Industry News

The WFDN Series Waterflow Detector is fully redesigned to meet the needs of today’s fire sprinkler professional. The new features of the timer dial, cover, and terminal block add convenience and save on installation time. The new timer dial is a first for waterflow detectors with a built-in time delay. Not only is it large Read more

The WFDN Series Waterflow Detector is fully redesigned to meet the needs of today’s fire sprinkler professional. The new features of the timer dial, cover, and terminal block add convenience and save on installation time.

The new timer dial is a first for waterflow detectors with a built-in time delay. Not only is it large and easy to turn, but its high-contrast, pad-printed markings and tactile features make it easy to set by feel in dimly lit or hard-to-reach locations. The detector’s built-in time delay mechanism is still immune to dust and other contaminants, but now it’s also designed for improved timer accuracy and repeatability.

The directional cover is molded so it can only be installed in one orientation, allowing the building owner or installer to see the direction of waterflow at a glance. The new non-metallic material is UV- and damage-resistant, and it helps provide a better seal while maintaining a NEMA 4 enclosure rating. The cover also acts as an insulator, resists corrosion and arching, and resists damage and electric shock more effectively than current metal designs on the market.

The wire-ready terminal block is designed for intuitive wiring. The new terminal layout places the common terminal on a different elevation, making it easy to determine how to properly wire the switch. The more robust paddle assembly allows the detector to perform better in applications where a dramatic in-rush of water causes a lot of vibration.

To find out how to convert to the fully redesigned WFDN Series Waterflow Detector offering or for more information about sprinkler products, please visit: systemsensor.com/sprinkler.

Exclusive VorMax Flush Technology, Combined with CleanCurve Rim and EverClean Surface, Provides Powerful, Water-Efficient Performance Eliminate those dreaded skid marks, splatter, and clingy dirt for good. The Optum VorMax toilet by American Standard features a new flushing technology that eliminates the traditional rim holes around the bowl that deliver water during a flush. Instead, the Read more

Exclusive VorMax Flush Technology, Combined with CleanCurve Rim and EverClean Surface, Provides Powerful, Water-Efficient Performance

Eliminate those dreaded skid marks, splatter, and clingy dirt for good. The Optum VorMax toilet by American Standard features a new flushing technology that eliminates the traditional rim holes around the bowl that deliver water during a flush. Instead, the VorMax flush delivers one powerful jet of water that scrubs the entire bowl clean. Plus, this high efficiency toilet’s CleanCurve Rim and EverClean surface make the toilet easy to clean and maintain.

A Cleaner Flush

The innovative VorMax flushing system has been independently verified to clean the bowl two times better than conventional toilets*. The toilet’s flushing action allows water to powerfully scour every square inch of the bowl, even the hard-to-reach spots under the rim.

The CleanCurve Rim omits the rim cavity and holes inside the bowl where dirt and buildup can get trapped and hide. In addition, the Optum VorMax features EverClean, the unique permanent finish, available exclusively from American Standard, which inhibits the growth of stain and odor-causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface, helping the toilet stay cleaner, longer.

Powerful, Water-Efficient Performance

The Optum VorMax achieves the highest bulk removal score on the Maximum Performance (MaP) test, an independent report of toilet performance. These high-efficiency toilets can successfully flush 1,000 grams (2.2 pounds) of waste while using a water-saving 1.28 gallons per flush (gpf). The Optum VorMax has earned WaterSense-certification from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for providing high performance while using 20 percent less water than traditional 1.6 gpf toilets.

Unique, Convenient Features

For easy installation, the Optum VorMax comes with an EZ-Install kit designed to ensure that floor bolts remain upright, the tank to bowl connection process is streamlined, and the time-consuming task of bolt cutting is eliminated. The toilet has a 12-inch rough-in configuration.

The Optum VorMax features an elongated bowl with a comfortable 16 1/2-inch Right Height bowl that is ADA-compliant. A decorative, slow-close seat, finished with the EverClean surface, is also included. The telescoping seat cover also conceals the seat ring when closed for a seamless look.

The Optum VorMax toilet is covered by a lifetime warranty on chinaware, a 10-year warranty on parts, and a one-year warranty on the slow-close seat. It is available exclusively at The Home Depot.

For more information, visit http://www.americanstandard.com or www.homedepot.com.

*Source: Test witnessed by IAPMO R&T Labs comparing VorMax against conventional under-the-rim-water-dispersal toilets from major retailers.

Slant/Fin is continuing the successful Hydro-Master contractor program into 2015. A primary benefit of the Hydro-Master program is that only certified Slant/Fin Hydro-Masters are listed on the Slant/Fin website.  Our website continuously generates new leads throughout the year for service work and new installations. Another great benefit, and arguably the most valuable part of the Read more

Slant/Fin is continuing the successful Hydro-Master contractor program into 2015. A primary benefit of the Hydro-Master program is that only certified Slant/Fin Hydro-Masters are listed on the Slant/Fin website.  Our website continuously generates new leads throughout the year for service work and new installations. Another great benefit, and arguably the most valuable part of the program, is that the contractor receives a 5 year parts and labor warranty on all cast-iron boilers they install. This warranty is non-transferrable and provided only to the contractor installing the boiler. Slant/Fin’s offer is unmatched throughout the industry.

To find out more about becoming a Slant/Fin Certified Hydro-Master and receive these benefits and more, go to http://www.slantfinhydromaster.com/ .

In addition to the warranty program and website listing, each Certified Hydro-Master that submits a boiler registration through http://www.slantfinhydromaster.com/index.php/resources/boiler-registration-form , will be entered into a drawing to win a 60” Samsung TV. They get one entry for each boiler registered. The drawing will be held during the first week of Jan 2016. The winner will be notified in person by a Slant/Fin representative.

Slant/Fin also features a Facebook page where contractors can post pictures of their installation jobs, as well as view other contractor’s showcased work. Like us on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SlantFin and feel free to post your installation pictures for us to share anytime you wish. We love the before and after shots. This is a great way to advertise your work for free. Please feel free to enter you company name, phone number, and website too!  We are happy to promote those who share their work with us.

All contractors that register for the Hydro-Master program are entered into our database and receive important information about Slant/Fin programs and promotional material. They will also be mailed the unique Slant/Fin 2015 calendar, featuring award winning movies and boiler stars. This special calendar lists all of the promotions that Slant/Fin will be doing throughout the year. One program will be the annual Installation contest, where the winner is awarded an iPad!

This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Plumbing Fittings and Fixtures in US$ Million by the following Product Segments: Plumbing Fittings (Bath & Shower Fittings, Lavatory Fittings, Kitchen and Other Sink Fittings, & Other Fittings), and Plumbing Fixtures (Bath & Shower Fixtures, Lavatory Fixtures, Kitchen and Other Sink Fixtures, & Other Fixtures). For more information Read more

This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Plumbing Fittings and Fixtures in US$ Million by the following Product Segments: Plumbing Fittings (Bath & Shower Fittings, Lavatory Fittings, Kitchen and Other Sink Fittings, & Other Fittings), and Plumbing Fixtures (Bath & Shower Fixtures, Lavatory Fixtures, Kitchen and Other Sink Fixtures, & Other Fixtures).

For more information please click on:
http://www.researchandmarkets.com/publication/m9e1sq2/plumbing_fittings_and_fixtures

Plumbing fittings and fixtures are crucial components of plumbing systems installed in buildings for efficient distribution of water within the building for drinking, washing, heating and for removing waterborne wastes from the building. Plumbing components are typically used in laying pipelines that provide means of transport for fluids into and out of the building. Given that efficient plumbing is a critical requirement for all buildings, demand for plumbing fittings and fixtures is dependent on the level of construction activity, which in turn is influenced by the overall health of the economy. The level of economic growth and construction activity primarily dictates market prospects for plumbing fittings and fixtures. Current improvement in economic growth as mirrored by the steady rise in global GDP, and improving consumer confidence is poised to boost housing starts, commercial and infrastructure construction projects and building renovation/retrofit activity in most nations.

Rapid urbanization in developing countries will continue to drive growth in the market, since strong urban concentration will trigger increases in infrastructure expenditure, and urban planning. The creation of large megacities involves the construction of high-rise buildings and skyscrapers, which in turn increases prospects for plumbing work, thus driving market prospects for plumbing fittings and fixtures. The urban drift and the ensuing growth in urban areas and reclassification of city boundaries is largely triggered by concentration of employment opportunities in urban areas and continuous shifting of opportunities from agricultural to industrial/tertiary sectors. Growing need to develop sustainable cities for the future will have a significant impact on market prospects in the coming years.

Building renovation projects are expected to benefit from the implementation of stringent regulations that mandate renovation and reconstruction of ageing buildings, both residential and commercial. Also, building renovations following natural disasters such as the Japanese Earthquake and Thailand Floods in 2011, Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and tornadoes in early 2013 in the United States will continue to generate demand for plumbing products. Demand for plumbing products for replacements is especially high in the residential construction sector. Home kitchen remodeling projects typically involve installation of multiple sinks for convenient cooking and bathrooms. Also, growth in the average size of new homes offers increased space that can accommodate multiple showers, bathtubs and whirlpool baths for comfort and luxury thus benefiting demand for plumbing fixtures.

Title Index:

I. INTRODUCTION, METHODOLOGY & PRODUCT DEFINITIONS

Study Reliability and Reporting Limitations
Disclaimers
Data Interpretation & Reporting Level
Quantitative Techniques & Analytics
Product Definitions and Scope of Study
Plumbing Fittings
Bath & Shower Fittings
Lavatory Fittings
Kitchen and Other Sink Fittings
Other Plumbing Fittings
Plumbing Fixtures
Bath and Shower Fixtures
Lavatory Fixtures
Kitchen and Other Sink Fixtures
Other Plumbing Fixtures

II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

Plumbing Fittings and Fixtures
A Prelude
Impact of 2007-2009 Economic Recession on Plumbing Fittings & Fixtures Markets in Retrospect
Global Market for Plumbing Fittings & Fixtures Posts Healthy Recovery in 2010
Natural Calamities Hurts Demand in Japanese Market in 2011
Global Market Once Again Tested in 2012 & 2013
Growth in the European Market Once Again Dragged into the Red Against Backdrop of Eurozone Crisis
Fresh Economic Uncertainty in US Challenges Recovery of Construction Activity in the Nation During 2012
Slowdown in Asia-Pacific Hurts Market Sentiments in 2012
Global Market Avoids Erosion in Revenue Despite Economic Challenges
Resurgence in Growth Fundamentals Delivers an Optimistic Market Outlook for 2014 & Beyond
Improvement in Global GDP to Spur the Demand
Positive Eurozone Economic Outlook Enthuses the Market
Fading Fiscal Cliff Concerns in the US to Spruce Up the Market
Current & Future Analysis
Developing Countries to Lend Traction to Global Market
Urbanization: A Key Growth Driver in Developing Countries
CIVETS to Replace BRICS as the Focal Point for Future Growth
Residential Sector Holds Greater Promise for Plumbing Products
Commercial, New Residential and Remodeling/Replacement (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)
Rising Commercial Real Estate Investments Extend New Opportunities
Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA (includes corresponding Graph/Chart)
Building Renovations & Remodeling
A Key Revenue Contributor
Growing Focus on Water Conservation Driving Demand
Quality Scores Over Aesthetics for Plumbing Products
Factors Shaping Consumer’s Choice: Rating on a Scale 1 10 (10 High Impact, 1 Low Impact)
Premium Products in Demand
Plastics Seek Greater Role in Plumbing
Plumbing Contractors Turn Efficient Consumer Cluster
Expensive, High-End Products Add to Plumbing Fixtures
Standard Fittings Gain Popularity
Domestic Manufacturers Maintain Dominance in Distribution & Supply
Online Marketplace
The New Distribution Vertical
Competitive Scenario

2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Plumbing
An Overview
Plumbing Fittings
Bath & Shower Fittings
Showerhead
Bathtub & Shower Combinations
Single Lever Controls
Anti-Scald Valves
Lavatory Fittings
Kitchen and Other Sink Fittings
Other Plumbing Fittings
Flush Valve
S Trap
P Trap
Sill Faucet
Drains/Overflow Fittings
Plumbing Fixtures
Bath and Shower Fixtures
Bathtub
Shower Stalls & Receptors
Whirlpool Bathtubs
Lavatory Fixtures
Urinals
Flush Tanks
Water Closets
Kitchen and Other Sink Fixtures
Lavatory Sink
Kitchen Sink
Other Plumbing Fixtures
Bidet
Drinking Water Fountain
Spas

3. PRODUCT INTRODUCTIONS/INNOVATIONS

Moen Unleashes IsoT Six-Function Handheld Shower
Delta Faucet Rolls Out New Bathroom Products
Moen Launches New Collection of Freestanding Tub-Filler Faucets
Moen Unveils New Kitchen and Bath Faucets with Microban® Antimicrobial Technology
Kohler Unveils Tailored Vanity Collection
Villeroy & Boch Launches New Washbasin Models
Ideal Standard Launches Tempo Ceramics and Bathing Products
Jacuzzi Brands Rolls Out ELARA® 7236 in Both Soaking and Air Bath Configurations
GROHE Introduces GROHE GranderaT Designer Collection in the US
Kohler Unveils Adair One-Piece Toilet
American Standard Unveils Prevoir Collection of Stainless Steel ADA-Compliant Kitchen Sinks
Kohler Unveils SensateT Touchless Kitchen Faucet
American Standard Launches Five New Bathroom Accessory Sets
Kohler Launches Artifacts Collection of Bathroom Products
Matco-Norca Unveils New Single- and Two-Handle Builder Light Lavatory Faucets
Bradley Launches the Advocate AV-Series Lavatory System
Speakman Company Launches New Shower & Bath Products
Signature Hardware Unveils Whittington Collection Sink Faucets and Tub Shower Sets
Expert Denver Plumbing Unveils Cost-Effective Kitchen and Bathroom Face-Lift Strategies
Ideal Standard Introduces Ideal Solutions for Hotels
Ideal Standard Rolls Out Concept Countertops Basin Range

4. RECENT INDUSTRY ACTIVITY

LIXIL Acquires 87.5% Stake in GROHE Group
TOTO Teams Up with WinWholesale
DecorPlanet.com Forms New Partnerships to Expand its Plumbing Products Portfolio
Southern Plumbing Expand its Commercial Services
Commercial Metals Divests Howell Metal to Mueller Copper Tube Products
Atkore International Takes Over Assets of Heritage Group
Patrick Industries Takes Over the Business and Certain Assets of Frontline and Premier Concepts
Dunes Point Capital Snaps Up The Professional Plumbing Group
American Standard Brands Signs New Distribution Agreement with Ferguson Enterprises
Paini Enters into Agreement with J. Keats
TOTO Joins Hands with Wolseley Canada
Ideal Standard and PTS Team Up
HIL to Commence cPVC and uPVC Plumbing Products Business
Aliaxis Takes Over Majority Stake in Ashirvad Pipes
Kludi Acquires Majority Stake in Kludirak India
Rexnord Acquires Assets of LWG Specialised Plumbing Products
Norma Group to Acquire Guyco
Spectrum Brands Holdings Acquires Stanley Black & Decker’s HHI Group
Sioux Chief Teams Up with Davenport Associates
QAI Laboratories and UL Team Up to Improve Plumbing Product Testing and Certifications
Astral Polytechnik to Set Up New Facility in Tamil Nadu
Delta Faucet Ventures into Indian Bathroom and Kitchen Fittings Market
H&R Johnson to Focus on Super-Premium bath Products
Jaquar to Establish New Facility
Toto to Develop New Production Facility in India
Mangalam Industries Commences Operations

5. FOCUS ON SELECT GLOBAL PLAYERS

Asahi Eito Co., Ltd. (Japan)
Cera Sanitaryware Ltd. (India)
Elkay Manufacturing Company (US)
Grohe AG (Germany)
Hindustan Sanitaryware & Industries Ltd. (India)
Ideal Standard (UK)
Armitage Shanks (UK)
Jacuzzi Inc. (US)
Jaquar and Company Pvt. Ltd. (India)
Kohler Co. (US)
LIXIL Corporation (Japan)
American Standard Brands (US)
MAAX Batch Inc. (Canada)
Masco Corporation (US)
Moen Incorporated (US)
Roca Sanitario S.A (Spain)
Roca UK (UK)
Roca Bathroom Products Pvt Ltd (India)
Sanitec Corp. (Finland)
Spectrum Brands Incorporated (US)
Toto Ltd. (Japan)
Villeroy & Boch (US)

6. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

III. MARKET

IV. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Total Companies Profiled: 274 (including Divisions/Subsidiaries 312)
The United States (44)
Canada (5) Japan (6)
Europe (204)
France (6)
Germany (34)
The United Kingdom (44)
Italy (52)
Spain (13)
Rest of Europe (55)
Asia-Pacific (Excluding Japan) (47)
Latin America (4)
Africa (2)

Noritz is the first tankless manufacturer to offer a condensing residential unit with top-mounted connections and flexible venting through existing B-Vent, making the replacement of 40-gallon, tank water heaters easier and more affordable than ever. Noritz America is revolutionizing the water heater industry, taking tankless-for-tank replacement installation to a new level of ease and affordability Read more

Noritz is the first tankless manufacturer to offer a condensing residential unit with top-mounted connections and flexible venting through existing B-Vent, making the replacement of 40-gallon, tank water heaters easier and more affordable than ever.

Noritz America is revolutionizing the water heater industry, taking tankless-for-tank replacement installation to a new level of ease and affordability, with the new EZTR40 condensing tankless water heater for residential applications. Noritz will be showcasing the unit to contractors with the EZTR40 Roadshow, visiting over 250 locations in the South and West from October 1 to November 20.

Designed to replace a conventional 40-gallon tank-type water heater for two-bath residences in warm-weather climates, the new EZTR40 streamlines the tank-replacement process with three key features:

The EZTR40 vents with two-inch, flexible polypropylene tubing that is threaded directly through the existing B-Vent formerly used by the tank water heater it is replacing. As a result, there is no need to spend time changing out the vent.

In addition, water connections are located on the top of the EZTR40, not the bottom. This allows the flexible hot-and-cold-water lines used by the tank-type water heater to be quickly and easily reconnected to the new EZTR40. Not only does this save time traditionally spent creating new plumbing around the tankless unit, but it also gives the final application a cleaner look.

The EZTR40 uses the same half-inch gas line used by the old tank unit, which eliminates the need to up-size to 3/4-inch run in replacement situations. This cuts labor time by up to half, while avoiding the material cost for new gas piping, resulting in a substantially reduced installed cost to the homeowner.
“Noritz is the first and only tankless water heater manufacturer to offer all these features that make the tank-replacement job more intuitive and straightforward — and therefore quicker and less costly,” says Noritz Marketing Manager Jason Fleming. “With the EZRT40, plumbing installers and their customers get the benefits of time savings and installation ease with all the energy- and space-saving advantages of tankless.”

To make installation even easier:

The EZTR40 includes a step-by-step manual that gives simple, visual instructions on how to install the unit.

To further streamline the installation process, the packaging includes a QR code linked to a five-minute instructional video that can be easily accessed with a smart phone, tablet or laptop on the jobsite.

The EZTR40 is packaged with all the accessories needed for a successful installation.
Measuring 18.3 inches wide x 27.2 inches high x 9.4 inches deep, the unit weighs only 50 pounds, so that a single tradesperson can handle the installation.

Other important features include:

TEMPERATURE SETTINGS: 115°F to 140°F.

BTU INPUT RANGE: 15,000-120,000 BTU per hour, with a maximum flow rate of 6.6 gallons per minute at a 35°F rise in water temperature.

BUILT-IN DIGITAL DISPLAY: In addition to controlling operations, the integral digital display permits basic servicing without the need for a remote device. Located on the lower right of the front panel, this readout assists troubleshooting by indicating flow rates, water temperature and common error codes.

12-YEAR WARRANTY: The EZTR40 protects the environment by heating water strictly on demand, while offering a longer product life cycle than storage tank-type models. The warranty for each unit is 12 years on the two heat exchangers, made of long-lasting, high-grade stainless steel; five years on parts; one year on labor.
For more information on the EZTR40 condensing tankless water heater, visit www.noritz.com/professionals.