“Xtreme” Makeover
Morey Plumbing, Heating & Cooling in San Diego has been chosen to participate in the Xtreme Energy Makeover project. Morey Plumbing, Heating & Cooling will be responsible for implementing energy saving solutions into a 1970, single-family, two-story, Mediterranean-style house with an attached garage located on the eastern end of San Diego. Jeff Morey, president and owner, is excited at the possibilities. “The Xtreme Energy Makeover home will incorporate as many energy-efficient, conserving and green products as feasible.” The “Xtreme Energy Makeover” home will be a showcase of possibilities for pre-Title 24 homes and serve as an informational tool to educate ratepayers in San Diego Gas & Electric Company’s service territory.  

Sealed for Delivery
Five high efficiency toilets from Vortens have received the WaterSense certification label. The blue and white seal indicates the products meet water efficiency and performance criteria established by the EPA program. Qualifying HETs include the Tornado pressure assist, and the Delfos, Rhodas and Dali dual flush models. “This is the first time our company has had the honor of receiving the WaterSense designation,” said Vortens’ vice president of sales Ed Trevino. “For us, it’s important to create top-performing products that are efficient and trouble-free.”  

Brochure Redo
The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute of Rolling Meadows, Ill., has introduced a new brochure that chronicles, among other things, its recent involvement in ‘Green’ initiatives benefiting the industry. Items covered in the brochure include the organization’s promotion of California AB 715 supporting the use of high efficiency toilets and urinals in the state, its relationships with allied international groups such as the U.K.’s Bathroom Manufacturers Association, the Plumbing Products Industry Group in Australia and the Canadian Institute of Plumbing & Heating. In addition, the brochure lists PMI member companies, the group’s mission and its staff and consultants. To get more information contact PMI at (847) 481-5501 or visit wwwlpmihome.org.  

Nearly a Century in the Business
Ohio-based Mansfield Plumbing Products lost two very longtime employees in November. Twin brothers Jerry and Jack Banks retired from the company they’d worked for since the late 1950s. Jack, who was hired in 1959, was assistant supervisor of the mold shop. Jerry started in 1957 and retired as supervisor of the brass and fittings department. The 68-year-olds said people could tell them apart only because they worked in separate departments but that their 92-year old mother still mixes them up on the phone.

Industry Layoffs in Texas
Crane Plumbing LLC in San Antonio laid off 24 employees in October, in addition to cutting 64 jobs in September, leaving the company with a staff of 170. “The company is hopeful it will be able to recall the laid-off employees,” said Lee Wingert, human resources officer at the plant, which makes toilets and sinks. “We surely believe business conditions will improve.” Xavier Guedea, vice president of Local 209 of the Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics & Allied Workers International, called the layoffs unwelcome but better than a plant closing, as was discussed by management. Crane Plumbing is one of the largest private employers in Medina County. Wingert said layoffs were necessary “due to high levels of inventory on hand and the decreasing sales volume” related to the national housing construction slump.

Supplier’s Golden Anniversary
Wheeler Manufacturing Company has entered its second half-century, having logged 50 years in the business. The Ashtabula, Ohio-based company was founded in 1957 with the invention of the model 590 Snap Cutter, which enabled plumbers to snap-cut soil pipe in tight situations. Rex Industries of Osaka, Japan acquired Wheeler in 1988, which positioned Wheeler-Rex as a global supplier. The company produces and distributes a full range of high quality, high performance pipe threading machines.

Workplace Kudos
Hubbard Enterprises/HOLDRITE has again been named one of the Best Places to Work in San Diego County. The award was presented by the Society of Human Resources Management and the San Diego Union Tribune for the 2007 year. “We are proud to receive this award for Workplace Excellence from SHRM for the second straight year,” said John R. Thomas, president and CEO of Hubbard Enterprises/HOLDRITE. “Our recognition validates the market successes we have derived from our associate-driven work processes and culture.” Hubbard was honored for its “Focus on Safety” program. By partnering with occupational physicians and insurance and safety specialists, the company was able to significantly reduce injuries in the workplace.  

Bradford White Lends a Hand
Water heater manufacturer Bradford White Corporation has pledged 100 water heaters to Habitat for Humanity in Michigan. Eric Lannes, the company’s vice president and general manager, welcomed the opportunity to give back to the local community, “The chance to contribute to this worthy cause is just too good to ignore. Owning a home is a big part of the American dream. Helping families that otherwise wouldn’t have the opportunity to achieve that dream is a gift for all of us.” The donated water heaters from Bradford White will be used for the “Building Today, Framing Tomorrow” campaign that has hopes of building 20 homes per year over the next five years. 

Gerber Goes Green (Certified)
The Gerber Ultra Flush line of toilets recently received WaterSense certification for water conservation efficiency. WaterSense, a voluntary public-private partnership program sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, recognizes and promotes water efficient products that are independently tested and certified. WaterSense labeled products are 20 percent more water efficient than their counterparts in the same category. Woodbridge, Ill.-based Gerber’s Ultra Flush 1.1 gpf model even beats the requirement. “We are working diligently to add more high performance Green products to the WaterSense program,” said Kevin McJoynt, director of marketing.  

Help with Calif.’s New Codes
The 2007 editions of the California Plumbing Code and California Mechanical Code took effect on January 1, 2008. An experienced team of California code experts has been assembled by the International Code Council to assist the state’s code users in the transition to updated plumbing and mechanical codes. “Even though the CPC and CMC are not based on the International Codes, the Code Council is committed to supporting its membership and the industry in the transition to updated codes,” said Jay Peters, ICC executive director of Plumbing, Mechanical and fuel Gas. Leading the support project are Lee Clifton, director of plumbing programs for the ICC, and Bob Guenther, of the Code Council’s Senior Mechanical Staff.  

Nexstar’s New Digs
Business development organization Nexstar has moved its headquarters from White Bear Lake, Minn., to its new location, 125 Little Canada Road West, Suite 200, Little Canada, Minn., 55117. “Our move is a necessity due to the tremendous growth we have experienced in the past several years,” said company president Greg Niemi.  “Our new office will put us in an even better position for future growth and increased ability to serve Nexstar members.”  

A Peek Inside Showers
ThermaSol debuted new steam shower generators, controls and a showroom POS display at the 6th Annual DPHA Conference and Product Showcase in October at Boston’s Seaport Hotel. “Our goal was to create an attractive, design-savvy display that would fit seamlessly in the most elegant of showrooms,” said ThermaSol’s CEO Mitch Altman. “We hope that people will understand the vast health benefits of steam and all of the available amenities that ThermaSol steam showers offer as a result of this tool.” Altman said he also wanted to educate customers on the benefits of steam and the holistic attributes of chromatherapy and aromatherapy.  

Energy Vision for the Future
The United Association in November held the Inaugural Tripartite Meeting to discuss and share information on vital energy issues. The meeting was the first of what is anticipated to be annual “State of the Union” energy forums. U.S. Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman served as guest speaker, and in his address stressed the energy industry’s need for skilled workers. He praised the UA and Local 597 for their outstanding training programs designed to prepare workers to build the pipelines and power plants that will provide energy security.  

Watts Widens
Watts Regulator Company is bulking up. Its Spindale, N.C., facility will be expanded, creating 140 jobs. The $2.04 million dollar project, announced Nov. 16, will receive $140,000 from the state’s economic development fund. The money requires a matching local grant. The plant produces plastic plumbing materials. 

Rock On, Dude
The owner of George Morlan Plumbing in Portland came up with a unique way to thank his loyal clients. More than 250 business contacts were treated recently to a private concert by supergroup World Classic Rockers, a band made up of musicians formerly of Toto, Journey, Santana, Steppenwolf and Lynyrd Skynyrd. The family owned business transformed its Design Center showroom in Northwest Portland into a cozy concert arena for the Oct. 12 event. “What better way to build your business than to have fun with your best customers?" asked president Rick Kramien.