“Apollo”® ball valve conversions are raising the bar for sustainable performance
In early 2025, our team initiated a forward-thinking manufacturing initiative that reflects more than a material change; it represents a commitment to performance, efficiency, and sustainable impact across the piping industry.
The “Apollo”® Stainless Steel Ball Conversion Project officially discontinued the manufacture of chrome-plated brass and bronze balls and standardized production to Type 316 stainless steel across our brass and bronze ball valve portfolio manufactured in Pageland, South Carolina.
Completed in July 2025 as a running change, this transition affects “Apollo”® brass and bronze ball valves manufactured in our U.S. facilities and marks a significant milestone in material standardization and SKU consolidation.
But this project goes far beyond internal efficiencies. It reflects how industry leaders evolve to support customers, distributors, and end users with smarter, longer-lasting solutions.
a sustainable performance upgrade with 316 stainless steel
Standardizing on 316 stainless steel provides meaningful advantages that support durability, environmental stewardship, and lifecycle performance.
- improved corrosion resistance
Type 316 stainless steel offers superior resistance to corrosion compared to chrome-plated brass. In demanding applications, steam, cooling water, heating systems, and industrial environments, this translates into longer service life and fewer replacements.

- reduced resource consumption
Longer valve life means:
- Fewer replacements
- Less manufacturing demand
- Reduced raw material consumption
- Lower transportation impact over time
By improving durability at the component level, we reduce environmental impact across the entire system lifecycle.
- SKU consolidation = operational efficiency
This initiative streamlined inventory, reduced material variation, and simplified supply chains. Consolidation improves:
- Production efficiency
- Quality control consistency
- Distribution center management
- Forecasting accuracy
Operational efficiency is sustainability in action, less waste, fewer redundancies, smarter manufacturing.
affected product series: proven platforms, elevated performance
This transition applies to all “Apollo”® brass and bronze ball valve models manufactured in Pageland, SC, including three of our most trusted and widely specified series:
“Apollo”® 70 series ball valves
The “Apollo”® 70 series remains one of the most widely used general-purpose bronze ball valves on the market today.
Key features include:
- Premium materials and heavy-duty construction
- Adjustable stem packing gland
- Blowout-proof stem design
- RPTFE seats and MPTFE stem packing
- 100% factory tested
- Manufactured in the USA (BABA and BAA compliant)
- Used for vacuum, steam, cooling, and heating applications
Now transitioning to 316 stainless steel balls in new production, the 70 series continues to deliver trusted performance, now with enhanced corrosion resistance and extended service life.
“Apollo”® 77C series ball valves
The “Apollo”® 77C series features:
- Dezincification-resistant bronze body
- RPTFE seats and seals
- Blowout-proof stem design
- Adjustable stem packing
- Full-port “solid ball” design
- 100% factory tested
- Made in the USA (BABA and BAA compliant)
- Used for vacuum, steam, cooling, and heating
With the shift to 316 stainless steel balls, the 77C series strengthens its already robust corrosion resistance profile, further enhancing reliability in non-potable industrial and mechanical systems.
“Apollo”® 77F series ball valves
The “Apollo”® 77F-100 series is a forged brass, full-port valve engineered for HVAC, fuel gas, irrigation, fire protection, and general flow control applications.
Features include:
- Heavy pattern forged design
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Premium RPTFE seats and packing
- Adjustable stem packing
- Blowout-proof stem
- Silicone-free assembly
- 2-1/2″–4″ models featuring 316SS ball and stem standard
- 100% factory tested
- Made in the USA (BABA and BAA compliant)
This series already incorporates 316 stainless steel balls in larger sizes. Now, expanded standardization further reinforces durability across the line.
supporting distributors through a responsible transition
This was implemented as a running change, meaning existing chrome-plated brass inventory will continue to move through distribution centers and wholesaler stock before full market conversion is realized.
Updated data sheets now reflect that the standard configuration ball material may be either:
- Chrome-plated brass, or
- Type 316 stainless steel

This transparent approach ensures:
- No supply disruptions
- No forced obsolescence
- Clear documentation for specifiers and contractors
Industry leadership requires balance: innovation without instability.
setting the trend: material intelligence as industry leadership
The piping industry often evolves incrementally. True leadership requires proactive decisions that anticipate future demands, especially in sectors like HVAC, data centers, steam systems, and industrial processing, where corrosion resistance and longevity are critical.
By standardizing on 316 stainless steel, Aalberts integrated piping systems Americas is:
- Raising performance standards
- Simplifying product portfolios
- Reducing lifecycle environmental impact
- Strengthening domestic manufacturing
- Supporting distributors and contractors with forward-compatible solutions
This is not a reactive move. It is a strategic investment in long-term value for the entire channel.
looking ahead
As the remaining brass ball inventory continues to move through distribution channels, customers can expect full standardization on 316 stainless steel in new construction moving forward, creating a stronger, more consistent foundation for long-term system performance.
This initiative reinforces what the “Apollo”® brand represents: Durability. Responsibility. Continuous improvement.
It also aligns with our broader environmental ambition: achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Material decisions like this are not isolated upgrades; they are part of a larger roadmap to reduce lifecycle impact, improve operational efficiency, and design products that perform better for longer.
At Aalberts, sustainability is not a marketing slogan. It is embedded in how we design, manufacture, and continuously evolve our products in support of a more resilient, lower-carbon future.

