Bangalore, India — The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) has opened the doors to its IAPMO-India Corporate office in the City of Bangalore, providing a strong platform for the adoption, implementation and education of the Uniform Plumbing Code – India throughout the nation.
Joining The IAPMO Group as Director of IAPMO-India, Abdul Matheen will oversee daily operations of the new office and expand the business unit’s reach and influence in the region. Matheen brings a diverse background with more than 20 years of expertise in thermal engineering, fluid dynamics and project management. Matheen has led M.E.P design teams involved in the building of hospitals, institutions, hotels, IT parks, commercial and residential buildings, high-rise structures and townships, in locations such as Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Kingdom. As a seasoned professional with global experience, his leadership will be the driving force to the constructive progress of IAPMO-India.
Subhash Deshpande, director of Plumbing Education and Certification for IAPMO-India, will oversee all educational operations of the new corporation. Deshpande is a well-known figure in the plumbing and education fields. With a background that speaks to a passion for education and training, he was the first to conduct, on behalf of the Indian Institute of Plumbing (IIP), the Apprentice Plumbers Training (APT), followed by the Professional Development Course (PDC). His most notable contribution is his conception, design and development of India’s first plumbing lab, located at the College of Engineering Pune (COEP).
Gillian D’Crus, office manager administrator, will plan, develop, implement and supervise the general administrative and office services. Her eleven years of experience will be a valuable asset to the organization and promote the smooth operation of IAPMO-India.
These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will certainly prove indispensable in achieving a highly regarded and valued program throughout India.
Earlier this year, IAPMO and the Indian Plumbing Association (IPA) introduced the UPC – India, an extensive code of plumbing practice that will serve the people of India for years to come. Like the UPC, the UPC-India was prepared through a consensus process and will be revised and updated every three years to incorporate the latest advances in technology. Free copies are being distributed to government bodies and educational institutions dealing with the subject.
IAPMO is also working with IPA and its education branch, the IIP, to provide plumbing training and education throughout India. A joint committee of the organizations has already begun working on the curriculum for the Plumbing Education to Employment Program (PEEP), which will offer structured programs for a Plumbing Design Engineer, Plumbing Construction Manager/Supervisor and Plumbing Installer/Repairer. IPA and IAPMO hope to launch PEEP by May 2009.
“With its dedicated staff, IAPMO-India will provide major efficiencies in conducting code work, training and education throughout India,” said Russ Chaney, IAPMO executive director, “and I anticipate in coming years it will grow in focus to manage the increasing opportunities of IAPMO to work with surrounding countries in Asia. This would not have been possible without IAPMO’s partnership with the Indian Plumbing Association. We owe our gratitude to the IPA and look forward to what the future will bring to the citizens of India.”
Last modified: October 8, 2008