Providing a safer, faster way to join pipework, Instantor has developed brand new range of press fittings that 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 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 lengthy risk assessments are also reduced. This results in quicker installations, less downtime, and safer working conditions, especially in tight spaces.
Instantor R-Press fittings use a precision-engineered 3-point press design for strong, permanent joints that installers can count on. It’s a permanent mechanical joint, so there is no need for nitrogen purging, which keeps systems cleaner and installations simpler. Built with the quality and reliability you expect from Instantor, R-Press fittings help reduce callbacks and keep projects moving efficiently. The new range also comes with a 15 year warranty on completion of competency training.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “We’re thrilled to introduce our first-ever range of press fittings developed specifically for refrigeration and air conditioning applications. The new R-Press fittings embody the DNA and core values of the Instantor brand and are engineered with premium materials, backed by advanced technical design, and created with installers in mind. Installers can trust R-Press fittings to provide no fuss, no flame, just reliable, high-performance results.”
Key features and benefits of Instantor R-Press fittings:
Instantor, a trusted name in innovative heating and plumbing solutions, has been named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies 2025. This marks the fifth year in a row that Instantor has been awarded this accolade, reaffirming its position as a leader in the Irish manufacturing sector. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 25th September, which celebrated outstanding privately-owned businesses across Ireland.
Each year, the awards programme, led by Deloitte, honours companies following a rigorous judging process, assessing every aspect of their business strategy and management practices. Areas evaluated include strategic planning, governance, financial performance, culture, talent development, and innovation.
Commenting on the achievement, Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, says: “This award is a testament to the dedication, skill and passion of our team. At Instantor, we believe our success is driven by our commitment to continuous innovation, quality craftsmanship and the strong relationships we have built with our customers over almost a century. Being recognised among Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for the fifth time motivates us to keep raising the bar for excellence in our industry.”
Founded in 1926, Instantor has established itself as market leaders in press fit solutions, renowned for innovative, high-quality and reliable products. All Instantor products undergo rigorous in-house testing to meet the highest standards. The company offers an extensive range of trusted plumbing solutions, including:
Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, adds: “Congratulations to all winning companies on their achievement. Irish indigenous businesses continue to impress, demonstrating unwavering resilience and commitment to excellence in an ever-changing economic landscape. The Ireland’s Best Managed Companies programme recognises the significant contribution these businesses make to our economy, communities, and the nation as a whole. It is essential that they are supported to grow and scale into the future, and the programme is proud to support them on that journey.”
With nearly 100 years of history, Instantor remains dedicated to developing plumbing solutions that combine tradition with innovation, ensuring lasting reliability for professionals across Ireland, the UK and beyond.
Instantor’s full suite of press-fit solutions is now available through Pochin Plumbing & Heating Supplies, marking another significant milestone in Instantor’s growing partnership activity since joining the Plumbing and Heating Group (PHG) earlier this year.
Pochin, a long-established Midlands merchant with roots stretching back to 1861, is recognised for its strong service culture and extensive branch network. The company now operates 32 trade locations alongside nine bathroom showrooms, with continued expansion on the horizon. This reach positions Pochin as a key partner in ensuring installers across the region have convenient access to cutting-edge plumbing and heating solutions.
Through this collaboration, Pochin branches will offer the Instantor Press System, featuring robust press fittings and multilayer Pex-Al-Pex pipe supported by a 50-year warranty. Installers will also benefit from access to the new R Press range for air-conditioning and refrigeration applications, as well as the latest IT2030 press tool and jaws, engineered to deliver superior performance and reliability on site.
To support the rollout, Instantor’s sales and marketing teams have been working closely with Pochin to introduce a range of customer-focused activities for Q4. Over the past few weeks, Instantor Area Sales Managers have been on the ground providing in-branch training for counter staff and installers. The Instantor Mobile Training Academy has also been visiting multiple Pochin locations, offering hands-on demonstrations and practical guidance.
Dan Wild, UK Sales Director, Instantor, says:
“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Pochin, one of the UK’s longest-established independent merchants. Joining PHG has created an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate, and it’s fantastic to see new partnerships already developing with promotions, training and hands-on support for installers underway. We look forward to building on this momentum and strengthening our relationship with Pochin in the months ahead.”
Matt Pysden, Commercial Director, Pochin, adds:
“The PHG team visited Instantor’s head office in Dublin recently and were very impressed by their capabilities and expertise in pipe and fitting solutions. Press fittings are a huge growth area in the industry and Instantor has a first-class portfolio of products. At Pochin, we’re enjoying working with the Instantor team who are clearly committed to building long term relationships. Starting in October, we have several attractive promotions to add real value for our installer customer base.”
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 thinking. As a market leader in Ireland, Instantor launched into the UK market in 2024. A recent survey of Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer (PHPI) magazine readers uncovered that Instantor is one of the preferred press fittings brands chosen by those surveyed*.
The survey also revealed that 94 per cent of respondents who have heard of Instantor think that the brand offers good to high quality products, while 57 per cent of those who favour Instantor do so because of its quality. Availability and excellent back up service were also key benefits recognised in the survey.
Andy Burton, Head of Marketing, Instantor, comments: “We supported the PHPI survey for a second consecutive year, as part of our commitment to understanding installer requirements, and to help us to continue to provide quality assured products that solve real life problems. The installers completing the survey mostly specify or recommend heating or plumbing products, and own their own business, so are exactly a primary audience for Instantor. The survey provided some fantastic feedback for us as a brand following our first year in the UK market and we are thrilled that our brand perception has increased impressively in just over 12 months.”
The PHPI survey questioned installers on whether they use press fittings and the main reservations that they have if not. Debbie Moloney, Brand Manager at Instantor adds: “There is still a proportion of installers that do not use press fittings and it’s our job as market leaders to champion the benefits to the plumbing and heating industry. 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. Press fittings save time and are up to 35 per cent faster compared to more traditional methods, they also eliminate fire risk testing and remove the need to purchase torches, flux, wire wool and other accessories. They are cost-effective by minimising labour time and the potential for callbacks arising from poorly finished joints, they also eradicate the potential for scorching or heat marks, resulting in a neater appearance. Debbie concludes: “With a growing reputation in the UK market, and a portfolio built on nearly a century of innovation, Instantor is committed to supporting installers with high-quality, reliable products, along with competency training designed to deliver best-in-class installations to drive the wider adoption of press fittings across the UK.”
Instantor, a trusted leader in innovative heating and plumbing solutions and part of the Sanbra Group, has secured Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its Press System, including Press Fittings, Pex-Al-Pex Pipe, and Copper Press Fittings. These certifications reinforce Instantor’s commitment to sustainability, building customer confidence and creating new opportunities with partners focused on environmentally responsible solutions.
An Environmental Product Declaration is a verified, transparent document that details a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle. This includes raw material extraction, production, transport, use, and end-of-life stages such as recycling and reuse. Assessments are based on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), ensuring a science-based evaluation of sustainability performance.
The EPD Assessment for the Instantor Press System highlights:
Alan Hogan, Managing Director – Plumbing, Heating & Kitchens Division, Sanbra Group, says: “Achieving Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) on our Instantor Press products is a key milestone in our ESG journey and reflects our commitment to ISO 14000 environmental management standards. EPDs provide a transparent, science-based tool for customers to evaluate product performance on environmental impact, an essential factor in today’s construction industry.
“As sustainability expectations rise and regulations become more stringent, these certifications demonstrate that we are not only meeting compliance requirements but actively leading the way in responsible manufacturing. This reinforces our position as a forward-thinking partner, delivering heating and plumbing solutions that align with global sustainability goals and our customers’ environmental priorities.”
Instantor products already carry WRAS, KIWA, and NSAI approvals for Press Fittings and Pex-Al-Pex Pipe, while Copper Press Fittings are certified by WRAS and KIWA, and the gas range is GASTEC QA approved. All products undergo rigorous in-house and field testing at the Instantor Works Design & Testing Lab to ensure unmatched performance and reliability.
EPD certificates and additional technical information are available for download in the Resources section of the newly updated Instantor website, helping trade and specifier professionals make informed product choices for any project.
Installers can say goodbye to clunky, rigid pipework and hello to flexible, fast and secure heat pump connections with the launch of Instantor Paktermo HP hoses; a hassle-free solution designed for modern heating systems. The hoses can be paired with brand new Paktermo Push-Fit fittings to offer a smart, streamlined way to install heat pumps.
Engineered for a superior performance and built for varying weather conditions, Paktermo HP hoses benefit from a UV-resistant outer layer and closed-cell insulation to minimise heat loss and prevent condensation. Supplied in ready-to-use 10 metre coils, the new pipe from Instantor can be easily cut to length on site, making it an ideal solution for tight installations close to exterior walls. What’s more, thanks to its flexible corrugated design, installers have more freedom to position outdoor units exactly where they work best, without the constraints of traditional rigid pipework.
The new Paktermo HP hoses are designed to be durable and reliable. The stainless steel construction absorbs vibration and pressure spikes generated by heat pumps, protecting connections and extending the lifespan of the system. Additionally, the rust-resistant materials help to prevent corrosion, keeping the installation tight with minimal maintenance.
Instantor has also introduced Paktermo Push-Fit fittings, which pair with the Paktermo HP hoses for a system that is smart and straightforward. The installer simply has to push the fitting onto the pipe, tighten it with a wrench, and it’s good to go. It’s a faster, cleaner way to connect and can reduce installation time by up to 50 per cent. The secure seal keeps leaks locked out, and if the installer needs to make any changes later, disassembly is also quick and hassle-free. Fixing brackets and insulation tape are also available for a complete, safe, assembled system.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “With a growing demand for heat pump solutions, the Instantor team has been working hard to develop a product that is designed to meet the evolving needs of installers and the heating industry. The result is a high-quality, time-saving solution that not only simplifies installation but also ensures long-term reliability and performance. Paktermo HP hoses, paired with our new Push-Fit fittings, are designed for speed and built to last, enabling a seamless heat pump installation every time.”
Key features and benefits of the Instantor Paktermo HP hoses:
Key features and benefits of the Instantor Paktermo Push-Fit fittings:
A manufacturer of high-quality products for professional plumbers, Instantor, has been unveiled as exclusive headline sponsor of Plumbex trade show set to take place at the National Indoor Arena in Dublin over September 10th and 11th 2025.
Plumbex, part of the Bepex Trade Events, is firmly established as a must-attend exhibition for professional installers in Ireland. Instantor is one of the event’s longest-serving exhibitors and will be showcasing its latest plumbing innovations and market-leading press solutions alongside the pumping portfolio of sister brand Tucson Pumps on a flagship 51 m² stand.
As headline sponsor, Instantor will be promoted prominently in a comprehensive range of online and offline communications including pre-show, during show and post-show initiatives.
Debbie Moloney, Brand Manager at Instantor, explained: “In Ireland, Instantor is the recognised market-leader in press technologies. We provide the complete range including the Instantor Press system of fittings and Pex-al-Pex pipe, copper press fittings for water and gas, stainless steel press fittings and tube, and our brand-new R Press fittings for ACR applications. We also have a choice of user-friendly press tools, jaws and accessories. We’re delighted to have been named as headline sponsor of Plumbex Dublin and we are looking forward to, once again, talking to installers and merchants about how our products can help save time and money.”
Karen McAvoy from KMP Publishing, organiser of Plumbex added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Instantor as headline sponsor of our event in Dublin. They have supported our series of events strongly in recent years and this extension of our partnership further underlines the status of Plumbex as the industry’s leading trade show in Ireland.”
In addition to its main stand, Instantor will be providing breakout sessions delivering free competency training for its gas copper press fittings and Paktermo by Instantor CSST gas tube and fittings.
Manufacturer of high-quality products for professional plumbers, Instantor has joined Plumbing Heating Group (PHG), the UK’s leading merchant buying group for plumbing, heating and bathrooms.
As a new PHG supplier, Instantor gains access to a powerful network of merchant members who represent 276 branches, 248 plumbing and heating trade counters and 137 bathroom showrooms across the UK.
PHG members represent some of the best regional plumbing, heating and bathroom merchants throughout Great Britain and Northern Ireland, with a combined trading history that exceeds 1,000 years. Members include: BBS Plumbing & Heating Supplies, Beggs and Partners, Bell Plumbing Supplies, Bradfords Building Supplies, Duftons Plumbing & Heating Supplies, James Hargreaves, Pochin, Richmonds, Spinks, Stuart Plumbing & Heating Supplies, Tucker French, Williams Trade Supplies and Woodhouse & Sturnham.
Dan Wild, UK Sales Director, Instantor, says: “We are delighted to join PHG as a supplier. This new partnership significantly strengthens our presence in the UK and is a major milestone in our efforts to grow the Instantor brand in the UK market. Our team is looking forward to visiting and working closely with PHG’s merchant members, introducing their trade counter staff and installer customers to the Instantor portfolio. Our collaborative approach, experienced team and our product training programme, including the Mobile Training Academy, will all prove invaluable in developing our partnership with PHG and the merchant members.”
John Dicken, PHG Commercial Director, adds: “It’s great to have Instantor on board as a new supplier. Instantor is a recognised market leader in press solutions, offering a comprehensive range of press fittings, pipes, tools and accessories for plumbing and heating professionals. After visiting Instantor’s headquarters in Dublin and seeing the quality of their products and training facilities first-hand, we’re confident this will be a successful and valuable partnership. We are very much looking forward to introducing the Instantor range to our members, which we believe will be extremely well received.”
Instantor has utilised its extensive knowledge and experience of press fittings to design a brand new Press Tool. This was revealed to merchants, and plumbing and heating installers, at InstallerSHOW 2025. The ground-breaking new Instantor Press Tool is a major leap forward in tool technology, benefitting from a brushless, direct drive motor that delivers an outstanding, long-lasting performance.
Exclusively available from Instantor, the innovative new Press Tool is compatible with the current offering of trusted Instantor jaws and battery packs, and the improved balance and ergonomics ensure it’s more comfortable to hold. What’s more, for added peace of mind, Instantor is offering a market-leading 3 year warranty.
Further improvements include a digital OLED screen that advises users of press counts and the battery life, while indicating any faults that may arise. Designed to make pressing fittings easier, even in challenging environments, the new Press Tool from Instantor also benefits from an integrated work light for dark installations, while the swivel head helps with awkward angles. A press completion light has also been added, flashing green when a press is successful and red when incomplete, helping ensure reliable installations.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “At Instantor, we strive on providing innovative, reliable and forward-thinking solutions to simplify tasks for installers. Built by plumbers, for plumbers, Instantor tools are made to make a positive difference, while giving the user the reassurance that it comes from a brand they can trust. We were delighted to be able to demonstrate our brand new Press Tool at InstallerSHOW 2025. It delivers a superior performance, while making the pressing process even easier, especially when access to pipes is restricted or obscured.”
Key features and benefits of the brand new Instantor Press Tool:
Instantor, a trusted name in professional heating and plumbing solutions, has enhanced its product offering with the launch of a Fire Rated Increased Insulation Thickness Pex-Al-Pex Pipe. This latest development reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, regulation-compliant solutions for the UK market.
The newest addition to Instantor’s Multilayer pipe range features thicker insulation that directly addresses both Part L energy efficiency requirements and fire safety with a BL rating to EN13501. This insulated pipe is designed to deliver enhanced protection against heat loss and maintain a strong fire resistance profile, meeting the stringent demands of today’s building regulations.
The insulated Pex-Al-Pex pipe is durable and suitable for multiple uses in general plumbing and heating applications, including potable water. The pipe is made with inner and outer layers of PE-xB, a durable plastic that is crosslinked using the Silane method. It is then bound by high-quality adhesive to a butt-welded aluminium layer that is 100 per cent oxygen tight. The aluminium allows the pipe to keep its shape after bending. Fluids only touch the inner PE-xB layer, which ensures total hygiene and high corrosion resistance. The multilayer pipe is then enclosed in a scratch resistant, closed cell polyethylene foam sheath for insulation.
The new range, which consists of three different sized pipes, comes with a 50-year warranty (when used with Instantor Press Fittings), a testament to the brand’s confidence in reliability and long-term performance.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “This product launch further underlines Instantor’s dedication to offering quality-assured, future-ready solutions that meet the evolving needs of professional installers and industry standards. It is another enhancement to our proven Instantor Press System, which combines our Press Fittings and Pex-Al-Pex pipe. We unveiled the new Insulated Multilayer Pipe at InstallerSHOW 2025, the perfect platform for showcasing it to installers, merchants and specifiers.
Key features and benefits of the Instantor Insulated Multilayer (Pex-Al-Pex) Pipe:
