PMI honors legislators

Ferguson (Newport News, VA) opened a new Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Depew, NY, June 1. It features fully functional displays and carries appliances, lighting, cabinets and countertops. Ferguson said it will expand the size of the existing showroom to 6,000 sq. ft. over the next few months while remaining open for business. Shelly Hermans is showroom manager.

Wiseway Supply (Florence, KY) will host a grand opening celebration for its newest branch at 101 Miller Street in Franklin, OH, the week of June 13. Read more.

Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) Executive Committee members and PMI Executive Director Barbara C. Higgens traveled to Washington, D.C., to present Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and James Inhofe (R-OK) and Congressman Tom Petri (R-WI) with the Legislator of the Year awards. This was in recognition of their leadership and support of the PMI-supported Reduction of Lead in Water Act signed into law Jan. 4 by President Barack Obama (P.L.111-380). The bill harmonizes the 0.25% maximum lead content of plumbing products and provides a 36-month implementation period.

Foremost Groups celebrated the grand opening of its new manufacturing and distribution center in Hobart, IN. The location includes a 50,000-sq.-ft. warehouse, distribution and manufacturing facility, and a 2,000-sq.-ft. regional showroom. It will serve as the distribution center and showroom for Foremost branded products such as the SOMA by Foremost (luxury line of bathroom vanities), Contrac vitreous china and the company’s new product offering, Foremost Shower Enclosures. Most of the shower and tub doors will also be produced at the new manufacturing facility. Pictured at the grand opening (L-R): Jim Jankauskis, product manager, shower doors; Dave Bruce, executive VP; John Bathurst, plant manager; and Bob Kermelewicz , executive VP (all with Foremost Groups); with Hobart Mayor Brian K. Snedecor.

Moen has introduced a mobile version of moen.com.  The mobile site (located at m.moen.com*) provides visitors with access to the three most-visited sections of moen.com:  products, installation and where to buy. According to Forrester research, in 2010, 91% of the American population had a mobile subscription, and by 2013, half of U.S. mobile users will access the Internet via a mobile device. Visitors typing in www.moen.com from a mobile device will automatically see the mobile version of the site, but will also have the option to visit the full traditional website.

Newport Brass has launched its redesigned website with a bold new look and a wealth of information. Its streamlined format makes it easy to use for designers, consumers and showroom consultants. Among its new features are enhanced specification sheets on every product; large color product images suitable for printing; resource sections for showroom consultants including latest news, new products and promotions; a dedicated repair parts section; a "Save Your Favorites" feature; an expanded listing of product features; and architectural drawings for use by design and building professionals.

Staron Surfaces, a division of Samsung, has expanded its market reach in Mexico by adding distributor EB Técnica, a subsidiary of Elkay Manufacturing Co. The distribution channel will include both Staron’s Solid Surfaces and Tempest products line.

Orchid Ceramics announced that after nine years in the porcelain and ceramic tile business, it will close its current U.S. operations based in Tulsa, OK. With a tentative closure date of July 31, 2011, the company will halt commercialization of its products in the U.S.  Its parent company, Corona, based in Colombia, South America, made the difficult decision to close Orchid Ceramics for several strategic reasons. More on this.

Porcelanosa has been recognized by the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), with a first place award in the category of flooring for porcelain hardwood. Read more.

BNP Media, parent company of Supply House Times, Plumbing & Mechanical, PM Engineer, and Reeves Journal, is partnering with BirdDog Career Centers to provide job placement and career counseling solutions. "Many of our markets are rebounding from hard times," said BNP Media Publishing Director Tim Fausch. "This new career center allows us to help strengthen the plumbing, hydronics, PVF, sheet metal and HVAC markets by matching employers with ideal employees." Read more.