“Bring It” Every Day
Listen Generously
Show Your Gratitude
Speak Straight
Merit Brass is a family-owned and operated business headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Founded by Lou Schlessinger and Frank Lifshitz in 1937, Merit is the nation's leading pipe nipple manufacturer and master distributor of flow control piping connections. Our goal is to provide a safe and sustainable infrastructure across all vertical markets (both plumbing and industrial).
EXPLORE SOLUTIONS FOR MY INDUSTRY
Merit Brass' legacy has been built on our commitment to quality, our investment in products that offer our customers with solutions that drive value, and our dedication to the success of our associates & their families through Merit's continued vision.
Merit brings to its customers in-depth market intelligence as part of our partnering relationship because we understand how that insight impacts your corporate initiatives. Our long-term supply chain partners fortify our ability to serve your PVF needs around pipe fittings, pipe flanges, pipe, tubing, valves, and thread tape.
Today, Merit Brass continues to live our legacy of addressing industry needs. In 2022, Merit acquired Supply Source Products, a master distributor of press fittings and valves in carbon, copper, and stainless steel.
Merit Brass is proud of those that worked diligently to create our legacy and we celebrate the talent that we have today. Our team is comprised of passionate individuals who possess industry knowledge and experience coupled with a drive for success through improvement. Our commitment to your Merit Experience is to provide trouble-free and on-time service from order inception all the way through shipment with over 200 associates across six locations.
Today, Merit's ownership includes the third generation, Marc Schlessinger (CEO) and Alan Lipp (CEO), with its fourth generation, Kyle Schlessinger and Kevin Lipp, actively working in their careers. Merit's ownership alongside Darren Hilliard (President) continues to live out our legacy of serving our wholesale distribution partners by helping you succeed with high quality piping system connections, our knowledge and education, and our decades of experience.
(left to right: Kevin Lipp, Alan Lipp, Darren Hilliard, Marc Schlessinger, and Kyle Schlessinger)
DISCUSS SOLUTIONS WITH OUR TEAM!
To set the industry standard for the highest TOTAL value of goods and services
To help our customers provide competitive and consistently conforming materials and services to their customers.
“Bring It” Every Day
Listen Generously
Show Your Gratitude
Speak Straight
Keep Things Fun!
Collaborate
Be Respectful
Assume Positive Intent
Be a Lifelong Learner
Manage Expenses
Pratice Blameless Problem Solving
Make Quality Personal
Pay Attention to the Details
Be Proactive to Drive Improvement
Deliver Legendary Customer Service
Be A Fanatic About Response Time
Honor Commitments
Own It!
Lead by Example
Lou Schlessinger and Frank Lifshitz founded Perfection Nipple Company producing iron and steel pipe nipples, brass furnace coils, and special steel pipe nipples.
Perfection Nipple expanded its offering to include brass and copper pipe nipples, gas-stove connectors, air filters, and plumbing tools.
Perfection Nipple became Reliance Tubular Products.
Reliance Tubular Products was purchased by a corporation in Indiana therefore resulting in the formation of Merit Brass Company in Cleveland, OH.
Merit Brass' Cleveland, OH facility was engulfed in a fire forcing them to relocate to a 40,000 sq. ft. facility.
Merit Brass began manufacturing stainless steel pipe nipples and distributing stainless steel pipe, valves, and fittings.
In 1982, Sheldon Schlessinger and Simon Lipp took over ownership of Merit Brass Company.
Merit Brass moved its Cleveland Headquarters into a 140,000 sq. ft. building.
Merit Brass expanded its geographical reach by adding a 33,000 sq. ft. distribution center in Sparks, NV.
Merit Brass continues to expand its footprint by adding a 33,000 sq. ft. distrbution center in Dallas, TX.
Sheldon Schlessinger and Simon Lipp's tenure was celebrated, and the torch was passed to Marc Schlessinger and Alan Lipp.
Merit Brass' fourth generation, Kevin Lipp, joined the Merit Brass Team.
Merit Brass added its fourth location in Birmingham, AL with a new 33,000 sq. ft. distribution center.
Merit Brass relocated its Dallas Distribution Center to a 43,000 sq. ft. facility across the street.
Merit Brass' Fourth Generation, Kyle Schlessinger, joined the Merit Brass Team.
Merit Brass added Leaded & Lead-Free Brass Ball Valves to its product offering.
Merit brass appointed Darren Hilliard as President and Glenn Bruce as Vice President of Operations.
Merit Brass expanded its product offering to include stainless steel and copper press fittings and valves.
Merit Brass appointed James Maloney as Vice President of Procurement and Don Russell as Vice President of Sales.
