Ward Manufacturing Logo

Call  1·800·248·1027

Ward Manufacturing Logo

Call  1·800·248·1027


    About Us

    Leading    |    History    |   Quality   |    Vision    |    Timeline

    Leading The Way

    Ward Manufacturing, LLC (“Ward”) is a leading manufacturer of piping components used in thousands of installations in North America, from upscale homes to commercial developments, institutional buildings, public utilities and grand edifices – including such American icons as New York City’s Freedom Tower.


    Building on a century of quality manufacturing, using only the best, most durable materials and advanced technology and techniques, Ward has become a fixture in the pipe fittings industry. We are committed to our customers and continually invest in facilities, product development, and people. Our own rigorous quality standards and drive for innovation demand it.

    Image that says US Made Since 1924

    Proudly Made in America Since 1924

    Ward products are all American-made, in compliance with Stimulus Act requirements, and in keeping with our commitment to U.S. manufacturing. We are rooted in a long tradition of American manufacturing, having been established in 1924 in Pennsylvania, where our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facilities remain to this day.

    Supported by an Extensive Distribution Network

    Ward products, including our WARDFlex®, Ward Fittings and Ward Nipples lines, are available through professional plumbing and heating/HVAC wholesalers throughout North America.


    American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Compliance

    Compliance with the provisions of Section 1605 of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the use of American Iron, Steel and Manufactured Goods, requires that every component is produced in the United States – and Ward fits the bill. View ARRA Certificate.

    Our History

    AN AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY

    Pennsylvania native Joseph Ward founded Ward Manufacturing, L.L.C. (“Ward”) in Blossburg, PA in 1924. Initially the company produced a small line of cast iron steam and drainage fittings, along with plugs and bushings. Within four years Ward’s reputation for quality was established, and demand skyrocketed. In 1928 the company’s manufacturing facilities doubled in size, and it introduced a new product line: Class 150 malleable iron fittings. Ward continued to grow, adding a facility to produce malleable iron pipe unions in 1938.


    An early adopter of automation, Ward opened a highly automated foundry in 1955 to keep up with demand for competitively priced Ward products. While it has been transformed over the decades through continued improvement and reinvestment, this facility continues to produce fittings, using the fastest, most current automated molding equipment.

    The spring of 1980 was a time of milestones for Ward, as it introduced a series of new products including Class 300 brass-to-brass seated unions, beam clamps, C-clamps, WARDLOX plain-end fittings, and COUPLOX grooved end fittings. In 1990, the Ward product line expanded again to include TEELOX mechanical branch connectors, meter swivels and ferrules and connecting nuts.


    It was also in 1990 that Ward introduced a revolutionary new product: WARDFlex®. The flexible corrugated stainless steel tubing first came to the U.S. in 1986 under the name of SOFLEX. At the time Hitachi Metals America was working with the American Gas Association (AGA) and Gas Research Institute to develop SOFLEX product standards. While the technology had been used in Japan for years, it was virtually unknown in the U.S.


    Ward Manufacturing became part of the Hitachi family in 1990, and took the lead in promoting SOFLEX technology under the name WARDFlex®. Soon after, the AGA certified WARDFlex® for use throughout the U.S. Since that time, WARDFlex® has gained recognition in the four major model codes in the U.S. and now has code recognition in all 50 states.


    In 2006, Ward Manufacturing acquired Wisconsin Nipple and Fitting Corporation, now known as Ward Nipples, adding a full range of welded, seamless and stainless steel pipe nipples to its product line. Ward has continued to add new products, always with the same high quality standards, introducing a line of steel couplings in 2009.

    Quality

    Quality is the foundation of everything we do at Ward Manufacturing (“Ward”), and the performance, durability and reliability of our products are testaments to our high standards. Ward quality is the result of rigorous testing, meticulous quality control, and a team that is committed to the integrity of our brands and the satisfaction of our customers. View Quality & Environmental Policy.


    Using only the best materials is step one. Our products are made from 100% recycled raw material and meet or exceed rigorous industry standards, including ANSI (American National Standards Institute), ASTM International (American Society for Testing and Materials), NSF and Federal Specifications. Ward also supports green building, with products that meet LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards.

    Close up picture of  WARDFlex® yellow tubing with connection

    WARDFlex®: Hassle-free

    Originally developed as a safer system for fuel gas delivery in earthquake-prone regions, WARDFlex® and WARDFlexMAX® corrugated stainless steel tubing are made as durable as they are flexible. With double annealing for maximum flexibility, continuous piping minimizes the number of connections, virtually eliminating opportunities for connection leaks.

    Picture of a pipe fitting

    WARD FITTINGS: Ironclad durability

    High quality iron is the basis of all Ward fittings. We use only closely grained, high-tensile, non-porous iron, produced under expert laboratory supervision. Chemical analysis is complemented by rigorous quality control of raw materials and iron processing, while tapping is performed on the most modern threading machines. The result is fittings that are both rugged and precise.

    Picture of a pipe nipple

    WARD NIPPLES: Secure connections

    Ward’s complete line of welded, seamless and stainless steel pipe nipples and couplings is subjected to rigorous quality control, starting with careful inspection of each bundle of pipe. The materials must meet all applicable standards, including chemical, alloy and mechanical characteristics. Quality checks continue throughout every step of the manufacturing process.

    Delivering Quality


    No other manufacturer in the industry can match our accurate and complete fill rates, which is supported by an extensive distribution network covering the U.S. and Canada. Working with Ward means you will have the right product, where and when you need it, every time.


    Vision

    Since 1924, Ward Manufacturing (“Ward”) has been trusted as the home of superior quality in piping and components, consistently delivering performance and value. Our intense focus on quality has fueled steady growth. Today, our product line has expanded, and our vast distribution network extends throughout North America.

    But while Ward’s reach and offerings have changed, our headquarters continue to thrive at the company’s original home in Pennsylvania, and our founding principles have never changed.


    Delivering world-class products to the highest standards
    A combination of heritage and innovation comprises Ward’s vision: Delivering world-class products, manufactured to the highest standards, for the needs of a fast-changing world. New products and technologies demonstrate the company’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in providing high-performance products.

    We apply the same forward-looking business model to changing workplace and industry standards. Ward has responded to new requirements for health, environmental and safety standards by setting the bar even higher. And our proud commitment to American manufacturing products put us well ahead of
    American Recovery and Reinvestment Act requirements.

    Foundations Built to Last

    Ward’s ethic of quality, value and innovation stems from the foundations developed during our earliest days in manufacturing:

    W

    World Class Quality Products

    A

    Achievement of Quality, Environmental, and Safety Excellence

    R

    Recognized customer satisfaction through continual improvement

    D

    Deliver compliance to requirements

    These principles have paved the way for Ward’s innovative developments and always-reliable products. Throughout our expansion, our customers can be assured that having Ward on Board is the smartest choice for performance, service and innovation, now and into the future.

    Nearly a Century of Innovation, Quality, and Commitment

    1924

    Ward Manufacturing, LLC (“Ward”) is founded in Blossburg, PA by Mr. Joseph P. Ward, and begins manufacturing cast iron steam and drainage fittings, as well as cast iron plugs and bushings.

    1928

    Manufacturing facilities doubled in size to accommodate a rapidly increasing demand for Ward products.

    1938

    Equipment added to facility to accommodate production of malleable iron pipe unions – a part that soon took on a prominent position in Ward ’s product offering.

    1955

    New, highly automated Foundry erected. In order to support the needs of Ward 's customers, the new plant is outfitted with some of the fastest automatic molding equipment in the world.

    1980

    Class 300 malleable fittings, brass-to-brass seated unions, and WARDLOX™ plain end fittings are introduced into the Ward product line, making that year a major milestone in company history.

    1990

    Ward 's revolutionary new piping system, WARDFlex® – a corrugated stainless steel tubing used for fuel gas piping – is added to the Ward product family. TEELOX™ mechanical branch connectors were added the same year.

    2006

    Ward acquires Wisconsin Nipple & Fitting Corporation, further expanding that product line to include a full range of welded, seamless, brass, and stainless steel pipe nipples.

    2009

    Ward introduces steel couplings in sizes ranging from 1/2 to 6 NPS.

    2024

    Ward has maintained a leading role in the manufacturing and distribution of piping components utilized throughout North America for the last century.

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