Brief news items on financials, promotions, new hires, awards, special projects, etc., in the decorative plumbing industry.

People on the move

  • Lavelle Industries named David Nichols-Roy director/plumbing product development. Formerly he was general manager of Hunter Plumbing Products, a division of Hunter Industries. Lavelle, which manufactures Korky toilet repair products, acquired Hunter Plumbing Products in September 2000.

  • TOTO USA named four market development team managers: Bryan Winston for the Southeast region, Michael Harrigan for the Midwest region, Kyle Ford in the Southern region and Nancy Mayo in the New York showroom and office, where she will develop a program to promote the company?s Washlet seat products.

  • Speakman Co. announced the retirement of Henry H. ?Rusty? Spratlin Jr., southeastern regional sales manager, effective Sept. 30. Spratlin joined the company in 1986 after many years in the wholesale distribution industry.

  • Blanco Canada has hired Alan Dunn to cover sales in southwestern Ontario. He had managed the territory for two years through Centon Sales, a sales rep firm.

    Companies making news

  • Briggs Plumbing Products obtained a loan and security agreement with Transamerica Business Capital to satisfy short-term obligations and provide for long-term financial planning.

  • Kohler Co. has developed the gravity-fed, siphon-jet Ingenium flushing system to make the most efficient use of 1.6 gallons of water.

    New business partnerships

  • Sussman Lifestyle Group has launched strategic partnerships with Ferguson Enterprises and Omni Corporate Services. SLG manufactures Mr. Sauna sauna heaters and rooms, Allegro saunas, Mr. Steam steam systems and WarmaTowel towel warmers. The partnership with Ferguson involves nearly 500 locations in 38 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Also, SLG has become a preferred vendor for more than 200 independent wholesalers that belong to the Omni buying group.

  • Build.com, the building and home improvement network, has signed agreements with Steamist, Aquaglass, Price Pfister, Bach and American Standard. These companies will participate in its e-commerce and Internet marketing programs, such as www.WhirlpoolBathStore.com. In other news, Faucet.com, the national online bath and kitchen dealer and member of Build.com, announced a strategic partnership with HomePortfolio.com, an Internet site for home design products. Home Portfolio will expand its presentation of plumbing products to include all products sold by Faucet.com.

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