Instantor has achieved the Business Working Responsibly Mark. Established in 2010 by Business in the Community Ireland, the Business Working Responsibly Mark (‘the Mark’) is Ireland’s Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance (EESG) standard.
Independently verified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, it is the standard for sustainability that goes beyond legal compliance by fostering a culture of responsible business through continuous improvement, ongoing accountability, and leadership. By achieving the Mark, Instantor is providing merchant partners, professional installers and specifiers with the assurance of knowing they are working with a responsible and sustainable organisation that can help support their own EESG commitments too.
As a market leader in press solutions, Instantor’s success is built on a deep understanding of the heating and plumbing industry and the development of products that address everyday challenges for the trade. Alongside this, Instantor is committed to integrating sustainability and responsible practices into its core business strategy. Achieving the Mark reflects the collective efforts of Instantor’s teams and positions the company for long-term resilience, stakeholder trust and sustainable growth.
Tomas Sercovich, CEO Business in the Community Ireland said “I congratulate Instantor for achieving the Business Working Responsibly Mark for the first time. This accomplishment reflects Instantor’s commitment to responsible business practices. By going through the detailed Mark certification process, Instantor demonstrated great ambition and will now use the Mark framework to put policies and plans in place that will better incorporate economic, environmental, social and governance factors into its core activities and operations. We look forward to continuing to collaborate and support Instantor in achieving their sustainability goals”.
Alan Hogan, Managing Director – Plumbing, Heating & Kitchen Division, Sanbra Group, says: “The Business Working Responsibly Mark is a tremendous achievement for everyone at Instantor. It recognises the progress we have made in EESG and our determination to continue raising standards across our operations. It is an important endorsement of our values, our people and our long-term commitment to responsible and sustainable business within our sector.”
In addition to achieving the Mark, Instantor has renewed its Sedex membership, further supporting its commitment to maintaining an ethical and sustainable supply chain. Sedex provides a clear framework that enables Instantor to benchmark its manufacturing facilities and wholesale supply chain, driving continuous improvement as the business grows.
Alan adds: “Renewing our Sedex membership for another year reinforces our commitment to ethical trade and integrity across every link of our supply chain.”
Instantor, a market leader in press solutions, will officially celebrate its 100th anniversary on 4th February 2026, marking a century of innovation that has helped shape and transform the plumbing and heating industry.
Founded in 1926, Instantor began operations from a foundry at St James’s Gate in Dublin, close to the iconic Guinness Brewery. From the outset, the company established a reputation for engineering excellence and innovation. That same year, Instantor patented the original brass compression fitting, setting a new benchmark for reliability and ease of installation – a legacy that continues to influence the industry today.
Over the past 100 years, Instantor has consistently driven progress within the plumbing and heating sector, evolving from a pioneering manufacturer into a premium brand synonymous with installation efficiency, safety and performance. Innovation remains at the heart of Instantor’s DNA. In 2025 alone, the company launched six ground breaking new products, including a revolutionary new press tool, a dedicated range of press fittings for ACR applications, and lead free brass compression fittings fully compliant with the revised European Commission Drinking Water Directive.
Instantor has played a pivotal role in simplifying plumbing and heating installations, championing solutions designed to save installers both time and money. Its comprehensive portfolio of press solutions delivers a safer, faster and more reliable way to join pipework, providing quality assured, fit and forget installations backed by guarantees of up to 50 years.
Alan Hogan, Managing Director – Plumbing, Heating & Kitchen Division at Sanbra Group, Instantor’s parent company, comments: “Reaching our 100th year is a remarkable milestone for Instantor, but what truly defines our success is the impact we’ve made along the way. In recent years alone, the business has evolved at pace – entering new markets, delivering industry changing innovations and earning prestigious awards. This progress is driven by an exceptional team, and as we look ahead to the next century, our focus remains firmly on continuing to lead and transform the market.”
To mark its centenary, Instantor has planned a full programme of celebrations throughout 2026, recognising both its rich heritage and its ongoing commitment to the industry. Activities will include exclusive product promotions for installers and merchants; customer, employee and community engagement initiatives; new merchandise and brochures; and a strong presence at InstallerSHOW in June, where Instantor will host its largest stand to date.
Martin Murphy, Managing Director of Sanbra Group, adds: “From the very beginning, Instantor has stood for innovation and leadership. Over the past 100 years, the brand hasn’t just witnessed change in our industry – it has helped drive it. Reaching this milestone is a proud moment for everyone involved, and we look forward to celebrating with our colleagues, customers, partners and the wider industry throughout the year.”
Following the launch of its R-Press fittings for ACR applications, Instantor has created a technical guide and compatibility chart to support installers on site and provide assistance for sales advisors at trade counters.
Transitioning to press fittings can be a game-changer for ACR installers, providing a safer and faster way to join pipework without the hassle of flame-based methods. Instantor R-Press fittings are designed for high-pressure applications of up to 48 bar pressure, including refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps (refrigeration side), VRF, and VRV systems. Because it’s flame-free, there’s no need for hot work permits, or fire watches, resulting in quicker installation, less downtime and safer working conditions, especially in tight or sensitive spaces.
The Instantor ACR Technical Guide is a comprehensive reference manual for merchants, installers and contractors working with air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump applications. It provides clear guidance on the range of R-Press fittings, illustrated installation instructions and press tool compatibility, alongside detailed product data and compliance information. Designed to support safe, efficient, flame-free installation, the guide helps professionals achieve reliable, leak-free connections to complete jobs with speed, ease and confidence.
Instantor R-Press fittings are fully compatible with Instantor press tools, as well as most other commonly used press tools on the market. To help installers specify R-Press fittings with confidence, Instantor has created a clear compatibility chart showing which press tools and jaws can be used with the fittings.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “As more ACR installers look to move away from traditional flame-based methods, it’s essential they have the right information and support to do so safely and confidently. Our new ACR Technical Guide and R-Press compatibility chart have been developed specifically with installers and merchants in mind, providing clear, practical guidance on product selection, installation and tool compatibility. By combining high-performance press fittings with comprehensive technical resources, we’re making it easier than ever for ACR installers to adopt a faster, flame-free approach without compromising on reliability.”
To further support best practice and long-term performance, Instantor requires installers to complete approved competency training and certification specific to the R-Press system. Successful completion of this training is a key requirement to activate the extended 15-year warranty on Instantor R-Press fittings*, providing installers, contractors and end users with added reassurance that systems have been installed to the highest standards.
Neil adds: “Instantor R-Press fittings use a precision-engineered three-point press design for strong, permanent joints that installers can count on. As a mechanical joint, there’s no need for nitrogen purging, keeping systems cleaner and installations simpler. Engineered with the quality and reliability you expect from Instantor, our extended 15-year warranty puts real confidence behind every R-Press installation.”
Instantor, a leading manufacturer of high-quality plumbing products, is investing in the next generation of professional plumbers by bringing hands-on training directly to colleges. Utilising its Mobile Training Academy, Instantor has already visited 20 colleges, delivering practical, skills-focused sessions to students preparing to enter the industry.
During a recent visit to Southern Regional College in Portadown, Northern Ireland, Instantor introduced students to its Instantor Press Fittings and Multilayer Pipe (MLCP), Copper Press Fittings, and PAKTERMO CSST for gas installations. An expert trainer from Instantor delivered hands-on training across the various press solutions to students at different stages of their apprenticeship. Each learner had the opportunity to create a correct press joint using an Instantor Press Tool.
Paul Carey, Lecturer, Southern Regional College, comments: “The apprentices thoroughly enjoyed the training delivered by Instantor. The Mobile Training Academy was excellent and really well equipped, and I hope we have the opportunity to benefit from it again. It’s fantastic for the college to host demonstrations from market-leading manufacturers. It gives apprentices the chance to learn innovative installation techniques first-hand and be enthused by the latest products available to plumbers.”
Another recent stop for Instantor was Belfast Metropolitan College, where students were given an overview of the history of Instantor’s press fit solutions and shown the key benefits of the company’s fittings through live demonstrations. Groups of Level 2 and Level 3 plumbing students were then given the opportunity to trial the Instantor Press Tool and complete several joints.
Stephen Casement, Lecturer, Belfast Metropolitan College, says: “Our staff and students were very impressed by the presentation. Mark Mills [Area Sales & Business Development Manager, Instantor] delivered the training and certainly knows his product. He was brilliant at encouraging the students to participate and engage in the session. It was a fantastic opportunity for the college to host an industry expert and demonstrate such high-profile products.”
Mark Mills adds: “The Instantor Mobile Training Academy is a real asset for us, and it’s been great to host a series of training sessions at colleges recently. It is vital that we support the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers. The vehicle enables us to bring our state-of-the-art training to the doorsteps of colleges, giving students and apprentices the opportunity to gain experience on the benefits of press fittings first-hand. Inspiring young installers is an exciting prospect, and we look forward to having more opportunities to do so throughout 2026.”
Instantor, a recognised leader in press-fit technology, has broadened its UK distribution by partnering with long-established merchant Beggs and Partners.
Since opening its doors in 1960, Beggs and Partners has continually expanded, now operating 13 branches supported by four specialist divisions: trade, retail, commercial heating and contract sanitaryware. Still proudly family-owned and run by the third generation, the business attributes its continued success to a knowledgeable team, strong relationships with trusted brands, impressive stockholding and a firm commitment to exceptional customer service.
Dan Wild, UK Sales Director, Instantor, comments:
“I have been lucky enough to work with the team at Beggs and Partners for many years. Their ethos aligns so well with ours at Instantor and like us, they are a long-standing family business that has grown impressively. It’s been fantastic to introduce the Instantor brand to their branches. The Instantor Press System has been very well received by their trade counter staff and we are really excited about the potential opportunities that we can develop together going forward.”
Instantor supports plumbing and heating professionals with a comprehensive range of flame-free press fittings, pipework and tools, giving installers a fast, dependable solution for projects of any size. Among the flagship offerings is the Instantor Press System — an integrated solution combining press fittings with multilayer Pex-Al-Pex pipe. As with every Instantor product, the system is developed with installers in mind and rigorously tested in-house to ensure top-tier reliability.
Ian Beggs, Director Beggs and Partners, says:
“Our success over the last six decades has been built on our ability to provide customers with quality assured products supported by an unwavering commitment to exceptional service. Instantor is a great fit for our business, offering innovative products and extensive stockholding, plus the expertise and support that we need. The Instantor Press System further enhances our plumbing and heating portfolio, providing an extensive range of multilayer pipe and fittings options. The 50 year guarantee also provides our trade counter staff with confidence to sell Instantor products knowing that we are providing customers with genuinely reliable solutions.”
Dan Wild adds:
“Beggs and Partners have been a highly respected name in the industry for many years and I’m proud that Instantor is supplying them as part of our partnership with PHG. At Instantor, we are looking forward to working very closely with their team over the coming months. Together, we strive to provide customers with an exceptional service.”
Instantor, a leading name in press-fit technology, has broadened its UK reach through a new distribution partnership with James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies. As part of its addition to the Plumbing and Heating Group (PHG) supplier network, Instantor’s full range of press solutions is now available across James Hargreaves’ nationwide branch network.
With over a century of trading history, James Hargreaves has built a reputation anchored in strong customer relationships and consistent reliability. Operating 73 branches across the UK, the company delivers high-quality plumbing, heating, and bathroom products to both trade professionals and domestic customers. From small home repairs to large-scale commercial installations, its teams are focused on supplying trusted products and dependable support to help customers complete work efficiently and to a high standard.
Instantor equips plumbing and heating engineers with a comprehensive portfolio of press fittings, pipework, and tooling designed to provide fast, flame-free, and dependable installation options. Its flagship Instantor Press System integrates press fittings with multilayer Pex-Al-Pex pipe, offering a complete solution for projects of any size. Established in 1926, the company has become a recognised leader in press-fit innovation, with every product subjected to rigorous in-house testing to ensure long-term reliability.
Carl Bridge, Managing Director of James Hargreaves, states:
“Our business prioritises delivering genuine value, which involves offering quality products our customers can rely on, along with the advice, understanding, and reassurance that come from working with knowledgeable industry experts. When we were introduced to Instantor via the PHG, it was clear they would be excellent partners. Instantor’s press-fit solutions align perfectly with what we want to provide our customers.
“We know the needs of the trade and meet them in a straightforward, quick, and efficient manner. Beyond their impressive product range, Instantor maintains a large UK stock and has a dedicated after-sales team, helping us to uphold the highest standards of service for our loyal customers.”
Dan Wild, UK Sales Director, Instantor, adds:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with James Hargreaves and to extend the availability of Instantor products across the UK. James Hargreaves has a long-standing reputation for quality, service, and customer trust, which are values that match perfectly with our own at Instantor.
“This partnership ensures that more installers can easily access our proven press solutions, helping them to save time on site, while maintaining the highest standards of reliability and performance. Our Mobile Training Academy has already started visiting James Hargreaves’ branches to deliver on-site product training and demonstrations. We look forward to building on this momentum to establish a strong and successful relationship with the James Hargreaves team and their customers.”
As part of its commitment to supporting installers, Instantor proudly sponsored the Installer of the Year category in the APHC Quality Plumber Week Awards 2025. The award recognises technical excellence, resilience and an outstanding commitment to customer satisfaction. This year’s winner, Pete Hooton of Hooton Plumbing & Heating, was presented with a brand-new Instantor Press Tool in recognition of his achievement.
The Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) hosts the annual Quality Plumber Week to celebrate outstanding plumbing and heating professionals. The aim is to actively promote positive aspects of the industry, bringing people together and recognising great work. The Quality Plumber Week Awards are an integral part of the initiative, honouring installers for the dedication, skill and passion that they bring to their work.
Instantor has manufactured state-of-the-art products for professional plumbers for almost 100 years and is renowned for its press solutions, which place ease of installation at the forefront of design. The brand is committed to understanding installer requirements, to provide quality assured products that solve real life problems. Press fittings offer many advantages, providing a flame-free, quick and reliable solution for plumbing projects on any scale. As a press tool is used to crimp the fitting securely, and safely, onto the pipe, the need for heat based methods, such as soldering, is removed.
Keegan Brotheridge, Marketing Manager, APHC, says: “Pete is such a worthy winner of the Installer of the Year award, our judging panel were moved by his dedication and work ethic. Pete is a one-man band, so having an Instantor Press Tool will be invaluable. It was great to work with Instantor as part of the APHC Quality Plumber Week Awards 2025 to provide a meaningful prize for our winner. It’s important to us that we partner with brands that strive to make day-to-day work smoother for the plumbing and heating contractors that we represent.”
Andy Burton, Head of Marketing, Instantor, says: “We have been working closely with APHC for over 12 months and were delighted to have the opportunity to sponsor the Installer of the Year award. We are dedicated to supporting professional installers and advocating press solutions. Awards are excellent for recognising quality workmanship, and Hooton Plumbing & Heating is such a worthy winner. Pete’s hard work truly represents the best of the trade, and now he can continue his expertise with a brand new Instantor Press Tool to match his top-tier skills.”
Instantor has been honoured with two wins at Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Awards 2025. The company received the Innovative Product of the Year award for its new R-Press fittings and was also named Manufacturer/Supplier of the Year, reinforcing its reputation as one of the industry’s most trusted names in innovative heating and plumbing solutions.
Instantor has served the Irish plumbing and heating sector since 1926, evolving into a trusted brand known for its durability, compliance, and installer-focused solutions. The company was honoured with the Manufacturer/Supplier of the Year award for its commitment to high-quality products, strong technical support and a proactive response to evolving industry demands.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, says: “We are incredibly proud to be named Manufacturer/Supplier of the Year at Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Awards 2025. With almost a century of experience behind us, Instantor has built its reputation on continuous innovation, reliability and a commitment to raising standards across the industry. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire team. At Instantor, supporting professionals with high-performance products and expert technical guidance is at the heart of everything we do.”
Instantor’s dedication to continuous advancement is also reflected in receiving the Innovative Product of the Year award for its R-Press fittings. Providing a safer, faster way to join pipework, Instantor R-Press fittings are designed for high-pressure applications, up to 48 bar, including refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps (refrigeration side), and variable refrigerant flow systems. Instantor R-Press fittings deliver clean, reliable joints without the hassle and time of flame-based methods.
Transitioning to press fittings can be a game-changer for ACR installers, as they are flame-free, which eliminates the need for hot work permits or fire watches and reduces lengthy risk assessments. This results in quicker installations, less downtime, and safer working conditions, especially in tight spaces. Neil comments: “R-Press is our first-ever range of press fittings developed specifically for refrigeration and air conditioning applications, so we are thrilled to win this award. The new R-Press range embodies the DNA and core values of the Instantor brand, combining innovative engineering, installer-focused design and robust safety advantages. Having this accolade behind us will help build confidence with ACR installers who are considering press fittings for the first time.”
With its double success at Ireland’s Plumbing & Heating Awards 2025, Instantor continues to strengthen its position as a leader in high-performance plumbing and heating solutions. Neil concludes: “As we continue our development in the UK market, these accolades underscore the strength of Instantor’s offering, supporting our mission to provide installers across Ireland and the UK with reliable, future-ready, fit-and-forget products.”
Instantor, a key brand within the Sanbra Group, continues to strengthen its presence across the UK by developing new partnerships with Plumbing and Heating Group (PHG) merchant members since joining the group in August. One of the latest additions to Instantor’s growing network is Stuart Plumbing and Heating Supplies, a well-established, family-run merchant in the Midlands with four decades of industry experience. Stuart P&H is known for its comprehensive offering of central heating solutions, specialist plumbing products, bathrooms, showers, and a broad range of complementary furniture and accessories.
With 10 branches operating throughout the East Midlands, Stuart P&H now provides installers with convenient access to the Instantor Press System. This market-leading solution features press fittings and Pex-Al-Pex pipe designed for rapid, straightforward installation. Installers can secure each connection by simply crimping the fitting onto the pipe — a quick, heat-free process that removes the need for traditional soldering or flame-based techniques.
Dan Wild, UK Sales Director, Instantor, says: “We’re thrilled to be extending our relationships with PHG merchant members and expanding our reach within the UK market. Initially, Stuart P&H branches will be stocking our market-leading Instantor Press System, which is backed by an extensive 50 year warranty, giving trade counter staff the confidence to recommend products that deliver long term, fit-and-forget reliability.
“We’re looking forward to the next steps in working in partnership with their teams, which will include providing product training for staff and delivering demonstration days at their branches.”
Stephen Elliott, Director, Stuart Plumbing and Heating Supplies adds: “At Stuart Plumbing and Heating, we pride ourselves on our friendly and efficient service, as well as being able to provide customers with high quality plumbing brands and we are happy to welcome Instantor to our portfolio. We’re very impressed with Instantor’s approach and innovative product range, which is built on nearly 100 years of expertise. We think our customers will be drawn to the many benefits of the Instantor Press System and Instantor’s extensive UK stockholding will ensure that our customers can easily access the products that they need.”
Instantor, a market-leader in press solutions and manufacturer of quality plumbing products since 1926, has underlined its commitment to customer service by announcing four key strategic movements within its team.
Ken Donegan has been promoted to Service & Training Manager and will lead Instantor’s customer after sales service and customer training in the UK and Ireland. Ken will also oversee an enhanced service structure including three field engineers, a dedicated internal technical support team, and a quality network of service agents. With over 30 years of experience within the heating and plumbing industry and having worked for Instantor for four years, Ken’s product knowledge is second-to-none, so taking lead on Instantor’s after sales service and customer training is a natural progression in his career.
Neil O’Brien will take up the new role of Operations Manager at Instantor’s Head Office and warehousing facility in Santry, Dublin. He will lead a strategic transformation project to enhance efficiency, reliability, and order fulfilment, drawing on his extensive experience in driving change across supply chain and business operations in FMCG, pharmaceutical, utilities, engineering, and contract logistics sectors.
John MacDermott has been promoted to Service & Training Engineer for the West of Ireland. His customer-first mindset and technical expertise will strengthen Instantor’s aftersales capabilities and responsiveness in the region. Previously an Area Sales Manager and Product Demonstrator at Instantor, John consistently delivered technical insight and practical support to customers, laying a strong foundation for his expanded responsibilities.
Richie Roche will step into the role of Business Development Manager for Leinster, Ireland, to help further develop partnerships with key domestic contractors. Richie has worked with Instantor for over three years as an Internal Sales Executive and boasts more than 20 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry with a deep knowledge of products, systems, and solutions across the sector.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director at Instantor, explains: “Customer service has always been the foundation of our success and, along with our innovation and product quality, differentiates us from others in the market. Every solution and every innovation we introduce is grounded by the belief that exceptional service is what keeps our customers trusting and choosing us.
“We’re therefore delighted to announce these new roles, which will help ensure that we continue to deliver best-in-class aftersales care, seamless operations, technical expertise, and excellent support to our customers across the UK, Ireland and beyond.”
