It’s Called the Iron Bowl for A Reason!

The Iron Bowl is the greatest rivalry in sports – period. As well it should be since it represents the best of what this country has to offer: college athletes playing for glory on the gridiron; two diehard fanbases living next door to each other; and a tradition that harkens back to the materials that built America. This rivalry is uniquely strong and uniquely Alabama – just like the iron industry.

When Auburn University and the University of Alabama meet Saturday afternoon for the 89th time, the iron industry will raise a glass to salute both teams. Then the industry will get back to its important work – work that everyone here in the state knows is important to not only preserve but also expand and grow.

For nearly a year and a half, I have had the distinct privilege to lead the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association – or DIPRA – as its president. While I was familiar with the group’s member companies and the products they manufacture before coming on board, in my time on the DIPRA team, I have gained a tremendous appreciation for the outstanding superiority of the proven material that is Ductile iron.

DIPRA’s member companies – American Ductile Iron Pipe, McWane Ductile, and U.S. Pipe – all have operations in Birmingham, which at one time ensured the Magic City rivaled Pittsburgh, PA, for manufacturing iron and steel. In their foundries today, these companies make pipes that provide drinking water infrastructure and sewer systems throughout our country. The water you used today to make your morning coffee, take a shower, clean clothes and dishes, and drink very likely made its way to you through Ductile iron pipes, which means it was delivered through the best pipes ever made.

That’s not biased because I lead the industry’s trade association, and it’s not an exaggeration or hyperbole either. Ductile iron pipes are manufactured to the highest standards and, like its predecessor cast iron, will last for more than 100 years. These pipes are strong; they can ride out an earthquake. These pipes are resilient; they remain intact without melting in extreme heat, such as seen in wildfires. These pipes are durable; they will provide clean, safe drinking water for generations.

In that way, Ductile iron pipes honor the legacy of the Iron Bowl: the strength of the players, the resilience of the schools, and the durability of the rivalry itself. All of that is a testament to the strength of Ductile iron, which is American-made and a product of American ingenuity.

As we continue counting our blessings, remember that Alabama is both the capital of college football and the capital of the iron industry. Let us give thanks that the fabled Iron Bowl remains strong and resilient. And let us give thanks for the strength, resilience, and durability of the iron and steel sectors that remain vibrant in Birmingham and elsewhere. Good luck to both teams- regardless of the outcome you are doing our state and its history proud.

David Cole is President of DIPRA, which was founded more than 100 years ago to provide accurate, reliable, and essential engineering information about cast iron — and now Ductile iron — pipe to water utilities and consulting engineers.

As originally appeared on Alabama Daily News