Innovation drives progress in commercial plumbing and mechanical contracting. According to gb&dPRO, “The first established press fitting patent was developed in 1960, and it’s been widely used in Europe since. It was in the late ‘90s that Viega introduced press technology in America.”

Since the first adoption of press technology, there have been misconceptions about its place in the trades. However, as projects become more complex and larger in size, contractors are increasingly finding themselves needing to trim time and reduce costs while still delivering reliable results.

This is where Viega’s MegaPress system helps to make those goals actionable.

Meet the Experts

Recently, leaders from Thermal Engineering and Viega discussed their collaboration on a major project in Spanish Fork, Utah. Their conversation offers a clear look at the challenges, breakthroughs and real-world impact of adopting press technology on a massive jobsite.

Thermal Engineering embraces the new standard for the industry by demonstrating the scalability of press technology. The Stockman Flats project’s success comes from the expertise and teamwork of a dedicated group:

• Adam Brodston – A master plumber with more than 20 years of experience and nine years at Thermal Engineering, he brings a perspective shaped by years of threading pipe and an initial skepticism toward press technology.
• Bronson Boswell - Previously owned Mountain Ridge Mechanical before joining Thermal Engineering, has spent decades in the field and has seen the dramatic time and cost savings that come from switching from welding to press fittings.
• Tyson Kading – He has specialized in commercial plumbing since 2004, leads field operations on the Stockman project and values the efficiency and ease that Viega MegaPress brings to complex installations.
• Kyle Jensen – A master plumber and educator who now works with Viega. Kyle’s background in both fieldwork and training allows him to bridge the gap between hands-on experience and product support, helping contractors confidently adopt new technologies.

Together, these professionals show how tradition can evolve and adapt to deliver outstanding results.

The Stockman Flats Project: A Test of Scale and Efficiency

Thermal Engineering’s current focus is the Stockman Flats, a five-building development in Spanish Fork.  4-inch gas mains across three buildings total more than 10,000 feet, and the remaining two buildings feature substantial 3-inch lines. These are not ordinary commercial spaces. They are million-square-foot shells designed to accommodate future tenants, from logistics companies to retail distribution centers.

The scale of the project presented a real challenge. Traditional methods like welding and threading would have required enormous labor, extended timelines and presented safety considerations. Viega’s MegaPress system provided a better way.

Advantages of Viega Press Systems: Insights from the Stockman Project

1. Time and Labor Savings

One of the main reasons for adopting Viega MegaPress was the potential for time and labor savings. As Bronson Boswell explained, hiring welders for a project of this size would have been expensive, up to $400 per hour, with each fitting taking 30 minutes or more. While Viega MegaPress fittings carry a higher per-unit cost, they are installed in a fraction of the time.

"It's just 10 times faster to do it this way," Bronson said. "We used to weld everything, but once we switched to press technology, we never looked back."

2. Ease of Installation in Complex Environments

The Stockman project required intricate gas line layouts, including large expansion loops and tight spaces. Viega’s MegaPress G line allowed the team to work efficiently, even in challenging conditions. Tyson Kading noted, "I couldn’t imagine setting up a welder and fitting everything in these spaces. MegaPress made my life so much easier."

3. Reliability and Quality Assurance

Adopting new technologies can come with some apprehension. Upon successful installation, Thermal Engineering reported no fitting failures when MegaPress was used. "We’ve never had a fitting fail on us," Tyson said. "As long as you follow the process, it just works."

4. Support and Training from Viega

Transitioning to a new system was easier for Thermal Engineering because of Viega’s commitment to support and providing comprehensive training and educational programming to ensure success. The company’s partnership with local training academies, such as the Utah Plumbing & Heating Contractor’s Association (UPHCA), ensures that new apprentices are credentialed and ready to use press technology from day one.

Kyle Jensen explained, "Their students are coming out of the apprenticeship program fully credentialed and trained on all our products. That means less time spent on in-house training and more time getting the job done."

Overcoming Challenges: Supply Chain and Adoption

While the project has been completed mostly uninterrupted, the team did face occasional delays in sourcing larger-diameter fittings like the 4-inch couplings and elbows. In order to combat this, not only Thermal Engineering, but for projects across the country, Viega recently expanded its North American manufacturing footprint. The goal is to improve availability and reduce lead times.

Another key to success was the willingness of the Thermal Engineering team to embrace change. Adam Brodston put it simply: "Adapt or leave. We’re pretty specific on the materials we use, and once you see the benefits, it’s hard to go back."

Real-World Impact: Faster Timelines, Lower Costs and a Competitive Edge

The results speak for themselves. The Stockman Flats project, which began in May of 2025, is on track for completion by March of 2026. This timeline would have been nearly impossible with traditional methods. The team estimates that using MegaPress has cut installation time by up to 90 percent compared to welding, translating into substantial cost savings and reduced project risk.

The clean, professional appearance of MegaPress installations has become a point of pride. "We strive to make everything presentable, whether someone will see it or not," Tyson said. "It’s about doing the job right."

Building for the Future: A New Standard in Commercial Plumbing

The success of MegaPress on the Stockman Flats project has led Thermal Engineering to adopt it as its standard for future work. From small commercial jobs to sprawling warehouses, press technology is now their go-to solution for gas, water and even air lines.

The partnership between Viega and Thermal Engineering is a model for how manufacturers and contractors can work together to drive innovation. By providing hands-on support, educational resources and responsive customer service, Viega has empowered Thermal Engineering to deliver projects faster, safer and more efficiently.

Key Takeaways for Contractors and Developers

• Press technology dramatically reduces installation time and labor costs on projects of all sizes and scales.
• It is reliable and easy to use, making it the perfect choice for complex commercial environments.
• For successful adoption of press technology, support and training from Viega are crucial.
• Embracing press technology gives contractors a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.

Connect and Learn More

Thermal Engineering’s journey with Viega MegaPress is a testament to commercial plumbing advancements. By embracing new technology, investing in training and fostering strong partnerships, they have impacted their construction project results . As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the future is press, and Viega systems provide solutions.

For more information on press technology, training opportunities or to request a project consultation, visit http://www.viega.us or reach out to your local Viega representative.