McElroy, a leading designer and manufacturer of thermoplastic pipe-fusion equipment, is proud to announce the induction of Dave Porter and Dudley Burwell into the Fusion Hall of Fame, recognising their lasting influence on the polyethylene pipe industry and their contributions to advancing fusion technology.

Created in 2019, the Fusion Hall of Fame recognises the innovators whose commitment to development and acceptance of fusible plastic pipe has significantly advanced the fusible plastic pipe industry over the past 50 years. Inductees are individuals whose contributions have been particularly notable and whose impact and influence on the industry lives on today.

“These two individuals represent decades of dedication to improving how polyethylene pipe systems are designed, manufactured, installed, and supported,” said McElroy President and CEO Chip McElroy. “Their commitment to our industry has directly contributed to the success and innovation we celebrate today.”

Burwell and Porter were officially inducted into the Fusion Hall of Fame during INFUSION26, McElroy’s annual industry conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Dudley Burwell

A chemist by training and entrepreneur by nature, Dudley spent more than five decades helping expand the use of polyethylene piping systems while advocating for quality, consistency and industry collaboration.

After early roles with DuPont and Plexco, Dudley founded Fluid Controls in 1979. Under his leadership, the company became a recognised provider of industrial HDPE piping solutions and a pioneer in fabricated and dual-containment systems.

Dudley’s impact extended well beyond his own company. He served in leadership and technical roles with organisations including ASME, ASTM, the Plastics Pipe Institute and IAPD, helping develop standards that continue to guide the design, fabrication and installation of polyethylene piping systems today.

Dave Porter

Dave joined McElroy in 1984 as a project engineer and quickly established himself as a creative problem solver capable of turning ambitious concepts into practical solutions. Over the course of his career, he contributed to the development of numerous products that expanded the capabilities of fusion professionals in the field. His engineering work helped advance automated fusion technology, including innovations that contributed to the development of the AutoMc® line and the TracStar® series.

He was also instrumental in designing specialised equipment for unique applications, including a 78-inch fitting machine built for Phillips Driscopipe.

Beyond the products he helped create, Dave left a lasting mark on McElroy through his willingness to mentor younger engineers and share his knowledge with colleagues.

Though their careers followed different paths, Dave and Dudley share a common legacy of advancing the fusion industry through innovation, problem-solving and service to others. The two were honoured during the Fusion Hall of Fame ceremony at INFUSION26, where colleagues, friends and family gathered to celebrate their achievements and the impact they have had on generations of fusion professionals.

To learn more and see past inductees, visit http://fusionhalloffame.com/.