bathroom

Located in Huntsville, Alabama, this warehouse will house high-volume STERLING Vikrell bathing and showering fixtures to meet growing U.S. demand

Kohler Co., a global leader in kitchen and bath products, opened a state-of-the-art warehouse in Huntsville, Alabama, to support growing customer demand for its high-volume STERLING Vikrell bath and shower fixtures.

This greenfield build comprises a total of 546,000 square feet and is located near Kohler’s existing manufacturing plant, which produces STERLING Vikrell products that are popular among the nation’s top single-family homebuilders, home improvement retailers, and a vast number of multi-family developers, plumbers, and remodelers.

Kohler Co. cut the ribbon at its state-of-the-art warehouse in Huntsville, Alabama, to support growing customer demand for the company’s high-volume STERLING Vikrell bath and shower fixtures. The distribution warehouse comprises 546,000 square feet and is located near Kohler’s existing manufacturing plant, which produces STERLING Vikrell products that are popular among the nation’s top single-family homebuilders, home improvement retailers, and a vast number of multi-family developers, plumbers, and remodelers.

“In the past, our business has been constrained by a lack of warehouse storage, which challenged us in providing the level of consistent quick delivery our customers expect,” said Norb Schmidt, Senior Vice President-Kitchen & Bath Operations. “The new warehouse and enhanced stocking strategy will greatly reduce lead times and improve delivery efficiency. We are pleased to expand our presence in Huntsville and Madison County and contribute to the local economy.”

On Tuesday, May 10, Kohler Co. leaders celebrated the warehouse completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on-site, which included company CEO David Kohler, and Senior Vice President-HR, Stewardship & Sustainability Laura Kohler, along with Kohler associates, local officials and Burns & McDonnell, the design-build contractor for the project.

The ceremony was attended by Kohler leaders and associates, as well as local officials. Kohler Co. CEO David Kohler (center) is shown cutting the ribbon, and was joined by (left to right) Dale Strong, Chairman-Madison County Commission; Tommy Battle, Mayor-Huntsville; Ginger King, VP, HR-Kohler Kitchen & Bath; Norb Schmidt, SVP-Kohler Kitchen & Bath Operations; Laura Kohler, SVP-Kohler Co. HR, Stewardship & Sustainability; David Kohler; Tom Adler, CFO-Kohler Co.; Shawn Oldenhoff, President-Kohler Kitchen & Bath North America; Paul Finley, Mayor-Madison; and Mike Fenske, President & GM-Global Facilities, Burns & McDonnell.

The Huntsville warehouse opening comes on the heels of Kohler announcing in February, the construction of a second Vikrell production facility and distribution center in Casa Grande, Arizona, which is set to be operational by August 2023 to support the company’s growing customer base in the western U.S.

Niagara’s New Wholesale Program Created with a Variety of Benefits

Niagara®, the leader in high-performance, water-saving toilets, has developed a new program and product lineup designed exclusively for the plumbing wholesale channel. Niagara’s Wholesale Program and new toilet product lineup will help wholesalers serve the needs of their plumbing professionals by offering advanced technology and high performance for those who are looking for wide variety of water-efficient products, with flush rates of 0.8, 1.0, 1.1 and 1.28 GPF.

With the new program, Niagara is a launching a dedicated pro website that provides detailed information for wholesale partners and plumbing professionals.  Also available will be an online portal that provides detailed information for wholesaler partners and rep agencies. Niagara has expanded its sales organization to include regional sales managers and business development managers who are working with industry rep agencies on a national level.

“Previously, Niagara products were not widely distributed within the wholesale channel and channel support was not provided,” said Jeff Pratt, vice president of sales at Niagara. “We spent the last year building our new wholesale program and are now launching our product lineup filled with the features that pros want. These products will be sold exclusively to the wholesale channel and supported by our national rep agencies.  Through our new program, we are committed to providing attractive products and services to the wholesale distributor, plumber and trade partners in the industry.”

Over the past year, Niagara has expanded its rep network nationwide, with more than 20 rep agencies. In addition, Niagara has already signed agreements with over 50 new wholesalers to distribute their products. Niagara has also joined AD and IMARK Buying groups, as well as several key plumbing and wholesale associations, such as ASA, PHCC, ASPE, SWA, NKBA, USGBC, AIM/R and AIA as well as several contractor buying groups.

In addition to the new exclusive product lineup offered to the wholesale channel, Niagara remains committed to driving specifications through architects, engineers, trade mechanical workers, residential builders and professional plumbers, all in support of the plumbing wholesale distributor.

Company Extends Popular Aquia IV Dual-Flush Product Line with New WASHLET®+ and Toilet Designs

TOTO, the world’s largest plumbing manufacturer with more than $5.47 billion in annual sales, announced today that it will extend its much sought-after Aquia IV Dual Flush Toilet line. The company is adding its new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube designs, which are available as WASHLET+ models or floor-mount toilets.

Design: Global developments in architecture, design, and lifestyle trends inspire TOTO’s design philosophy. The new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube designs will be welcome additions to any bath space.

The Aquia IV Cube provides a fashionable contemporary design with its boldly geometric tank. In turn, the Aquia IV Arc offers a sophisticated transitional design statement with its elegant flared tank. Both models’ elongated skirted design is aesthetically pleasing and offers easy cleaning by removing the nooks and crannies where dust collects, while their slender tank gives them a heightened sensibility.

Like their handsome predecessors, the new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube are Universal Height, TOTO’s ergonomic, comfortable height design that facilitates rising from a sitting to standing position. These aesthetically-pleasing toilets are ADA height compliant with their SoftClose® Seat or WASHLET.

CLEANOVATION: TOTO articulates its philosophy of clean innovation technology as CLEANOVATION. TOTO believes that cleanliness is a fundamental human value that enriches beauty, peace of mind, feeling refreshed, consideration for the environment, and wellness. TOTO uncompromisingly pursues innovation that brings to market cleanliness technologies that enhance consumers’ daily lives.

WASHLET+ Design: The Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube toilets seamlessly connect with their WASHLET+ models, leaving no protruding supply connections (water or electrical). This TOTO innovation — called WASHLET+ — improves the units’ appearance and enhances their cleanliness by inhibiting dust and dirt buildup. With the WASHLET+ connection structure, WASHLET+ models easily detach from the Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube toilet, so consumers can reach areas where dust and dirt tend to collect. This design innovation is just one way TOTO makes it easier to keep the Aquia IV Arc WASHLET+ Toilet and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets cleaner longer.

Flushing Performance: The Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets offer the DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH® system by TOTO, which features two powerful nozzles that create a centrifugal, cyclonic rinsing action that reduces waste buildup and keeps the bowl cleaner. Using only 1.28 or 1.0 gallons per flush (gpf) for the full flush and 0.8 gpf for the light, this high-efficiency flushing system is more effective in one flush than most toilets are with multiple flushes. Its modern, seamless concave rim design means that these high-efficiency toilets perform more consistently and are easy to clean.

Clean Synergy: TOTO coined the term “Clean Synergy” to describe the interplay of its PREMIST®, DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH, CEFIONTECT®, and EWATER+® bowl cleaning technologies, all of which are only available from TOTO.

• PREMIST: The bowl’s interior is sprayed with a fine mist of water to reduce matter’s ability to stick to its surface.
• CEFIONTECT: This nano-technology glaze by TOTO seals the porcelain with an ionized barrier, creating a super-slippery, non-porous surface that repels matter, mold, and mildew.
• DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH System: A TOTO innovation, the rimless bowl design and 2.5-inch diameter trapway use 100% of the water to remove waste effectively and clean every inch of the bowl and rim. The company’s DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH System optimizes water conservation while setting a high bar in quiet world-class flushing performance.
• EWATER+: The bowl’s surface and WASHLET wand’s cleanliness is ensured by automatically spraying them with EWATER+. EWATER+ uses no chemicals or cleaning agents, providing peace of mind every day that microscopic buildup has no place to hide.

Auto-Flush: The new Aquia IV Arc and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ offer Auto-Flush, a sensor-operated, hands-free flush feature. The company’s proven touchless technology enables the toilet to flush automatically when the user simply rises and walks away. There is no need to wave a hand over a sensor to activate it; the unit responds automatically. Users may also manually flush the unit if they desire by using the toilet’s push plate panel.

Sustainability: Beneath their sophisticated contemporary exteriors, the Aquia IV Arc WASHLET+ Toilet and Aquia IV Cube WASHLET+ Toilets’ matchless DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH system delivers an unparalleled flush that clears the bowl the first time, every time using a mere 0.8 gpf (light flush) or 1.28 or 1.0 gpf (full flush). The company’s market-leading DYNAMAX TORNADO FLUSH system is more effective in one flush than most toilets are with multiple flushes.

With wall-hung toilets ranking among the year’s most in-demand bathroom options, ICERA is leading this design trend with a sleek collection of toilets that share this coveted space-saving feature. After first appearing on the scene in Europe during the 1980s, wall-hung toilets have become increasingly popular with today’s emphasis on smaller spaces, sustainability and minimalist design. ICERA offers an array of design choices that capture these must-have traits and feature the best of the brand’s trademark plumbing technology.

• LILY – Gentle curves grab the attention here. A subtle roundness adds an organic feel that adds a pleasing softness to the design space.
• VISTA – A tribute to elegance. Sloped lines create a sophisticated feel that is refined yet on-trend.
• KARO – A modern marvel of simplicity. Perfect proportions and clean lines give this design a most versatile look.
• BAXTER – Inspired by geometry. The appeal of familiar shapes makes this design a favorite for any décor.

Wall-hung toilets by ICERA are notable for their distinctive silhouettes and fashion-forward style. All feature a rimless elongated bowl crafted of vitreous china and finished with antimicrobial MicroGlaze for maximum cleaning performance and easy maintenance. Each unit is dual-flush capable with an average water consumption rate of just 1.28 gallons per flush.

The toilets come with a fully concealed mounting system for a seamless profile that is easy to install and can be situated at a standard or ADA height. All models include premium DuroPlast silent close seats with quick-release hinges and are compatible with most major in-wall carriers. Like all ICERA products, their wall-hung toilets are backed by a limited lifetime product warranty and are 100% factory flush-tested for reliable and long-last performance.

For more information about these eye-catching options for the bathroom or any ICERA product, visit icerausa.com