Industry Outlook by Zoeller Engineered Products

Industry Outlook for Submersible Wastewater Pumps by Jason Fletcher, PE, Design Engineer
After posting consistent growth over the past several years, the submersible wastewater industry is poised for another good year. Industry experts predict a 4.2% increase in non-clog business and a 7.9% increase in the grinder pump business. This is after only predicting a 5.1% increase last year in non-clogs when the industry was actually up 9.1%, and predicting a 7.7% increase in grinders when the actual numbers came in with a 12.8% increase. The growth in the industry also trickles down to the accessory manufactures. All areas predict an increase from 3% to 8% with the greatest increase in electrical components such as variable frequency drives, phase converters and control panels. Analysts say the major reasons for this growth include the steady economy that generates not only new housing starts but also plenty of tax revenue for governmental funding of infrastructure growth. Updating of the existing waste treatment system is another area where the industry will keep a close watch. Many of the sewage transport and treatment facilities that were first built in the 60s and 70s are in need of updating and repair. With submersibles being widely accepted today because of aesthetics, noise reduction, and package size, older systems will convert to submersible technology. Grinders have outpaced non-clogs for the last several years. Insiders predict that this will be the case again. The increase comes from the continued need for innovative solutions to transporting waste from difficult areas. Most new housing starts are built in areas that render traditional treatment ideas useless. Therefore, submersible manufacturers introduced the pressure sewer concept in the early 70s. Since then grinders pumps have gained acceptance and are really beginning to flourish in both new construction and existing developments where on-site systems were previously misapplied. Most submersible manufacturers have jumped on this bandwagon forcing improvements by all in both quality and creative thinking. While the sales of pumps will continue this year, some predict that the next few years many important decisions will be made that critically effect the industry. Fear that governmental regulations on energy efficiency, confined space and oil disposal may change the design of some products have caused most to address these issues. Another unknown is the effect of the Pacific Rim economy and competition on the U.S. market. Some believe this will drive down prices and lower margins. These developments should make for a dynamic year for submersibles.	Jason D. Fletcher, PE, joined Zoeller Company in 1993 to head the Engineered Products Division, which specializes in manufacturing submersible wastewater pumps. He holds a Masters degree in Mechnical Engineering from the University of Louisville Speed Scientific School. In addition, he is active in the Submersible Wastewater Pump Association (SWPA) in a leadership role.

Industry Outlook for Submersible Wastewater Pumps
by Jason Fletcher, PE, Design Engineer

After posting consistent growth over the past several years, the submersible wastewater industry is poised for another good year. Industry experts predict a 4.2% increase in non-clog business and a 7.9% increase in the grinder pump business. This is after only predicting a 5.1% increase last year in non-clogs when the industry was actually up 9.1%, and predicting a 7.7% increase in grinders when the actual numbers came in with a 12.8% increase. The growth in the industry also trickles down to the accessory manufactures. All areas predict an increase from 3% to 8% with the greatest increase in electrical components such as variable frequency drives, phase converters and control panels.

Analysts say the major reasons for this growth include the steady economy that generates not only new housing starts but also plenty of tax revenue for governmental funding of infrastructure growth. Updating of the existing waste treatment system is another area where the industry will keep a close watch. Many of the sewage transport and treatment facilities that were first built in the 60s and 70s are in need of updating and repair. With submersibles being widely accepted today because of aesthetics, noise reduction, and package size, older systems will convert to submersible technology.

Grinders have outpaced non-clogs for the last several years. Insiders predict that this will be the case again. The increase comes from the continued need for innovative solutions to transporting waste from difficult areas. Most new housing starts are built in areas that render traditional treatment ideas useless. Therefore, submersible manufacturers introduced the pressure sewer concept in the early 70s. Since then grinders pumps have gained acceptance and are really beginning to flourish in both new construction and existing developments where on-site systems were previously misapplied. Most submersible manufacturers have jumped on this bandwagon forcing improvements by all in both quality and creative thinking.

While the sales of pumps will continue this year, some predict that the next few years many important decisions will be made that critically effect the industry. Fear that governmental regulations on energy efficiency, confined space and oil disposal may change the design of some products have caused most to address these issues. Another unknown is the effect of the Pacific Rim economy and competition on the U.S. market. Some believe this will drive down prices and lower margins. These developments should make for a dynamic year for submersibles.

Photo of Jason Fletcher

Jason D. Fletcher, PE, joined Zoeller Company in 1993 to head the Engineered Products Division, which specializes in manufacturing submersible wastewater pumps. He holds a Masters degree in Mechnical Engineering from the University of Louisville Speed Scientific School. In addition, he is active in the Submersible Wastewater Pump Association (SWPA) in a leadership role.