History

Tom Christy – Solvents Innovator

Back in the 1960’s, the industry made a rapid transition from traditional copper and galvanized piping systems to modern plastic pipe and fittings. The change brought opportunities for innovators to introduce products that would make plastic piping systems more reliable and easier to install.

With a decade’s experience with these emerging technologies, Tom Christy saw an opportunity in the early 1970’s. There was clearly an unmet need for a practical solvent that would work well in adverse conditions commonly encountered by professional contractors. Working closely with professionals “in the trenches”, Christy perfected a solvent that was perfect for working in:

• Wet and muddy conditions common to both new installations and repairs.
• Cold and wet weather, allowing contractors to be productive even on rainy days.
• High productivity environments where very fast set and very fast cure help the contractor be more efficient and profitable.

Tom Christy’s exclusive Red Hot Blue Glue ® was born! And it’s now the #1 contractor-rated irrigation solvent on the market!

A Family Tradition Grows into a Global Business

In the 40 years that Red Hot has led the market in quality and performance, Christy’s has continued to add solvents, primer, sealants and cleaner to its complete line of products for joining plastic pipe and fittings. Current markets for Christy’s PVC solvent cement products include irrigation, pool/spa, drainage, plumbing, HVAC, waterworks, fencing and more.

Today 5 Christy family members are directly involved in day-to-day operations at the growing operation. A veteran team of product specialists, chemists and process engineers staffs the company’s two testing laboratories and production facilities.

The company recently expanded its company-owned, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Nashville, TN to increase output to meet the growing needs of professional customers. Three distribution centers (Anaheim, Sacramento, Nashville) provide rapid product availability coast-to-coast.

Responsive to Customer Needs

Christy’s rapid growth and leadership in product performance have come from listening directly to customer needs and then responding with a full range of solutions and helpful in-field support. Christy’s continually gathers feedback through face-to-face interaction with users and through countless industry events. The active involvement of customers guarantees new products and improvements match the market needs.

Christy’s works hard to ensure the success of all of its customers. No other manufacturer does more to educate and support professional installers. Christy’s excels at user-friendly packaging, helpful how-to guides and videos that help users be more successful. By providing a wide range of educational materials, technical support, in-the-field site visits and specification assistance, Christy’s stands out as a leader in total customer support.

Photo from the Past

PVC Pipe and Solvent Innovator Tom Christy attends the first meeting of the Integral Bell Gasketed Plastic Pipe Association in the Fall of 1971. Participants include (L to R) include John Madden, John Auty, Art Kahn, Carol Smith, Keith Swinehart and Tom Christy.