McElroy, the world’s leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic fusion equipment, has announced the addition of Bob Biffle, Mike Lee, and David Lee to the 2024 Fusion Hall of Fame.
Created in 2019, the Fusion Hall of recognizes the innovators whose commitment to development and acceptance of fusible plastic pipe has significantly advanced the fusible plastic pipe industry over the past 50 years. Inductees are individuals whose contributions have been particularly notable and whose impact and influence on the industry lives on today.
“This year, we’re honored to recognize three individuals whose legacies are truly monumental,” said McElroy President and CEO Chip McElroy. “Without their tireless efforts, we as a company and we as an industry would not be able to celebrate the successes that we have today. As McElroy celebrates its 70th anniversary, we’re excited to be able to add their names and their stories to the Fusion Hall of Fame.”
Biffle and the Lee brothers were officially inducted into the Fusion Hall of Fame during INFUSION24, McElroy’s annual industry conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
BOB BIFFLE
Bob Biffle began his McElroy career in the grind shop in early 1976. But in 1981, recognizing the value of his work ethic and people skills, company leadership shifted him into the role of a Sales and Technical Service Representative. There, he worked directly with customers and end users, operating fusion machines and teaching others how to use them along the way.
Through his nearly 33-year tenure with McElroy, Bob developed a reputation for being a patient teacher, a skilled technician, and a committed member of Team McElroy. Thanks to his devotion to McElroy, its machines, and its customers, McElroy’s machines today are the number-one choice on fusion jobsites around the world.
He had a gift for connecting with and working effectively with everyone, from company owners to fusion operators to utility executives. Much of the success McElroy sees in North America stems directly from Bob’s efforts to promote and educate others about the benefits of high-density polyethylene pipe.
MIKE AND DAVID LEE
In 1954, Ed Lee founded Lee Supply out of his Pennsylvania garage. When his sons, Mike and David Lee, took the helm, they saw the opportunity to expand the company beyond its roots as a supply company for the coal mining industry.
Mike and David diversified their products to include industrial, municipal, and environmental markets. That included the introduction of high-density polyethylene pipe, specialty fittings, and custom fabrications. The brothers recognized the value of HDPE and pipe fusion and began making in-roads into other markets, such as water and natural gas distribution.
Today, Lee Supply is a testament to the brothers’ work ethic. Their efforts to promote and educate their customers in the many benefits and applications of HDPE has translated into a legacy that is unmatched in their area. Through the mantle of their father’s business, the Lee brothers transformed Lee Supply into a company recognized for its commitment to quality, service, and community support.