Core & Main: National Scale with Local Expertise

Core & Main is a leading distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage and fire protection products, combining its national scale with its local expertise. Its history and size in the industry make it a strong partner for utilities. Core & Main offers local expertise for metering and smart utility solutions.

“Customers value our service because we’re responsive and want to empower them. We basically think of ourselves as an extension of their teams,” says Kirk Peterson, senior municipal advisor for Core & Main. “We can coordinate all activities from billing to working with utilities in the field for installation and technical support.”

Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an area where Core & Main’s expertise and products are crucial for utilities.

“When you have AMI come in, it is like going from an old kite to a jet plane,” Peterson says. “Core & Main has successfully completed more than 1,900 AMR/AMI metering projects nationwide.”

This means Core & Main is supporting its customers as they navigate these changes. “With AMI systems, cities want to be more proactive about their data, and our customers want access to their information,” Peterson said. “Our job is to help them operate the jet plane so they can bring efficiencies and accuracy to their own operations and their customers.”

Core & Main has eight branches in Minnesota and North Dakota to serve its customers. For example, the St. Cloud waterworks branch offers 9,600 square feet of water, sewer, and storm drain products. They offer delivery, estimating and training to their customers.

“We help utilities maximize the value of their metering systems,” Peterson says. “Our smart utility products and beyond-the-meter solutions such as customer portal software help both the customer and the utility better understand their usage. It is a win-win.”

With Core & Main providing expertise and support on even the most challenging utility project, customers can move forward on their smart utility objectives in an efficient, cost-effective way.