Industry News
Elkay Plumbing Products Division announces new format for Broadview facility
Elkay Plumbing Products Division president Jim Scott announced that the company has committed to a substantial investment to transform its Broadview, Ill., sink manufacturing facility into the Elkay Technology Center, which will include a new “rapid production facility.” This facility will feature flexible tooling and production capability to deliver a new approach to high-value products that meet demands for more individualized lifestyle kitchen and bath solutions.
The Elkay Technology Center will produce high-end sinks featuring innovative shapes, sizes and finishes, going from concept to production significantly faster than is possible with today’s manufacturing systems.
Elkay sink plants in Lumberton, N.C., and Ogden, Utah, will assume responsibility for more of the high-volume sink production for Elkay’s Plumbing Products Division.
When high-volume sink production is transferred, and the renovations necessary to create the Elkay Technology Center complete, the company will retain a large portion of the current Broadview plant employees. The company reached a new five-year labor agreement with the unions who represent the Broadview plant employees, which allows the Elkay Technology Center to be placed in Broadview. The agreement forms a new partnership for the creation of a performance-based, highly efficient manufacturing center. Moreover, the company and unions have established significant transition packages to help Broadview employees and their families who will be laid off.
For details, visit www.elkay.com.
J.H. Larson hosts showroom opening
On October 5, J.H. Larson hosted a Grand Re-Opening Celebration to unveil the makeover of its Pahl’s Kitchen & Bath Showroom Collection here. About 275 people attended the event, enjoying catered hors d’oeuvres, wine and champagne.
The 2500-square-foot showroom includes a 360-square-foot area of all working displays; Grohe custom shower, maax pre-plumbed shower, air tub/whirlpool combination tubs, toto toilets and more.
Design on the project started in August 2006 and demolition/remodel began in February 2007. The project involved full interior and exterior transformation at the same time, while the showroom remained open for business.
According to company officials, the concept was to refurbish the existing, outdated building and create a warm and inviting atmosphere for a showroom. They hoped to create a feel of walking into a home, not a “commercial” showroom setting.
California bill provides for higher efficiency toilets
California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recently signed into law Assembly Bill No. 715, supported by the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute, that encourages and provides for the gradual conversion to higher efficiency toilets and urinals in California.
Many existing toilets average 1.6 gallons per flush. High efficiency toilets use only 1.28 gpf or less, while high efficiency urinals use one-half gallon per flush or less. Under the new law, plumbing manufacturers have committed to have at least half of their toilet models sold in California to be high efficiency by 2010. By 2014, all toilets and urinals sold in the state will be high efficiency models. The new high efficiency toilets and urinals will use less water, helping alleviate demands on water agencies in California.
Toilet manufacturers are prepared to contribute significant effort and investment to incorporate high efficiency improvements. These engineering enhancements will deliver desirable performance to consumers while helping the state use less water.
Recognizing the technology investment required for manufacturers to meet this desire for high efficiency toilets and urinals, the legislature provided a manageable timeframe for the new standard to take effect. Also critical from pmi’s perspective was ensuring the law was sound and enforceable, as well as the necessity of avoiding a repeat of the performance problems experienced in the early days of 1.6 gpf toilets when that standard was prematurely mandated.
Warren Alloys opens new Florida location
Warren Alloy announced the opening of its “shipping depo” in Lakeland, Fla. The facility has 16,000 square feet of indoor storage plus a pipe yard, putting products customers need where they want them, when they want them.
Matt Patton, an 18-year pvf sales veteran, has joined the Warren Alloy team to manage the new Florida facility and to lead the outside sales effort in the Southeast market, further assisting Warren Alloy’s Houston, Charlotte and Cincinnati operations. Patton can be reached at 407/376-3600 or via e-mail at mpatton@warrenalloy.com. The location is at 4100 South Frontage Road, Building 200, Lakeland, FL.
With an ongoing commitment to being a pure master distributor selling only to distribution, Warren Alloy’s extensive inventory is now closer than ever. Among its offerings are pipe, tubing, weld fittings, pressure fittings, flanges and nipples, along with Warren and Neway Valves.
Customers can expect the same commitment to service and on-time shipments that they have come to rely on from Warren Alloy’s Houston, Charlotte, Salt Lake City and Cincinnati locations.
New Products
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Swing check valves New additions have been added to the Flo-Flex family of rubber disc swing check valves. Model 745 provides a broad line of flexible rubber disc swing checks. The flange-to-flange lay length is according to ANSI/AWWA C508-01. Model 745BF features a back flush device used to manually operate the valve in the field. This valve option can be ordered at the time of purchase or installed in the field at any time. Model 745PI provides a valve disc position indicator that gives a distinct indication of the disc position during operation in the field. Danfoss Flomatic Corporation.
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Antimicrobial water cooler These water coolers have unique antimicrobial additive that inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew on key contact areas for a more sanitary environment. Ideal for schools, hospitals, health care facilities, offices and medical buildings. AlphaSan is molded into the bubbler and push pads, and mixed into the powder coasted paint on the nose. Bubblers and push pads have the word "antimicrobial" molded into them so users know the contact areas are providing protection against the spread of microorganisms. OASIS. |
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Non-toxic antifreeze NO-FREEZ is the original non-toxic antifreeze heat transfer fluid. Available in a variety of concentrations. Chemically balanced, fully inhibited solutions are engineered for radiant and hydronic systems and many other uses. UTILITY.
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Butterfly valves Series 89-GEN grooved end butterfly valves feature a ductile iron body, BUNA-N or EPDM encapsulated ductile iron disc, 431 stainless steel two-piece stem and Teflon shaft bushings with NRB O-ring shaft seals. Comply with the requirements for MSS-SP67 and are designed to ANSI/AWWA C-606 rigid grooved specs. Pressure rated to 175psi; maximum operating temperature of 275¡F. Available in sizes 2" to 12". Mueller Steam Specialty.
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Movers & Shakers
Basco Shower Enclosures named Don Gamble to the newly created position of executive vice president. Gamble will oversee Basco sales and marketing in all distribution channels. Prior to joining Basco, Gamble served in senior sales and marketing leadership roles at Whirlpool Corporation and Eljer Inc. |
First Supply promoted both Elliot Collier and Mike Hickok to the newly created positions of executive vice presidents. They will jointly share responsibility for all day-to-day operations of the company, reported directly to chairman Joe Poehling. Collier and Hickok assume the duties of Dick Adix, who will retire as coo at the end of 2007. Collier, a 20-year company veteran, has held positions as marketing manager, branch manager, vice president-sales, vice president-marketing, and will continue in his role as vice president-sales and marketing programs. |
Coastal Industries appointed Chris Carreiro regional sales manager for southern Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi. He has 11 years of experience in the glass industry. |
Tom Walker was appointed director of operations for Steamist. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s daily operations in an effort to increase efficiency and achieve profitability goals. Walker spent 18 years with The Woodbridge Group, serving as production and plant manager, corporate productivity manager and manufacturing engineering specialist. |