W&O announces exclusive representation of Pres-Vac valve and marine inert gas systems

Allerød, Denmark, headquartered Pres-Vac has named W&O as the exclusive distributor of its pressure/vacuum valve and inert gas systems in the United States, as well as the only factory-authorized service center in North America.

Pres-Vac  has a 50 percent share of the worldwide market for high-velocity pressure/vacuum valves.

Pres-Vac’s inert gas systems, including its marine nitrogen system, offer 30 percent energy savings over conventional systems, and provide a safe storage environment for hazardous cargo and preserve perishable goods.

“We chose W&O as our exclusive U.S. distributor and only factory-authorized service center in North America due to the company’s combined years of experience in serving the marine industry and the innovative solutions they develop for their customers,” said John Lindhardt Frandsen, CEO of Pres-Vac Engineering Aps. “W&O’s representatives have an astute understanding of the needs of marine vessel owners and operators, and are best positioned to integrate Pres-Vac’s valve and inert gas systems appropriately into projects where our products will provide the most benefit.”

W&O’s Automated Valve and Controls facility in Houston, Texas, will house the only factory-authorized Pres-Vac service center in North America, with all 15 domestic W&O branches serving as strategic distribution points throughout the U.S.

“Pres-Vac’s solutions have proven reliable and dependable, delivering beyond customer expectations and performance standards in tank venting requirements, which must operate fault-free for crew and cargo safety,” said Michael Hume, President and CEO of W&O. “We’re confident that our partnership will provide significant ROI to our customers and Pres-Vac, while enhancing W&O’s leadership position as a value-added integrated solution provider in the maritime industry.”

Pres-Vac manufactures a comprehensive line of high-velocity pressure/vacuum valves and venting systems, which are required equipment on all cargo vessels transporting volatile organic compound (VOC) liquids. Pres-Vac also offers a broad selection of tank fittings and auxiliary equipment, including liquid overfill protection devices used to prevent over-pressurization of tanks due to overfilling, onboard test rigs and ejectors.

Founded in 1975, W&O is one of the world’s largest suppliers of valves, pipe, fittings, engineered products, valve automation and data management systems for the marine and offshore industries. Serving a variety of customers around the world, W&O operates a network of 19 branches throughout North America, South America and Europe from its corporate headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida.

January 31, 2011