Why Sigma Corp. hired Beason

A New Jersey pipefitter hired Don Beason to fight an obscure law.

Sigma Corp., based in Creamridge, N.J., distributes pipe fittings and manhole covers used in underground drinking water projects that it manufactures in China and India.

The company lost business in North Carolina in 2002 when a bill passed that added a provision to state law requiring all steel and iron used in state projects be made in the United States. 

Mike Robinson, a bridge construction engineer for the N.C. Department of Transportation, said it supported the law because of problems with foreign steel in some projects. He said a broken casting made from foreign steel caused a fatal accident in one case. 

But Sigma president Victor Pais said the company's products are safe and made to American standards. He argued that the rule is essentially protectionism that benefits two competitors, East Jordan Iron Works and Neenah Foundry.

"When imports are out, they hit a home run," he said. 

A study bill that is in committee would look at the issue.