As Instantor marks its 100th anniversary, employees took on the Mater Hospital Foundation’s 100 Miles in a Month Challenge throughout February to support cardiac care at the Mater Public Hospital in Dublin, raising over €10,100.
Participants ran, jogged, or walked 100 miles over the course of the month, getting active while helping the hospital continue to transform patient care and save even more lives. Founded in 1926, Instantor has proudly operated in Dublin since its launch, and this challenge was a meaningful way for the company to give back to the local community as it celebrates a century in business.
Debbie Moloney, Brand Manager at Instantor, says: “I am very proud to have taken on the 100 Miles in a Month challenge alongside my colleagues at Instantor. There were 17 of us participating, and we’re pleased to have raised vital funds for cardiac care at the Mater Public Hospital. The hospital does incredible, life-saving work for patients every day, and as a Dublin-based business for the past 100 years, it means a great deal to us to be able to support our local community.”
A spokesperson from Mater Hospital Foundation adds: “We’re incredibly grateful to the Instantor team for taking on the 100 Miles Challenge and raising over €10,100 in support of cardiac care at the Mater Public Hospital. Instantor’s commitment, energy and generosity will make a real difference to patients and our hospital staff who care for them every day. It’s inspiring to see Instantor come together in this way, and we truly thank everyone involved for their support.”
Instantor is renowned for its innovative, quality assured plumbing products and is a market leader in press solutions. The company provides heating and plumbing engineers with press fittings, pipes and tools designed as flame-free, quick and reliable solutions for projects of any scale. This includes the Instantor Press System, an all-in-one solution combining press fittings and multilayer Pex-Al-Pex pipe.
To mark its centenary, Instantor has planned a full programme of celebrations throughout 2026, recognising both its rich heritage and its ongoing commitment to the industry and wider community. Activities will include exclusive product promotions for installers and merchants; customer, employee and community engagement initiatives; new merchandise and brochures; and a strong presence at InstallerSHOW in June, where Instantor will host its largest stand to date.
Debbie adds: “This is an incredibly exciting year for Instantor as we celebrate 100 years in business, and the 100 Miles in a Month Challenge was a superb way to kick things off. We’re honoured to be supporting the Mater Hospital Foundation. There is still a chance for people to donate, and we would encourage anyone who can to do so to help make a real difference.”
To find out more about the 100 Miles in a Month Challenge and make a donation to Instantor’s team, please visit: www.idonate.ie/team/instantor100years. Donations are being accepted until 31st March 2026.
Instantor, a market leader in press solutions, will officially celebrate its 100th anniversary on 4th February 2026, marking a century of innovation that has helped shape and transform the plumbing and heating industry.
Founded in 1926, Instantor began operations from a foundry at St James’s Gate in Dublin, close to the iconic Guinness Brewery. From the outset, the company established a reputation for engineering excellence and innovation. That same year, Instantor patented the original brass compression fitting, setting a new benchmark for reliability and ease of installation – a legacy that continues to influence the industry today.
Over the past 100 years, Instantor has consistently driven progress within the plumbing and heating sector, evolving from a pioneering manufacturer into a premium brand synonymous with installation efficiency, safety and performance. Innovation remains at the heart of Instantor’s DNA. In 2025 alone, the company launched six ground breaking new products, including a revolutionary new press tool, a dedicated range of press fittings for ACR applications, and lead free brass compression fittings fully compliant with the revised European Commission Drinking Water Directive.
Instantor has played a pivotal role in simplifying plumbing and heating installations, championing solutions designed to save installers both time and money. Its comprehensive portfolio of press solutions delivers a safer, faster and more reliable way to join pipework, providing quality assured, fit and forget installations backed by guarantees of up to 50 years.
Alan Hogan, Managing Director – Plumbing, Heating & Kitchen Division at Sanbra Group, Instantor’s parent company, comments: “Reaching our 100th year is a remarkable milestone for Instantor, but what truly defines our success is the impact we’ve made along the way. In recent years alone, the business has evolved at pace – entering new markets, delivering industry changing innovations and earning prestigious awards. This progress is driven by an exceptional team, and as we look ahead to the next century, our focus remains firmly on continuing to lead and transform the market.”
To mark its centenary, Instantor has planned a full programme of celebrations throughout 2026, recognising both its rich heritage and its ongoing commitment to the industry. Activities will include exclusive product promotions for installers and merchants; customer, employee and community engagement initiatives; new merchandise and brochures; and a strong presence at InstallerSHOW in June, where Instantor will host its largest stand to date.
Martin Murphy, Managing Director of Sanbra Group, adds: “From the very beginning, Instantor has stood for innovation and leadership. Over the past 100 years, the brand hasn’t just witnessed change in our industry – it has helped drive it. Reaching this milestone is a proud moment for everyone involved, and we look forward to celebrating with our colleagues, customers, partners and the wider industry throughout the year.”
Following the launch of its R-Press fittings for ACR applications, Instantor has created a technical guide and compatibility chart to support installers on site and provide assistance for sales advisors at trade counters.
Transitioning to press fittings can be a game-changer for ACR installers, providing a safer and faster way to join pipework without the hassle of flame-based methods. Instantor R-Press fittings are designed for high-pressure applications of up to 48 bar pressure, including refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps (refrigeration side), VRF, and VRV systems. Because it’s flame-free, there’s no need for hot work permits, or fire watches, resulting in quicker installation, less downtime and safer working conditions, especially in tight or sensitive spaces.
The Instantor ACR Technical Guide is a comprehensive reference manual for merchants, installers and contractors working with air conditioning, refrigeration and heat pump applications. It provides clear guidance on the range of R-Press fittings, illustrated installation instructions and press tool compatibility, alongside detailed product data and compliance information. Designed to support safe, efficient, flame-free installation, the guide helps professionals achieve reliable, leak-free connections to complete jobs with speed, ease and confidence.
Instantor R-Press fittings are fully compatible with Instantor press tools, as well as most other commonly used press tools on the market. To help installers specify R-Press fittings with confidence, Instantor has created a clear compatibility chart showing which press tools and jaws can be used with the fittings.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “As more ACR installers look to move away from traditional flame-based methods, it’s essential they have the right information and support to do so safely and confidently. Our new ACR Technical Guide and R-Press compatibility chart have been developed specifically with installers and merchants in mind, providing clear, practical guidance on product selection, installation and tool compatibility. By combining high-performance press fittings with comprehensive technical resources, we’re making it easier than ever for ACR installers to adopt a faster, flame-free approach without compromising on reliability.”
To further support best practice and long-term performance, Instantor requires installers to complete approved competency training and certification specific to the R-Press system. Successful completion of this training is a key requirement to activate the extended 15-year warranty on Instantor R-Press fittings*, providing installers, contractors and end users with added reassurance that systems have been installed to the highest standards.
Neil adds: “Instantor R-Press fittings use a precision-engineered three-point press design for strong, permanent joints that installers can count on. As a mechanical joint, there’s no need for nitrogen purging, keeping systems cleaner and installations simpler. Engineered with the quality and reliability you expect from Instantor, our extended 15-year warranty puts real confidence behind every R-Press installation.”
Instantor, a leading manufacturer of high-quality plumbing products, is investing in the next generation of professional plumbers by bringing hands-on training directly to colleges. Utilising its Mobile Training Academy, Instantor has already visited 20 colleges, delivering practical, skills-focused sessions to students preparing to enter the industry.
During a recent visit to Southern Regional College in Portadown, Northern Ireland, Instantor introduced students to its Instantor Press Fittings and Multilayer Pipe (MLCP), Copper Press Fittings, and PAKTERMO CSST for gas installations. An expert trainer from Instantor delivered hands-on training across the various press solutions to students at different stages of their apprenticeship. Each learner had the opportunity to create a correct press joint using an Instantor Press Tool.
Paul Carey, Lecturer, Southern Regional College, comments: “The apprentices thoroughly enjoyed the training delivered by Instantor. The Mobile Training Academy was excellent and really well equipped, and I hope we have the opportunity to benefit from it again. It’s fantastic for the college to host demonstrations from market-leading manufacturers. It gives apprentices the chance to learn innovative installation techniques first-hand and be enthused by the latest products available to plumbers.”
Another recent stop for Instantor was Belfast Metropolitan College, where students were given an overview of the history of Instantor’s press fit solutions and shown the key benefits of the company’s fittings through live demonstrations. Groups of Level 2 and Level 3 plumbing students were then given the opportunity to trial the Instantor Press Tool and complete several joints.
Stephen Casement, Lecturer, Belfast Metropolitan College, says: “Our staff and students were very impressed by the presentation. Mark Mills [Area Sales & Business Development Manager, Instantor] delivered the training and certainly knows his product. He was brilliant at encouraging the students to participate and engage in the session. It was a fantastic opportunity for the college to host an industry expert and demonstrate such high-profile products.”
Mark Mills adds: “The Instantor Mobile Training Academy is a real asset for us, and it’s been great to host a series of training sessions at colleges recently. It is vital that we support the next generation of plumbing and heating engineers. The vehicle enables us to bring our state-of-the-art training to the doorsteps of colleges, giving students and apprentices the opportunity to gain experience on the benefits of press fittings first-hand. Inspiring young installers is an exciting prospect, and we look forward to having more opportunities to do so throughout 2026.”
Instantor, a trusted name in innovative heating and plumbing solutions, has been named one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies 2025. This marks the fifth year in a row that Instantor has been awarded this accolade, reaffirming its position as a leader in the Irish manufacturing sector. The announcement was made at an awards ceremony on Thursday, 25th September, which celebrated outstanding privately-owned businesses across Ireland.
Each year, the awards programme, led by Deloitte, honours companies following a rigorous judging process, assessing every aspect of their business strategy and management practices. Areas evaluated include strategic planning, governance, financial performance, culture, talent development, and innovation.
Commenting on the achievement, Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, says: “This award is a testament to the dedication, skill and passion of our team. At Instantor, we believe our success is driven by our commitment to continuous innovation, quality craftsmanship and the strong relationships we have built with our customers over almost a century. Being recognised among Ireland’s Best Managed Companies for the fifth time motivates us to keep raising the bar for excellence in our industry.”
Founded in 1926, Instantor has established itself as market leaders in press fit solutions, renowned for innovative, high-quality and reliable products. All Instantor products undergo rigorous in-house testing to meet the highest standards. The company offers an extensive range of trusted plumbing solutions, including:
Brian Murphy, Lead Partner for Ireland’s Best Managed Companies Awards Programme, adds: “Congratulations to all winning companies on their achievement. Irish indigenous businesses continue to impress, demonstrating unwavering resilience and commitment to excellence in an ever-changing economic landscape. The Ireland’s Best Managed Companies programme recognises the significant contribution these businesses make to our economy, communities, and the nation as a whole. It is essential that they are supported to grow and scale into the future, and the programme is proud to support them on that journey.”
With nearly 100 years of history, Instantor remains dedicated to developing plumbing solutions that combine tradition with innovation, ensuring lasting reliability for professionals across Ireland, the UK and beyond.
Instantor, a market-leader in press solutions and manufacturer of quality plumbing products since 1926, has underlined its commitment to customer service by announcing four key strategic movements within its team.
Ken Donegan has been promoted to Service & Training Manager and will lead Instantor’s customer after sales service and customer training in the UK and Ireland. Ken will also oversee an enhanced service structure including three field engineers, a dedicated internal technical support team, and a quality network of service agents. With over 30 years of experience within the heating and plumbing industry and having worked for Instantor for four years, Ken’s product knowledge is second-to-none, so taking lead on Instantor’s after sales service and customer training is a natural progression in his career.
Neil O’Brien will take up the new role of Operations Manager at Instantor’s Head Office and warehousing facility in Santry, Dublin. He will lead a strategic transformation project to enhance efficiency, reliability, and order fulfilment, drawing on his extensive experience in driving change across supply chain and business operations in FMCG, pharmaceutical, utilities, engineering, and contract logistics sectors.
John MacDermott has been promoted to Service & Training Engineer for the West of Ireland. His customer-first mindset and technical expertise will strengthen Instantor’s aftersales capabilities and responsiveness in the region. Previously an Area Sales Manager and Product Demonstrator at Instantor, John consistently delivered technical insight and practical support to customers, laying a strong foundation for his expanded responsibilities.
Richie Roche will step into the role of Business Development Manager for Leinster, Ireland, to help further develop partnerships with key domestic contractors. Richie has worked with Instantor for over three years as an Internal Sales Executive and boasts more than 20 years of experience in the plumbing and heating industry with a deep knowledge of products, systems, and solutions across the sector.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director at Instantor, explains: “Customer service has always been the foundation of our success and, along with our innovation and product quality, differentiates us from others in the market. Every solution and every innovation we introduce is grounded by the belief that exceptional service is what keeps our customers trusting and choosing us.
“We’re therefore delighted to announce these new roles, which will help ensure that we continue to deliver best-in-class aftersales care, seamless operations, technical expertise, and excellent support to our customers across the UK, Ireland and beyond.”
Providing a safer, faster way to join pipework, Instantor has developed brand new range of press fittings that are designed for high-pressure applications, up to 48 bar, including refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps (refrigeration side), and variable refrigerant flow systems. Instantor R-Press fittings deliver clean, reliable joints without the hassle of flame-based methods.
Transitioning to press fittings can be a game-changer for ACR installers, as they are flame-free, which eliminates the need for hot work permits or fire watches, and lengthy risk assessments are also reduced. This results in quicker installations, less downtime, and safer working conditions, especially in tight spaces.
Instantor R-Press fittings use a precision-engineered 3-point press design for strong, permanent joints that installers can count on. It’s a permanent mechanical joint, so there is no need for nitrogen purging, which keeps systems cleaner and installations simpler. Built with the quality and reliability you expect from Instantor, R-Press fittings help reduce callbacks and keep projects moving efficiently. The new range also comes with a 15 year warranty on completion of competency training.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “We’re thrilled to introduce our first-ever range of press fittings developed specifically for refrigeration and air conditioning applications. The new R-Press fittings embody the DNA and core values of the Instantor brand and are engineered with premium materials, backed by advanced technical design, and created with installers in mind. Installers can trust R-Press fittings to provide no fuss, no flame, just reliable, high-performance results.”
Key features and benefits of Instantor R-Press fittings:
Instantor has manufactured state-of-the-art products for professional plumbers for almost 100 years and is renowned for its press solutions, which place ease of installation at the forefront of thinking. As a market leader in Ireland, Instantor launched into the UK market in 2024. A recent survey of Professional Heating & Plumbing Installer (PHPI) magazine readers uncovered that Instantor is one of the preferred press fittings brands chosen by those surveyed*.
The survey also revealed that 94 per cent of respondents who have heard of Instantor think that the brand offers good to high quality products, while 57 per cent of those who favour Instantor do so because of its quality. Availability and excellent back up service were also key benefits recognised in the survey.
Andy Burton, Head of Marketing, Instantor, comments: “We supported the PHPI survey for a second consecutive year, as part of our commitment to understanding installer requirements, and to help us to continue to provide quality assured products that solve real life problems. The installers completing the survey mostly specify or recommend heating or plumbing products, and own their own business, so are exactly a primary audience for Instantor. The survey provided some fantastic feedback for us as a brand following our first year in the UK market and we are thrilled that our brand perception has increased impressively in just over 12 months.”
The PHPI survey questioned installers on whether they use press fittings and the main reservations that they have if not. Debbie Moloney, Brand Manager at Instantor adds: “There is still a proportion of installers that do not use press fittings and it’s our job as market leaders to champion the benefits to the plumbing and heating industry. Press fittings offer many advantages, providing a flame-free, quick and reliable solution for plumbing projects on any scale.”
As a press tool is used to crimp the fitting securely, and safely, onto the pipe the need for heat based methods, such as soldering, is removed. Press fittings save time and are up to 35 per cent faster compared to more traditional methods, they also eliminate fire risk testing and remove the need to purchase torches, flux, wire wool and other accessories. They are cost-effective by minimising labour time and the potential for callbacks arising from poorly finished joints, they also eradicate the potential for scorching or heat marks, resulting in a neater appearance. Debbie concludes: “With a growing reputation in the UK market, and a portfolio built on nearly a century of innovation, Instantor is committed to supporting installers with high-quality, reliable products, along with competency training designed to deliver best-in-class installations to drive the wider adoption of press fittings across the UK.”
Instantor, a trusted leader in innovative heating and plumbing solutions and part of the Sanbra Group, has secured Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for its Press System, including Press Fittings, Pex-Al-Pex Pipe, and Copper Press Fittings. These certifications reinforce Instantor’s commitment to sustainability, building customer confidence and creating new opportunities with partners focused on environmentally responsible solutions.
An Environmental Product Declaration is a verified, transparent document that details a product’s environmental impact throughout its life cycle. This includes raw material extraction, production, transport, use, and end-of-life stages such as recycling and reuse. Assessments are based on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), ensuring a science-based evaluation of sustainability performance.
The EPD Assessment for the Instantor Press System highlights:
Alan Hogan, Managing Director – Plumbing, Heating & Kitchens Division, Sanbra Group, says: “Achieving Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) on our Instantor Press products is a key milestone in our ESG journey and reflects our commitment to ISO 14000 environmental management standards. EPDs provide a transparent, science-based tool for customers to evaluate product performance on environmental impact, an essential factor in today’s construction industry.
“As sustainability expectations rise and regulations become more stringent, these certifications demonstrate that we are not only meeting compliance requirements but actively leading the way in responsible manufacturing. This reinforces our position as a forward-thinking partner, delivering heating and plumbing solutions that align with global sustainability goals and our customers’ environmental priorities.”
Instantor products already carry WRAS, KIWA, and NSAI approvals for Press Fittings and Pex-Al-Pex Pipe, while Copper Press Fittings are certified by WRAS and KIWA, and the gas range is GASTEC QA approved. All products undergo rigorous in-house and field testing at the Instantor Works Design & Testing Lab to ensure unmatched performance and reliability.
EPD certificates and additional technical information are available for download in the Resources section of the newly updated Instantor website, helping trade and specifier professionals make informed product choices for any project.
Installers can say goodbye to clunky, rigid pipework and hello to flexible, fast and secure heat pump connections with the launch of Instantor Paktermo HP hoses; a hassle-free solution designed for modern heating systems. The hoses can be paired with brand new Paktermo Push-Fit fittings to offer a smart, streamlined way to install heat pumps.
Engineered for a superior performance and built for varying weather conditions, Paktermo HP hoses benefit from a UV-resistant outer layer and closed-cell insulation to minimise heat loss and prevent condensation. Supplied in ready-to-use 10 metre coils, the new pipe from Instantor can be easily cut to length on site, making it an ideal solution for tight installations close to exterior walls. What’s more, thanks to its flexible corrugated design, installers have more freedom to position outdoor units exactly where they work best, without the constraints of traditional rigid pipework.
The new Paktermo HP hoses are designed to be durable and reliable. The stainless steel construction absorbs vibration and pressure spikes generated by heat pumps, protecting connections and extending the lifespan of the system. Additionally, the rust-resistant materials help to prevent corrosion, keeping the installation tight with minimal maintenance.
Instantor has also introduced Paktermo Push-Fit fittings, which pair with the Paktermo HP hoses for a system that is smart and straightforward. The installer simply has to push the fitting onto the pipe, tighten it with a wrench, and it’s good to go. It’s a faster, cleaner way to connect and can reduce installation time by up to 50 per cent. The secure seal keeps leaks locked out, and if the installer needs to make any changes later, disassembly is also quick and hassle-free. Fixing brackets and insulation tape are also available for a complete, safe, assembled system.
Neil Gaffney, Managing Director, Instantor, comments: “With a growing demand for heat pump solutions, the Instantor team has been working hard to develop a product that is designed to meet the evolving needs of installers and the heating industry. The result is a high-quality, time-saving solution that not only simplifies installation but also ensures long-term reliability and performance. Paktermo HP hoses, paired with our new Push-Fit fittings, are designed for speed and built to last, enabling a seamless heat pump installation every time.”
Key features and benefits of the Instantor Paktermo HP hoses:
Key features and benefits of the Instantor Paktermo Push-Fit fittings:
