Member News

AK PLUMBING & DRAINAGE REACHES 10 YEAR MILESTONE

AK Plumbing & Drainage was founded by Alex Arkadieff in 2008; however, Alex was a sole trader for 14 years before this.

The company used to do maintenance and new housing, but now specialises just in new house installations.

When Alex was an apprentice, he achieved the highest marks in modules three, four, and five at Yeronga College and won the Brisbane Regional Work Skills competition, which resulted in going to the Nationals in Sydney where, as Alex quotes “I got my arse whipped thanks to Bill Watson who had me on earthen wear drainage for the two months before the competition – sorry Bill”.

The plumbing industry has changed a lot over the years—mainly there is so much more legislation and red tape now! Being a member of MPAQ, and the assistance provided, is very helpful in mining your way through all this, as well as all the other benefits they offer. Alex regrets joining only 10 years ago and said he should have done this as soon as he got his plumbing licence.

Congratulations to Alex and his team on reaching this milestone!

ERROL SCAMMELLS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH MPAQ

Errol started his business in 1970 after only ever working for one employer, focusing on new homes, six pack units, and maintenance.

Over the years Errol has witnessed great progression in the industry, including improved products, material, and saving time.

The plumbing industry introduced Errol to many great people. “We had great hardware store meet ups. Yes, we were competing against each other, but we still got on, there was never any aggression. There was a great comradery between us,” Errol said.

“Sometimes it was hard if you didn’t know your builders well. There was always the risk of someone going down and owing you money. Many times, in situations where you’d be asked to go on to another job before finishing jobs, late payments would blow out. So many different stages and so many trips back and forward, from rough ins, to gutters, it could be hard to get out from under them. It was not uncommon to do three houses a day, and there were no deposits back then or stage payments. A lot of times you didn’t get paid until the job was finished.”

Errol put through two apprentices and engaging labourers. He enjoyed the maintenance side of plumbing, as he met some great people. “Some you’d dread doing work for but most were great,” he said.

Errol said that his MPAQ membership helped significantly, highlighting one occasion when MPAQ helped with a complaint he got into with a manufacturer, which resulted in a good outcome.

“We had the networking with MPAQ and the golf club, and I still have the Wichetty prize and trophy today”.

Congratulations to Errol on his 50-year milestone!

STUDOR SUPPORTS MPAQ MEMBERS FOR 10 YEARS

Who founded the company and when?

Studor was founded by Sture and Doris Ericson in 1975. This was after Sture applied for the patent on the first Air Admittance Valve invented, which he called the Bjare valve in 1973.

How has the company changed over the years?

Studor has grown from a small husband and wife business into a global leader in venting technology.

What does your company specialise in?

Studor specialises in venting technology, such as Air Admittance Valves and Pressure Attenuators, which are used to help eliminate vent piping as well as reducing vent terminations.

What have been the company’s major highlights?

Global acceptance of our products has always been a highlight for Studor. Locally, here in Australia, the addition of AAVs and Pressure Attenuators into AS 3500.2 was a key development as it was the first standard globally to include such products; this was seen as a positive step forward for both Studor and the Australian plumbing industry.

Has the company/staff won any awards?

Knowing we have helped shape the construction industry and made a positive change to plumbing globally is reward enough.

How many people work at the company now?

With the sale of Studor to IPS Corp in the USA and Aliaxis in Europe, as well as distributors located in countries around the world, the numbers have grown considerably.

How do you feel the industry has changed over the years?

With the advent of SARS, MERS, and more recently COVID 19, people have become more aware of how important plumbing is in public health and safety. New products, materials, and methods combined with evolving standards is helping plumbers achieve outcomes that were never thought possible years ago.

How has your subscription to MPAQ helped the business over the years?

It has given Studor the ability to reach more Queensland plumbers, helping increase brand awareness and product knowledge. It has also provided the opportunity to be a voice that is helping to positively shape the industry as a whole.

What are your future goals for the company?

To continue doing what we do best: provide plumbers with best quality products and advice, which is helping them provide cost effective, compliant, and efficient solutions to their clients.

Thank you to Studor for their support over the last ten years!