ABOUT VALVESA valve is a product rarely noticed by the average person, yet it plays an important role in the quality of our life. Each time you turn on a water faucet, use your dishwasher, turn on a gas range or step on the accelerator of your car, you operate a valve. Without modern valve systems, there would be no fresh pure water or automatic heat in your home. There would be no public utilities, and beyond wood and coal, almost no energy of any kind.
By definition, a valve is a device that controls the flow of a fluid. Today's valves can control not only the flow, but the rate, the volume, the pressure or the direction of liquids, gases, slurries or dry materials through a pipeline, chute or similar passageway. The valve is one of the most basic and indispensable components of our modern technological society. It is essential to virtually all manufacturing processes and every energy production and supply system. |
ABOUT THE VALVE INDUSTRY
As a multi-billion-dollar industry, the valve and actuator business greatly contributes to the success of other key industries that rely on its products to keep their products working. Valves of all kinds are used in numerous industries, including:
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ABOUT VMA
The Valve Manufacturers Association of America is a trade association that was founded in 1938 and headquartered in Washington, DC.
VMA represents the interests of nearly 100 North American manufacturers of valves, actuators and controls. Collectively, members account for approximately 80% of the total industrial valve shipments out of U.S. and Canadian facilities. The North American valve industry supplies approximately 35% of worldwide valve demand, and VMA member companies employ 30,000 men and women directly in supporting jobs. VMA is the only organization exclusively serving U.S. and Canadian manufacturers of industrial valves, actuators and controls. |
WHY A VALVE CAREERS INITIATIVE?
In 2014, VMA's leadership determined that a Valve Careers Program—aimed at informing and educating young people about the valve industry and its lucrative job opportunities—would be instrumental in driving the newest, freshest talent to the industry.
The valve industry is vital to the everyday lives of people around the globe, and the companies that make up this trade are in need of great talent to be the next generation of the industry. With this program and through this website, we hope to enlighten young people in North America about the promising, challenging, and rewarding careers available in the world of valves. |