Dodson Valco employees are no strangers to mergers. In 2007, Dodson Steel Products and Global Fittings and Flanges merged to form Dodson Global. The new company operated as a master distributor, supplier and wholesaler of carbon steel weld fittings, flanges, forged steel fittings and valves for seven years. In 2014, Texas Pipe & Supply strategically acquired Dodson Global.

On the West Coast, Industrial Valco (IV), founded in 1947, was at the forefront of innovation nationwide, paving the way for e-commerce sales in the PVF industry. Industrial Valco’s Speedability concept, paired with its powerful online sales platform, made it the premier choice for customers placing small and quick orders. Its successful website attracted the attention of many and was eventually acquired by Texas Pipe & Supply in 2023.

On May 1, 2024, Dodson Global and Industrial Valco merged. The companies consolidated business operations and welcomed a talented group of people specialized in e-commerce sales, small and large projects, and MROs (maintenance, repair, and operations) to the new organization.

“We inherited expertise and talent across different departments,” explains Greg Wheeler, president of Dodson Valco (DV). “Industrial Valco had an e-commerce team dedicated to promoting and selling on its online platform, while Dodson Global had a team specialized in large projects and MROs. In simple terms, combining our strengths made us better together.”

When the news of the merger was released, Dodson Valco emphasized that the industry would benefit from its unity.

“I love the idea of Dodson Valco; you do it all in one, and it’s great for everyone out here,” shares Joel Garcia of MRC Global.

The “Better Together” campaign paved the path for Dodson Valco to show how two great companies can use their strengths to build a powerful force in the industry, especially following the disruptive COVID-19 pandemic. Companies inside and outside the PVF industry quickly realized that to succeed in the future, they would need to invest in technology.

“The merger wasn’t only about streamlining operations and boosting efficiency,” Wheeler says. “It also brought together two highly skilled workforces under the Dodson Valco banner.”

The company is now leveraging its e-commerce platform, iValco.com, and maximizing Speedability to solidify its position in the North American PVF distribution industry.

“When two great companies come together, it creates a tremendous opportunity in the market,” notes Jordan Lane of Pace Supply. “Dodson Valco has been a great partner and is a true one-stop shop. They created tremendous value for valves, carbon, stainless and everything else in the market.”

“The merger created a powerhouse in the PVF industry,” Wheeler explains. “By implementing an operational excellence initiative, we’re ensuring all DV locations meet Speedability standards — a commitment to fulfilling orders quickly and efficiently.”

Previously an operational function within Industrial Valco’s warehouses, Speedability is now being implemented across all Dodson Valco branches.

“Speedability isn’t isolated to iValco.com,” clarifies Boris Gonzalez, e-commerce director of iValco.com. “It’s a company-wide effort to streamline operations and ensure all our warehouses meet strict fulfillment timeframes.”

This translates to in-stock, error-free orders placed through iValco.com being ready for will-call, less-than-load shipment or UPS pick-up within two hours or less.

Consolidated Branches and Speedability Warehouses

The merger also streamlined Dodson Global and Industrial Valco’s operations into Dodson Valco sales branches across the United States, backed by a network of quick-service and traditional warehouses strategically located for nationwide coverage.

“Before onboarding any location on iValco.com, we ensure certain standards are met,” Gonzalez says. “This guarantees every online customer can experience maximum efficiency.”

Dodson Valco’s nationwide goal is to cater to all order types from will-call orders to maintenance/repair/operations (MRO), stock and projects. 

“Speedability warehouses will stock essential PVF products, including carbon and stainless-steel fittings and flanges, forged steel fittings and Ohio Valve Co. valves,” Wheeler notes. “These warehouses also specialize in MRO supplies, ensuring quick order fulfillment, while traditional Dodson Valco warehouses handle larger projects and stock orders. This structure guarantees all customers receive efficient service.”

Inspired by an online retail giant, Dodson Valco is in the works of releasing a pilot program featuring locker pick-up locations.

“We don’t have a launch date for the lockers yet, but it will be done before the end of this year,” explains Cory Emmons, national operations manager for the Texas Pipe Family of Companies. “Customers will be able to place small orders online and pick them up from any location where our locker service is available.” 

Lockers will be available at the Houston location only during the pilot program. If the program is successful, lockers will be implemented nationwide.

iValco.com: Platform for 70,000+ PVF Products

iValco.com has strengthened its capabilities under Dodson Valco. The site boasts of a comprehensive inventory exceeding 70,000 PVF line items. Most recently, a complete line of Ohio Valve Co. valves, AML-approved fittings manufactured by Alloy Piping Products, and stainless-steel fittings and flanges were added to the site.

“Similar to other online retailers,” Gonzalez explains, “customers can choose their preferred pick-up location from a drop-down menu during checkout, ensuring they receive their order from the nearest warehouse.”

Placing an order through iValco.com includes a 5 percent discount and access to live pricing and availability. Registered users have a dedicated team member who can answer all their questions. They can also secure online orders ready for pick-up within two hours.

“iValco.com is the Amazon of the oilfield,” says Ryan Conroy of PSS Supply. “It’s unbeatable and no different than ordering and having it ready on your front porch the same day. In this industry, if you’re not responding to your customers quickly, they will go down the street to someone else.”

New users can register for an iValco.com account by visiting the website and clicking on “Login/Register” in the top right corner. Following registration, a company representative contacts the user for confirmation. Once the account is confirmed, customers can shop and place orders 24/7.

“I am on iValco.com every day because it’s so easy to use,” says Max Rubenstein of Denver Windustrial.

A member of the Texas Pipe Family of Companies, Dodson Valco is proud to continue its legacy as a master distributor of carbon steel weld fittings, flanges, forged steel products and valves. Its iValco.com inventory and extensive industry experience create confidence to fulfill customer requirements. Dodson Valco’s nationwide goal is to deliver optimal value to industrial business partners powered by Speedability. 

Alma Olmos is the marketing specialist at Texas Pipe & Supply, a distributor of carbon and stainless-steel line pipe. She specializes in content writing and social media management for the Texas Pipe Family of Companies. You can contact her at marketing@texaspipe.com.