DAVISON, MI — April 7, 2026 – Fernco Inc. is taking a major step forward in what “Built Here” means for the trades and the communities they serve. Through expanded AIS (American Iron and Steel) and BABA (Build America, Buy America) compliance, Fernco is completing domestic sourcing for remaining components across select core repair coupling families down to the smallest parts.
These products have long been made in the United States, and the vast majority of their materials have been U.S.-sourced for years. This milestone completes the final pieces of domestic sourcing, reinforcing the consistency and accountability professionals expect when the work must be done right.
“As the country celebrates 250 years in 2026, we’re proud to reinforce what ‘Built Here’ means at Fernco,” said Mark Cooper, President of Fernco. “We’ve manufactured these lines in the U.S. for years, and this milestone completes the final steps to meet AIS and BABA requirements across our core repair couplings. It’s a meaningful step for our team and for the customers who depend on Fernco day in day out.”
The transition is led by three of Fernco’s most relied-on product lines: Standard Flexible Repair Couplings (15” and below), Strong Back® 1000RC Shielded Couplings (15” and below), and the full Proflex® Specialty Coupling lineup. A number of additional Fernco product lines are also included in this compliance expansion. The complete scope and exclusions list are available at www.fernco.com/ais-baba. Fernco is committed to expanding domestic sourcing across its product lines and will share updates as additional products meet compliance requirements.
Until now, AIS and BABA compliance has been supported through select offerings, including the 6000 Series in standard and Strong Back RC shielded couplings. With this update, AIS and BABA compliant configurations become the standard across Fernco’s primary repair coupling lines up to 15”. The 1000 Series Standard Couplings (15” and below), Strong Back 1000RC (15” and below), and the Proflex lineup will be AIS and BABA compliant. This simplifies specifying for compliant projects and allows crews to stay with the core lines they already trust.
“Our customers and the pros in the field don’t have time for uncertainty, especially on projects where domestic sourcing requirements come into play,” said Tom Galsterer, Vice President of Sales at Fernco. “Expanding AIS and BABA compliance from a dedicated series into our core lines gives contractors, distributors, and municipal buyers more clarity and confidence. It helps keep jobs moving, and it reinforces what Fernco is known for: showing up with the right solution, when and where it’s needed.”
What’s Changing:
- AIS and BABA compliance expands beyond a dedicated compliant series and into Fernco’s primary repair coupling lines
- Standard Flexible Couplings (15” and below) become AIS and BABA compliant
- Strong Back 1000RC (15” and below) becomes AIS and BABA compliant
- The 6000 Series will remain in place for 16” and above, while these core series carry compliance in the initial phase
- Proflex® Specialty Couplings, Expansion Joints, and Tee & Wye Tap Saddles, among other product lines, are included in the AIS and BABA compliance scope
What AIS + BABA Means
Some public infrastructure projects require U.S.-sourced products. AIS and BABA compliance helps crews and contractors meet those requirements with less runaround, so the right product can be approved, ordered, and installed with confidence. For federally funded projects with domestic sourcing requirements, this designation supports clearer submittals and faster procurement. Compliance documentation and certifications are available upon request. Please contact your Fernco sales representative or Fernco Customer Service to obtain the necessary paperwork for project submittals.
About Fernco
Founded in 1964, Fernco is a proud American manufacturer of flexible pipe couplings and connection solutions used in plumbing, water and sewer, and infrastructure repair. Domestic manufacturing is not a compliance checkbox. It is part of Fernco’s DNA, embedded in how the company has built products and supported the trade since day one. Over the decades, the Fernco name has become synonymous with trust earned on jobsites across the country. Fernco remains committed to practical innovation, consistent performance, dependable supply, and knowledgeable support for the professionals who keep critical systems moving.
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