W&O, the nation’s largest supplier of marine valves, pipe, fittings, engineered products and valve automation solutions, today announces it has acquired the Valco/Premier Group, which includes Premier Copper Manufacturing, Valco Piping Products and Premier Copper & Brass/Pacific.

Based out of Portsmouth, Va., the Valco/Premier group has manufacturing and distribution capabilities that will complement W&O’s maritime offerings. Premier Copper Manufacturing is an industry leader in the manufacture of copper nickel-fittings and flanges, and will be a direct source of copper-nickel products to W&O and its customers. Valco/Premier’s West Coast arm, Premier Copper & Brass/Pacific, will work in conjunction with W&O’s San Diego office, which is operated as Valve Automation & Controls.

“Bringing Valco and Premier Copper into W&O allows us to be closer to an important industry resource and affords us more options and control, which will benefit our customers,” W&O President and CEO Jack Guidry said.  “This acquisition will help us provide solutions to our customers when and where they need them. The products and the company fit W&O, and the additional manufacturing capability, distribution and personnel will strengthen W&O.”

Valco and Premier have developed a thorough knowledge of the military standards applicable to the naval maritime industry, and W&O plans to retain the 52 Valco/Premier employees.

“As we’re growing, one of the challenges is finding people with the experience and background to offer the special level of services and comprehensive solutions that W&O is known for.  The Valco and Premier employees have that knowledge, and share W&O’s commitment to the customer,” Guidry said. “We’re excited about bringing the Valco and Premier employees into the W&O family.”