Kerry Stackpole, Plumbing Manufacturers International‘s CEO and executive director, has been named to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC) 8, a federal advisory committee that covers building materials and forest products. The committee is one of 15 managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) to help Read more
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Kerry Stackpole, Plumbing Manufacturers International‘s CEO and executive director, has been named to the Industry Trade Advisory Committee (ITAC) 8, a federal advisory committee that covers building materials and forest products.
The committee is one of 15 managed by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of United States Trade Representative (USTR) to help U.S. businesses compete nationally and internationally. His appointment to the committee will help amplify the collective voice of plumbing manufacturers on important international trade issues, such as Section 301 tariffs and counterfeit plumbing product sales.
“This gives us a seat at the international trade table and the ability to interact with policy and decision makers to provide direct input on the impact of trade agreements for our industry,” Stackpole said.
ITAC 8 is part of the International Trade Administration, which promotes trade and investment in U.S. businesses and ensures fair trade with rigorous trade-law enforcement. The committee provides detailed policy and technical advice, information and recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the USTR on trade barriers, negotiation of trade agreements, and implementation of existing trade agreements affecting building materials and forest products, according to the ITAC website.
About Plumbing Manufacturers International
Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) is the trade association of plumbing product manufacturers that produce more than 90% of the United States’ plumbing products, represent more than 150 iconic brands, and develop safe, reliable and innovative water-efficient plumbing technologies. PMI members contribute more than 464,000 jobs and $85.5 billion in economic impact to America’s economy.
With a vision of safe, responsible plumbing – always, PMI advocates for plumbing product performance contributing to water efficiency and savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. PMI members manufacture water-efficient toilets, urinals, faucets, showerheads and other products at more than 70 locations across the country and market them online and in more than 24,000 home improvement stores, hardware stores and showrooms in all 50 states. For more information on PMI, contact the organization at 1750 Tysons Blvd., Ste. 1500, McLean, Virginia, 22102; tel.: 847-481-5500. www.safeplumbing.org.
The board of directors of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) has elected Chris Villavarayan to be a director of the Company effective May 6, 2022. Mr. Villavarayan has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Meritor, Inc. (NYSE: MTOR) since March 2021. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Villavarayan held a number Read more
The board of directors of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. (NASDAQ: FELE) has elected Chris Villavarayan to be a director of the Company effective May 6, 2022.
Mr. Villavarayan has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Meritor, Inc. (NYSE: MTOR) since March 2021. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Mr. Villavarayan held a number of positions of increasing responsibility within Meritor, most recently serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with oversight of the company’s global operations for its Global Truck and Aftermarket & Industrial business segments.
Mr. Villavarayan earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
Mr. Gregg Sengstack, Franklin’s Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I have confidence that Chris’ extensive operational and manufacturing experience and his global outlook will provide a unique perspective to our deliberations. I join my fellow directors in welcoming Chris to the Board and we look forward to benefitting from his leadership and expertise.”
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently named J&K Sales the top-performing manufacturer representative for its Wholesale Business Unit in 2021, recognizing the agency’s exceptional partnership and accomplishments in support of Oatey Co. and its companies. In addition, Oatey named Chase Freeman, Vice President, Spirit Group, the inaugural winner of Read more
Oatey Co., a leading manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, recently named J&K Sales the top-performing manufacturer representative for its Wholesale Business Unit in 2021, recognizing the agency’s exceptional partnership and accomplishments in support of Oatey Co. and its companies. In addition, Oatey named Chase Freeman, Vice President, Spirit Group, the inaugural winner of its Bob Bender Legacy Award.
J&K Sales, whose partnership with Oatey spans nearly 20 years, earned the title of Wholesale Manufacturer Representative of the Year because of their exceptional work, perseverance and passion throughout 2021. They delivered exceptional sales results for the year, across budget targets, new-product sales and more. In addition, through consistent investments in their business – such as training, associate development and team growth – J&K has positioned themselves for ongoing success.
“Oatey’s manufacturer representatives are an extension of our team, and we are extremely grateful for their hard work and dedication,” said Patrick Aquino, Vice President, Wholesale Sales at Oatey Co. “J&K Sales has built a phenomenal team in the New England states. They are strong in all segments, and I see them only getting stronger. Congratulations to them on this well-deserved honor.”
Oatey also recognized Chase Freeman of Spirit Group as the inaugural winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award. Prior to his death in 2018, Bender spent his 42-year career in sales at Oatey, during which time he forged indelible relationships with customers and industry partners. His legacy and contributions will continue to serve as an example and inspiration to Oatey team members and partners for years to come.
Freeman was selected for the Bob Bender Legacy Award because of his passion, creative energy and willingness to go above and beyond for Oatey in both the rough-plumbing and waterworks markets. His ability to think outside the box enables him to drive impressive sales results, and he consistently demonstrates perseverance in support of Oatey and its brand.
“Congratulations to Chase on being the well-deserved winner of the Bob Bender Legacy Award,” said Aquino. “His dedication, no-quit attitude and enthusiasm for this industry are a true reflection of Bob’s legacy, and I know Bob would be proud to see Chase receive this recognition. We are so appreciative of his contributions.”
Company Recognized for Industry Leadership and Product Development Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR products, is being recognized for innovation and product design by the IoT Breakthrough Awards and the Good Design Awards. Rheem received “Overall Company of the Year” designation from the IoT Breakthrough Awards, which provides market intelligence and Read more
Company Recognized for Industry Leadership and Product Development
Rheem®, a leading global manufacturer of water heating and HVACR products, is being recognized for innovation and product design by the IoT Breakthrough Awards and the Good Design Awards.
Rheem received “Overall Company of the Year” designation from the IoT Breakthrough Awards, which provides market intelligence and recognition programs in technology such as Artificial Intelligence, CyberSecurity, Digital Health and FinTech, as well as IoT.
“The IoT awards programs spotlight the ‘breakthrough’ leaders in the world’s most competitive categories of technology,” said Christopher Freeman, Senior Manager of Smart Products at Rheem. “This is an area that receives a high volume of nominations, which makes the honor particularly significant and rewarding for our team at Rheem.”
Rheem’s Global Air Division earned two Good Design Awards. Rheem Classic Plus® Series System won in the Building Materials category while Rheem Renaissance™ 3-6 Ton Commercial HVAC units received recognition in the Industrial category. The Rheem Classic Plus Series System units offer solutions for homeowner challenges such as small spaces, excess noise, and outdated energy use, ensuring access to high-quality air. Rheem Renaissance 3-6 Ton Commercial HVAC units offer heating and cooling solutions that suit customer’s business needs, design and application requirements.
“We are honored that the Good Design Awards included Rheem in its selection of best products,” said Chris Day, Vice President Product Strategy and Engineering, Rheem Air Division. “It is important recognition for our team members who work diligently to innovate and ensure that our products are leaders in the world marketplace.”
Additionally, Rheem’s Water Heating Division’s ProTerra® Hybrid Electric Heat Pump Water Heater earned a Good Design Award in the Building Materials category. ProTerra combines unparalleled efficiency, first-of-its-kind innovations for the category, and easy serviceability features packed into an aesthetically pleasing design.
Uponor North America (Uponor) was recently named a 2022 Minnesota Manufacturer of the Year honoree in the Large Company category by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ). The honor marks the first time Uponor has been named a top manufacturer by the MSPBJ, with a previous honor in their Manufacturing Sustainability category in 2020. This Read more
Uponor North America (Uponor) was recently named a 2022 Minnesota Manufacturer of the Year honoree in the Large Company category by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal (MSPBJ). The honor marks the first time Uponor has been named a top manufacturer by the MSPBJ, with a previous honor in their Manufacturing Sustainability category in 2020. This is the fifth year the publication has recognized organizations that are driving Minnesota’s economy, while also growing their companies.
The MSPBJ also selected Jennifer Hauschildt, chief human resources officer, Uponor Group, as an Emerging Leader honoree in the Twin Cities. Her contributions in developing the company’s People First strategic initiative, including the Flexible First working model, was a key driver in this recognition.
As part of the Manufacturer of the Year – Large Company honor, the MSPBJ recognized Jon Sillerud, vice president, Operations, Uponor North America, for his leadership during the pandemic and ability to pivot production capabilities during global supply chain challenges. Sillerud has overseen double-digit growth at Uponor, doubled production staff in the past six years, and was responsible for overseeing the company’s 12th and 13th expansions in North America since 1990. In 2021 alone, Uponor broke ground on more than 83,000 square feet of expanded production space at its Hutchinson and Lakeville, Minn., facilities.
“To have our leaders and company recognized as a Minnesota Manufacturer of the Year is a humbling honor. The manufacturing landscape across Minnesota yields so much incredible global innovation, and to know we are recognized as one of the top companies in the state is a direct reflection of the contribution of our employees here at Uponor,” noted John Reutter, interim president and vice president, Finance, Uponor North America.
The MSPBJ will be featuring Uponor, along with all of its honorees, in a July article. For details about all the honorees, refer to this MSPBJ announcement.