Industry News

Sloan has issued a new white paper that discusses the results of the PERC I (The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition) study: Down the Drain. By carefully controlling certain variables, the PERC I study sought to learn how drain lines react and which of these variables impact performance significantly while other variables do not. As the Read more

Sloan has issued a new white paper that discusses the results of the PERC I (The Plumbing Efficiency Research Coalition) study: Down the Drain. By carefully controlling certain variables, the PERC I study sought to learn how drain lines react and which of these variables impact performance significantly while other variables do not.

As the plumbing industry continues to push the envelope by reducing water consumption levels, low-flow, high efficiency toilets have emerged to support water conservation. However, unintentional consequences from reducing water usage have affected the drain line function.

The PERC I study sought to apply a scientific approach towards a better understanding of drain line function under lower flow conditions so that the plumbing industry can work proactively to prevent widespread blockages from becoming a reality. The study uncovered that toilet paper – along with the pipe slope and flush volume – are key variables in determining whether drain lines might be predisposed to a clog.

The white paper reviews the results in relationship to real-life building conditions in the United States – conditions that Sloan, as the premier manufacturer of flushometers, has faced for over one hundred years. The goal is to help owners and engineers understand that the combination of slope, flush volume and toilet paper are only part of a larger drain line transport equation; that actual building conditions must be factored into any specification or application of plumbing systems to assure proper performance.

In fact, in the white paper Sloan strongly recommends an onsite visit by a plumbing engineer as part of the entire process in ANY retrofit project. Such a hands-on survey of the building’s entire plumbing system can help identify potential issues and affect the outcome for the best possible solutions, which may not support ultra-low water flows.

“A more comprehensive understanding of real time conditions can help both manufacturers and building owners conserve water, our most precious resource, without sacrificing performance and user satisfaction,” says Mike Gipson, Flushometer Product Line Manager for Sloan.

To help you determine if low-flow flushometers are suited for your restroom environment, download a PDF of the Down the Drain white paper at http://www.sloanvalve.com/%5CWhitePapers%5CSLV3684_PERC_white_paper_final_042315.pdf

For more information, contact: Sloan Valve Company, 10500 Seymour Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131, visit www.sloanvalve.com, call 800-9-VALVE-9 (800-982-5839) or fax 800-501-3989.

Plumbing distributor serves Chicago, northern Illinois and northwest Indiana WinWholesale Inc., headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, has acquired M. Cooper Supply, of Mokena, Ill. WinWholesale is one of the nation’s largest distributors of supplies and materials to residential and commercial construction and industrial markets. The transaction closed July 1. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed Read more

Plumbing distributor serves Chicago, northern Illinois and northwest Indiana

WinWholesale Inc., headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, has acquired M. Cooper Supply, of Mokena, Ill. WinWholesale is one of the nation’s largest distributors of supplies and materials to residential and commercial construction and industrial markets. The transaction closed July 1. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

M. Cooper Supply is a plumbing distributor providing services to the Chicago metro area, all counties in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana from its distribution center in Mokena. The company will do business as M. Cooper Winsupply.

Tom Schleisner, WinWholesale area leader, has been named interim president of M. Cooper Winsupply. Current M. Cooper executives Dave Poteete and Greg Goode will remain with the company in senior-level positions.

“M. Cooper Supply is an established company with a significant footprint in the Chicago market along with northern Illinois and northwest Indiana,” said Jack Johnston, WinWholesale president. “This acquisition supports our growth strategy by giving us an important presence in these markets and will enable us to build on the strong customer relationships M. Cooper has developed over the years.”

“M. Cooper Supply is fortunate to become part of the Win Group of Companies,” said Dave Poteete, formerly chief operating officer who was named vice president, M. Cooper Winsupply. “Being part of one of the national leaders in wholesale distribution strengthens our ability to invest in inventory needed to grow sales.” The company was owned by Dennis Goode who sold his 100 percent ownership to WinWholesale.

M. Cooper Winsupply is located at 8605 Spring Lake Drive in Mokena, Ill., with an 80,000 square foot distribution center, and has 75 employees.

Watts track lavatory carriers feature a proprietary design that allows for independent horizontal and vertical adjustment of arms. These new robust, reliable “fast carriers” are designed to be easily installed by one person, cutting 30 minutes per carrier off the typical installation time. Watts pre-boxes its track lavatory carriers for ease of installation, as well Read more

Watts track lavatory carriers feature a proprietary design that allows for independent horizontal and vertical adjustment of arms. These new robust, reliable “fast carriers” are designed to be easily installed by one person, cutting 30 minutes per carrier off the typical installation time.

Watts pre-boxes its track lavatory carriers for ease of installation, as well as transport and inventory.

For more information visit Watts.com.

Top Contractors Receive VIP Treatment during Nashville Experience Trip Lochinvar recently hosted 16 of its top VIP Contractors and their guests for the annual four-day Nashville Experience. The visiting VIPs were treated to an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2015 CMA Fest, as well as a chance to check out Lochinvar’s world headquarters and meet with Read more

Top Contractors Receive VIP Treatment during Nashville Experience Trip

Lochinvar recently hosted 16 of its top VIP Contractors and their guests for the annual four-day Nashville Experience. The visiting VIPs were treated to an all-expenses-paid trip to the 2015 CMA Fest, as well as a chance to check out Lochinvar’s world headquarters and meet with the Lochinvar business team.

Winners and their guests stayed at Nashville’s Omni Hotel, a short walk from LP Field and the riverfront festival grounds. This year’s lineup included country’s biggest stars such as Alan Jackson, Jason Aldean, Zac Brown Band, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church and Luke Bryan. Several VIPs even had the opportunity to meet some of the performing artists.

During the group’s visit to Lochinvar’s headquarters in nearby Lebanon, they toured the manufacturing facility and got a first glimpse of the expansion that is currently underway with expected completion in early 2016. They also sat down with Lochinvar leaders for round-table discussions where they learned about the company’s latest technologies such as CON·X·US™ remote connectivity and upcoming innovations while sharing their own insights and feedback from the field.

“We had such a great time with all of the VIP Contractors and their guests who made the trip to Nashville this year,” said Jennifer VanHook, marketing services manager. “It’s an honor to welcome these valued partners to our hometown and headquarters and hear their opinions, while rewarding them for their hard work.”

The following VIP Contractors traveled to Nashville for the festivities along with their guests:

  • Kevin Hart of Hart Plumbing & Heating in Gonic, N.H.
  • John Zinser of Zinser Plumbing & Heating in Clare, Mich.
  • Jamie Whitehead of Cooper Plumbing & Heating in Calgary, Alta.
  • Aaron Jazynka of Master Mechanical in Papillion, Neb.
  • Matthew Shwert of CCL Mechanical in Marlborough, Mass.
  • Don Kastenschmidt of Sheren Plumbing & Heating in Traverse City, Mich.
  • Craig Childress of CCL Mechanical in Peabody, Mass.
  • Stephen Ramsey of Energy Management Systems in Garden City, Kan.
  • Nathan White of White’s Plumbing & Heating in Kenai, Alaska
  • Donnie Briggs of DiPietro Heating & Cooling in Bradford, Mass.
  • Steven Carr of SPC Plumbing & Heating in Methuen, Mass.
  • Rob Dahl of Total Mechanical in Oconomowoc, Wis.
  • Kevin Miller of Miller Mechanical in Townsend, Mass.
  • Mark Lee of Carlson Mechanical in Bothell, Wash.
  • Greg Cosgro of GEM Plumbing & Heating in Lincoln, R.I.
  • Paul Ganem of Pipe Dreams Plumbing & Heating in Norton, Mass.

For more information about Lochinvar, visit www.Lochinvar.com.

It’s not often that a company is named one of the best places to work, let alone receive the ranking for four consecutive years. But, Moen has done exactly that – the #1 faucet brand in North America is honored to be voted one of the Top Workplaces in Northeast Ohio by The Plain Dealer Read more

It’s not often that a company is named one of the best places to work, let alone receive the ranking for four consecutive years. But, Moen has done exactly that – the #1 faucet brand in North America is honored to be voted one of the Top Workplaces in Northeast Ohio by The Plain Dealer. The list is based on employee feedback in anonymous surveys. The announcement was made in the June 21st edition of the Cleveland-based daily newspaper.
The Top Workplaces Award, now in its sixth year, recognizes area employers who are cultivating a culture where workers feel valued, respected and are fairly compensated for their work. Thousands of employees in Northeast Ohio were surveyed by WorkplaceDynamics, LLP, a leading research firm on organizational health and engagement. The survey included questions regarding company leadership, training, compensation, workplace flexibility and diversity. WorkplaceDynamics conducts regional Top Workplaces programs with 40 major publishing partners across the United States.
“Employee satisfaction is a top priority at Moen, and we’re absolutely thrilled to receive this honor for the fourth year in a row,” said Robyn Hill, vice president of human resources, Moen. “Our people have been instrumental in building the company’s reputation and driving growth, not only in Northeast Ohio but across the globe.”
Comments from previous surveys speak volumes about the work environment at Moen. One employee said, “I feel like an integral part of the team. The atmosphere is the best I have ever had in my professional career of 30 years.” Also, the senior managers are praised for their work ethic; “They’re willing to work hard in doing what’s right for the company.” Another employee noted, “They care about you as an individual and support your work-life balance.”
Moen is committed to its associates – offering healthy lifestyle and community support programs. At the corporate headquarters in North Olmsted, Ohio, for example, Moen provides free flu shots and onsite mammograms. The company also holds an annual Health Fair and conducts regular blood pressure and cholesterol testing. In addition, all Moen associates are encouraged to join its state-of-the-art, staffed Wellness Center and participate in programs including fitness challenges and lunch ’n’ learn sessions.
As part of Moen’s ongoing dedication to giving back, a global team has been established to support social causes and organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and The United Way. In addition to monetary contributions, Moen associates also donate their time throughout the year.
Moen also encourages associate development.  Moen University serves as Moen’s unique, strategic learning framework that provides a comprehensive selection of e-learning tools, onsite classes and university/professional development opportunities.  The company provides additional supports to its associates through a generous tuition reimbursement program and a college scholarship program for their children.
Promoting from within is a priority for Moen. Accordingly, all open positions are posted internally, resulting in more than 40 percent of job openings being filled by current associates.
“Our associates are the foundational element of this organization – we work hard as a team everyday to make this the best work environment, while striving to do good for the community,” Hill added. “As a result, we have passionate employees who are consistently creating thoughtfully designed products, care about the needs of our customers and know they’re making a positive difference.”
For more information about Moen, visit moen.com or call 1-800-BUY-MOEN.   To view the complete list of Top Workplaces, visit topworkplaces.com.  For more information about WorkplaceDynamics, please visit workplacedynamics.com.