C&B Piping, Inc.
Where Quality Meets Customer Experience

Quality piping systems are the backbone of water and wastewater treatment plants. In an environment characterized by corrosion and wear and tear, protective internal linings are critical to safeguarding the integrity of these iron pipes.

C&B Piping, Inc., a full-service manufacturer of premium ductile iron piping systems and industrial linings, is the provider of choice for utility contractors in the heavy civil environment. Coupling its experience in metal fabrication with prompt delivery, it helps contractors meet the challenge of dynamic construction schedules.

With over 38 years of experience, the family-owned business consistently delivers success for customer projects by forecasting and meeting lead times and project deadlines with speed and flexibility, assuring a seamless customer experience.

“We are friendly and focused on putting our customers first, working to ensure every experience drives them back to us for future projects,” says Stephen Gables, President.

A testimonial from MEB Construction highlights how C&B works as an extension of its team.

“MEB appreciates the partnership with C&B over the past decade. C&B’s willingness to lean in on design/build pursuits to provide accurate takeoffs and pricing allows MEB to continue to win projects. C&B’s responsiveness to providing material timely or short delivery time material due to problems encountered is unmatched in the industry. MEB can call C&B and have pipe within days as needed.” – David Ervin, President, MEB Construction

C&B specializes in metals fabrication, particularly in iron and steel. It provides high performance linings and coatings for metal piping systems, including porcelain glass lining, and the Protecto 401 ceramic epoxy lining product manufactured by Induron.

Roots of Customer-Centricity

Founded by Curtis and Brenda Estes, C&B is driven by the mission of ‘not to be the biggest, but the best.’

Beginning its journey as C&B Drafting in 1985 with experience in catering to water and wastewater treatment plants, the duo was often approached with requests beyond pipeline drawings. They broadened services from material take-offs, quotes and sales to include trading surplus inventory, which led to the evolution of C&B Piping, Inc. the following year.

A dedication to ensuring unparalleled support for its customers endured C&B to push the boundaries, growing from a small family business to a 200+ employee Corporation with plants in 3 states.

Vanguard of Integrated Piping Systems

C&B boasts the largest iron fabrication shop under one roof, making ductile iron pipes, special joints and outlets of varied sizes for heavy civil infrastructure projects. Its primary lining facility, in Alabama, spans 50,000 square feet, and is dedicated to the production of linings and coatings, making it the largest-volume ductile iron glass lining producer in the U.S.

An authorized and licensed applicator of Protecto 401®, C&B provides corrosion protection for sanitary sewers and force mains. The product is applied to ductile iron pipes, fab pipes and fittings, with an assurance of timely service and uncompromising quality.

Another sought-after product in its portfolio is CBGL911®, a porcelain glass lining for high-solid ductile iron pipelines within sewage service lines.

The glass lining undergoes two distinct phases of oven firing over the course of eight days. C&B stands among the few companies with the proficiency to perform this meticulously engineered process.

CBGL911 fulfills three primary functions within pipeline systems. It provides a non-stick lining to prevent solid buildup, reducing the risk of clogs. Its glass-like surface exhibits high temperature resistance, which allows for effective steam cleaning, further preventing substances from adhering. The abrasion- and corrosion-resistant lining also prevents damage that could otherwise be caused by grit, which enhances pipe durability.
For OEMs, C&B offers glass linings for even the largest sizes of pipes, fittings, and valves, thanks to its acquisition of the largest oven in the industry. This has helped it expand its glass lining operation worldwide. Due to growing customer relationships, C&B is investing in the addition of another oven to expand volume in 2024.

To extend the life of products such as ductile iron pipe, fittings, fab closures and flanges, C&B provides arc spray zinc application compliant with the ISO specifications. It furnishes specialty application linings like Ceramapure PL90® for potable water and salt water applications and exterior coatings such as Tnemec Perma Glaze 435® and Sherwin Williams Duraplate 6000® Glass Reinforced 100 percent solids epoxy among others.
Beyond manufacturing, C&B assists contractors with material take off and accurate project price estimates. Each quotation includes the list of pipe needed, along with lining and coating required, presented in easy-to-read spreadsheets for material comparisons and cost evaluations.

C&B also provides comprehensive support for ductile iron pipe layout drawings and illustrations for construction projects using 3D REVIT modeling. It ensures accuracy in specifications and dimensions before production and tracks materials until they are properly installed.

A Winning Team Culture

The driving force behind C&B is its selfless and dedicated team of employees who deliver a high level of customer service. The 9-member sales team brings over 200 years of collective experience with ductile iron piping products and installations.

An expert estimating and drafting team assists contractors and engineers in reviewing project plans and specifications to improve pipe layout. This reduces unnecessary product costs and enhances the system’s value. Since C&B has the capacity of pipe fabrication and special linings/coatings, it can offer shop pre-fabrication solutions modeled in 3D for ease of jobsite installation, saving extensive time onsite for the contractor.

C&B has 6 certified corrosion inspectors by AMPP (the association for materials protection and performance), formerly known as NACE (national association of corrosion engineers, advancing materials protection). These certifications are valuable in establishing the culture of high performance for industrial coatings application.

Underpinned by a collaborative ethos, C&B emphasizes building an energized team with an entrepreneurial attitude toward problem-solving. Decisions about various needs and opportunities are made promptly without the need for layers of executive, shareholder or ownership review. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement and nurtures trusted relationships with clients.
The testimonial from Sean Sutterer, Vice President Sales at Capital Flow Waterworks, a premier Water Works supplier, sums it, “For 8 years we have thoroughly enjoyed the culture and commitment to bettering our businesses together. As Iron Sharpens Iron, C&B has made us better in every aspect, from capability to carry through. C&B enables us to compete with companies ten times our size. As the end user continues to demand higher quality emphasis on linings and coatings they look for ways to say yes and exceed expectations.”
C&B has a very experienced Director of Continuous Improvement & Quality and a team that works with him to focus on projects that keep the firm improving in quality, process improvement and controls, production efficiency, and customer experience initiatives.

Even as C&B expands, a “small company” ethos is maintained to ensure that the executive management spends significant time directly engaging with customers and overseeing projects through completion. “It takes a special individual to be willing to take on the “sold out service attitude” of the C&B Piping culture. You must enjoy being selfless and have a high level of mental toughness. You also must lift up the team and encourage others through adversity,” says Gables. “Our streamlined organizational structure and commitment to customer satisfaction ensure seamless project execution and delivery of high-quality piping solutions,” says Gables.

Innovation is the Key

To meet the client’s real-world requirements, C&B ensures its team stays informed about the latest technologies and innovations through certifications, partnerships and onsite training. It actively participates in industry-leading conferences like WEFTEC, AWWA and FABTECH. These events provide valuable networking opportunities with software and equipment manufacturers, along with access to educational classes and workshops.
C&B also collaborates with leading paint manufacturers, discussing new products and application techniques to enhance product quality.

In pursuit of growth, C&B is currently installing CNC machining and automated fabrication equipment for industrial lining operations across three manufacturing plants. It recently inaugurated a 40,000 square feet facility in Alabama dedicated to painting. It is also in the initial stages of designing a new 100,000 square feet steel fabrication, lining and coating facility, with groundbreaking set for this year.

C&B’s blend of in-house manufacturing capabilities and commitment to operational excellence ensures that customers have access to quality piping products and dependable service.