the other factors that are described in the section entitled "RISK FACTORS" in Item 1A of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward-looking statements. We do not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements after we file this press release, except as required by law.
About Mueller Co.
Mueller Co. is North America's largest and only full-line supplier of potable water distribution products. Our products are used throughout water systems from source to customer, suit the needs of virtually any water system application, and can be used with any water main or service line pipe material. Based in Chattanooga, Tenn., Mueller Co.'s water distribution products are available through authorized Mueller stocking distributors throughout the United States and are sold around the world through qualified representatives. For more information about Mueller Co., please visit the Company's website at .
About Mueller Water Products
Mueller Water Products, Inc. manufactures and markets products and services that are used in the transmission and distribution of safe, clean drinking water and in water treatment facilities. Our broad product portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, pipe fittings, water meters and ductile iron pipe, which are used by municipalities, as well as the residential and non-residential construction industries. With latest 12 months net sales through March 31, 2011 of $1.3 billion, the Company is comprised of three operating segments: Mueller Co., U.S. Pipe and Anvil. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, the Company employs approximately 4,700 people. The Company's common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MWA. For more information about Mueller Water Products, Inc., please visit the Company's website at .
About Advanced Valve Technologies, LLC. (AVT)
AVT Specializes in sales and services of valve systems that are easy to install and make permanent repairs to pipelines. With new, creative designs, AVT is a leader in the manufacturing, servicing and use of tapping, line stopping, industrial valving, water and sewer valve insertion and gas line valves. For more information about AVT, please visit .
CONTACT: Investor Contact: Martie Edmunds Zakas Sr. Vice President - Strategy, Corporate Development & Communications 770-206-4237 mzakas@muellerwp.com Media Contact: John Pensec Director - Corporate Communications & Public Affairs 770-206-4240 jpensec@muellerwp.com
