As the world celebrates World Plumbing Day, it is an opportune moment to recognise the advancements shaping India’s plumbing industry. Among the many developments, one stands out—the establishment of Lehry Valves’ Non-Ferrous Manufacturing Plant in Chennai, a first-of-its-kind initiative that is set to redefine the future of plumbing and infrastructure in India.
A Legacy of Innovation and Excellence
Founded in 1950, Lehry Valves has built a legacy of over seven decades in manufacturing mechanical and automated valves, catering to a diverse range of industries. The company has played a pivotal role in the evolution of plumbing, firefighting, and HVAC systems, with a sharp focus on quality, performance, and sustainability. From being a distributor of global brands to becoming a leader in valve manufacturing and automation solutions, Lehry Valves has remained steadfast in its mission to innovate and set new industry benchmarks.
Breaking Barriers: India’s First Lead-Free Brass Manufacturing Facility
For decades, Italy and China have dominated the global production of forged brass valves. However, Lehry Valves envisioned a change—a shift towards self-reliance and a commitment to Make in India. This vision materialised with the establishment of the 160,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Chennai, dedicated to producing lead-free and non-ferrous valves that adhere to international safety and environmental standards.
The plant is designed for high efficiency, integrating 30% solar energy dependency, fully automated machinery, and state-of-the-art forging units capable of producing 8,000 valves per shift. With a projected 30% of total production aimed at exports, this facility is not just meeting domestic demand but also placing India on the global map as a key manufacturer of high-quality plumbing components.
Addressing the Industry’s Biggest Challenge: Standardisation
One of the biggest challenges in the Indian plumbing industry has been the lack of standardised regulations for ball valves. Unlike in the US and EU, where lead-free compositions and stringent testing protocols are mandated, India has long operated in a regulatory grey area. Manufacturers have exploited this gap, using high lead content in brass and inferior materials that pose serious health risks to end-users.
Lehry Valves is actively collaborating with government regulatory bodies to introduce ISI standards that will govern the material composition, design, and manufacturing of brass valves. This initiative will not only improve product quality but also enhance public health by ensuring safer water systems across India.
However, this is set to change. Lehry Valves has successfully collaborated with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) to introduce a new IS code for forged brass ball valves, which will soon be officially announced. This marks a major milestone in India’s plumbing industry, as for the first time, there will be a nationally recognised standard ensuring the quality, safety, and material composition of these critical components.
Additionally, Lehry Valves will be the first company in India to receive an ISI mark for forged brass ball valves. This pioneering achievement will not only raise the bar for industry-wide compliance but also position Lehry Valves as the benchmark for quality and regulatory adherence in the Indian market.
Revolutionising the MEP World with Innovation
Lehry Valves is disrupting the MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) sector through innovation and meticulous engineering. The company’s Lead-Free Brass Valves are a breakthrough product, boasting an industry-leading composition of 0.20% lead—far below the 2.5-8% lead content found in conventional brass valves. These valves are engineered to meet WHO and Safe Water Drinking Act (USA) standards, ensuring that clean and safe drinking water is no longer a luxury but a standard.
Beyond lead-free manufacturing, the company has tackled a persistent issue—corrosion in valve handles. Traditional mild steel handles with zinc plating corrode quickly, especially in coastal regions. Lehry Valves has introduced Dacromet-coated and stainless-steel handles, significantly extending the lifespan and reliability of its products.
A Vision for the Future: Sustainability and Industry Leadership
Lehry Valves’ commitment extends beyond just manufacturing. The Chennai facility is a testament to the company’s focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, and skilled workforce development. The plant is expected to create over 100 direct jobs in its first phase and will serve as a training hub for industry professionals, students, and plumbers through Lehry’s LIV EDU technical webinar series.
With continuous R&D and process enhancements, the company aims to achieve an industry-best failure rate of less than 1%, setting a new benchmark in product quality and reliability.
Conclusion: A Game-Changer for India’s Plumbing Industry
The establishment of Lehry Valves’ Non-Ferrous Manufacturing Plant is not just a milestone for the company—it is a watershed moment for India’s plumbing industry. By pioneering lead-free brass manufacturing, advocating for standardised regulations, and introducing next-gen product innovations, Lehry Valves is reshaping the future of plumbing and infrastructure in India.
On World Plumbing Day, as we recognise the importance of clean and efficient water systems, we also celebrate the pioneers who make it possible. Lehry Valves is leading the charge, proving that safety, sustainability, and innovation can go hand in hand. This is not just the launch of a factory—it is the dawn of a new era in Indian manufacturing.
