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Introduction

When it comes to modern plumbing and heating applications, PEX pipes, or cross-linked polyethylene pipes, have emerged as a preferred solution for many professionals and homeowners alike. Before talking about the pex pipe manufacturer, we’d like to have a brief view for the history for pex pipe.

Brief introduction to the history of PEX

Here is a brief introduction to the history of PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) pipes:

PEX was first invented in the late 1960s by Thomas Engel, a German inventor working for the Phillips Petroleum Company in the United States. Engel was experimenting with cross-linking polyethylene molecules to create a stronger, more durable plastic material.

The first major application of PEX piping was for radiant floor heating systems in Europe in the early 1970s, with Germany and South Korea being early adopters. PEX then gained wider acceptance across Europe over the next couple of decades for plumbing and heating applications.

PEX was introduced to the North American market in the mid-1980s, initially for radiant heating systems. Its use for potable water plumbing applications in homes and businesses became more prevalent in the 1990s as it gained code approvals.

While earlier plastic piping like polybutylene had issues with fittings and connections, PEX underwent extensive testing and review before being widely accepted for potable water use. By the 2000s, PEX had surpassed copper as the dominant material for residential plumbing in new construction in the U.S.

The flexibility, cost-effectiveness, freeze-resistance, and long lifespan of PEX compared to rigid pipes like copper contributed to its rapid adoption over the past few decades across North America and Europe.

Top 5 PEX pipe manufacturer

Choosing the PEX pipe manufacturer can significantly impact the durability and functionality of your plumbing and heating systems. Here are the top 5 internationally recognized PEX pipe manufacturers known for their quality and reliability:

Based on the search results provided, here are the top 5 PEX pipe manufacturers:

Uponor Wirsbo

pex pipe brand

Uponor is widely considered one of the pioneering and leading manufacturers of PEX-A (Engel-method) pipes. They acquired Wirsbo in 1988 and have maintained industry dominance with over $1 billion in sales. Uponor's PEX pipes are highly regarded for quality and reliability.

Rehau

pex a supplier

Rehau is another major producer of PEX-A pipes using the Engel crosslinking method. They were at the forefront of developing this premium PEX variety that exceeds global performance standards.

Nibco

tubo pex manufacturer

With over a century of experience, Nibco is a trusted name offering PEX-C tubing, fittings, and valves for plumbing and heating applications. Their long-standing reputation adds to the credibility of their PEX products.

Viega

pex piping supplier

Founded in 1899 in Germany, Viega brought its innovative piping solutions like the Viega PressSystems to the U.S. in 1999. They are a leading manufacturer of PEX fittings for residential and commercial use.

Apollo

pex pipe brand

Owned by Aalberts Industries, Apollo has been producing a range of PEX pipes, manifolds, fittings and valves since entering the PEX market in 2006, backed by their expertise dating back to 1928.

While there are other notable PEX manufacturers like Mr.PEX, Sioux Chief, and Zurn mentioned, the search results consistently highlight Uponor, Rehau, Nibco, Viega, and Apollo as being among the top and most reputable PEX pipe brands and suppliers currently.

Manufacturer	Country	Founded	Scale	Main Products	Strengths
Uponor Wirsbo	Finland	1620s (acquired Wirsbo in 1988)	1K-5K employees, over $1 billion sales	PEX-A pipes, fittings, manifolds	Pioneer in PEX-A (Engel method), industry dominance, quality
Rehau	Germany	1948	10K+ employees	PEX-A pipes, building solutions	Early developer of PEX-A, exceeds global standards
Nibco	USA	1904	1K-5K employees	PEX-C tubing, fittings, valves	Over a century of piping experience, trusted brand
Viega	Germany	1899	501-1K employees	PEX fittings, PressSystems	Innovative fitting solutions for residential/commercial
Apollo (Aalberts)	USA (Netherlands parent co.)	1928 (entered PEX in 2006)	51-200 employees	PEX pipes, manifolds, fittings, valves	Expertise in valves and complex piping systems

Key Points:

- Uponor Wirsbo and Rehau are pioneers in developing and popularizing the premium PEX-A (Engel method) variety of pipes.

- Nibco and Viega are over 100-year-old established piping brands that have expanded into PEX products in recent decades.

- Apollo, owned by Dutch conglomerate Aalberts, entered the PEX market in 2006 but has legacy expertise in brass fittings and valves dating back to 1928.

- All five are large-scale manufacturers with global reach, though Uponor leads with over $1 billion in sales driven by its PEX business.

- While product lines overlap, each has carved out strengths - Uponor and Rehau in PEX-A pipes, Nibco in PEX-C tubing, Viega in innovative fittings, and Apollo in valves/manifolds.

So in summary, Uponor and Rehau are the trailblazers in premium PEX-A pipes, while Nibco, Viega and Apollo bring decades of piping experience and specialties to the PEX market as well.