U.S. Commerce Department Awards Grant to IAPMO to Increase U.S. Exports, Create Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, publisher of the Uniform Codes, the provisions of which protect more than half the world’s population, last week received a $296K grant from the U.S. Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration’s Market Development Cooperator Program. The grant is intended to increase the competitiveness of the U.S. plumbing supplies industry abroad by generating exports to Indonesia.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with officials in Indonesia as they seek to improve the health and safety of their water and sanitation systems,” said IAPMO CEO GP Russ Chaney. “Ultimately, this grant will pen the door to U.S. manufacturers in Indonesia by aligning its market access requirements with those of the world at large — just as IAPMO’s previous code development and/or certification programs have done so in India and Australia.”

The award will be matched by an investment of $600,000 by IAPMO, which pledged to pay a minimum of two-thirds of the project costs and to sustain the projects after the initial award period ends. Through this funding, IAPMO will help expand United States exports in the following manner:

• Development of a Uniform Plumbing Code for Indonesia
• Promoting the new code’s adoption and implementation among Indonesian government officials
• Development of education and training programs for installers and enforcement officials
• Development of a third-party product testing laboratory and certification agency

“For many U.S. companies, exports can be the key to thriving in difficult times,” said U.S. Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Francisco Sánchez. “Despite a slowdown in the world economy, U.S. exports it an all-time record of $2.2 trillion last year. Our Market Development Cooperator Program awards to organizations like IAPMO are part of President Obama’s government-wide strategy to increase exports. Doing so strengthens America’s economy, ensures long-term, sustainable growth and supports American jobs across the country.”

IAPMO previously partnered with the Indian Plumbing Association to develop the Uniform Plumbing Code – India and develop education and training programs within India. Its UPC-I Mark of Conformity enables U.S. manufacturers to certify and market their products within India. Similarly, IAPMO participated with the Australian Government in bringing the WaterMark, GasMark and OceanaMark certification schemes to U.S. manufacturers wishing to export their products to Australia and New Zealand.

The MDCP awards include financial and technical assistance from ITA to support well-defined business plans aimed at enhancing United States competitiveness within certain industries by stimulating exports. An MDCP award establishes a partnership between ITA and non-profit industry groups to help strengthen global competitiveness and create jobs through exports. Since MDCP’s inception in 1993, the program has issued  128 awards. In an average year, MDCP projects generate $258 million in U.S. exports.