PMI originally began as the Plumbing Brass Institute. The scope of the organization was expanded in 1975 and the name changed to the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI). In 1998, it was reorganized around focus issues, product groups and standing committees. PMI is the voluntary, not-for-profit association for plumbing manufacturers.
Established: 1975
PMI originally began as the Plumbing Brass Institute. The scope of the organization was expanded in 1975 and the name changed to the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI). In 1998, it was reorganized around focus issues, product groups and standing committees. PMI is the voluntary, not-for-profit association for plumbing manufacturers.
Membership
Manufacturers of plumbing industry products, which are marketed and sold within the territorial limits of the NAFTA countries.The board of directors has 11 members, five of them serve on the executive committee.
Mission Statement
- To promote the water efficiency, health, safety and quality of plumbing products while maximizing consumer choice and value in a fair and open marketplace.
- To provide a forum for the exchange of information and industry education.
- To represent the members' interests in the regulatory/legislative processes.
- To enhance the plumbing industry's growth and expansion.
Notable Achievements
- First-ever Industry Water Conservation Summit convened at the fall 2005 meeting. Brought together water conservation professionals from a variety of disciplines to forge a closer, more successful and productive working relationship.
- Harmonization of product performance requirements and testing protocols.
- Memorandum of Understanding signed with the U.S. Department of Commerce to facilitate and ensure fair trade throughout the industry.
- Memorandum of Understanding signed with the UK-based Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA).
- Advocates of trade show consolidation and an end to the proliferation of trade shows.
Current Priority Projects
- To promote better understanding of the role of lead in plumbing products.
- To work with water conservation advocate organizations, U.S. EPA and others that address the issue.
- To work with U.S. FTC to ensure proper marking of plumbing products.
A Word With…Barbara C. Higgens, executive director
When asked what's in store for 2006, Barbara Higgens said, “There is quite a bit happening. Most notably is PMI's initiative to promote better understanding of the role of lead in plumbing products, addressing concerns over health effects and supporting performance-based product standards.“Water conservation is also on PMI's radar screen. We're working with water conservation advocate organizations, U.S. EPA and others, supporting efforts that effectively, sensibly and fairly address this issue. PMI continues to promote the economic importance of U.S. manufacturing, careers in plumbing, and through the U.S. Department of Commerce, fair and lawful trade.
"We are pleased to welcome Bradley Corp. as our newest PMI member. Also, our Web site is being redesigned to include a clean layout for easier navigation, a “Press Room” with postings of our latest press releases, an “interactive” industry calendar, and a more robust Members Only section. We'll let you know when to check out the new and improved www.pmihome.org!”
Current Officers and Directors
PRESIDENTClaude Theisen
T&S Brass and Bronze Works
1ST VICE PRESIDENT
Ken Martin
Delta Faucet Co.
2ND VICE PRESIDENT
Rod Ward
Speakman Co.
TREASURER
Bill Axline
Fluidmaster Inc.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
John Lauer
Sloan Valve Co.
William Ball
WCM Industries Inc.
Herb Barnhart
Tempress Ltd.
Pete DeMarco
American Standard Inc.
Ray Fisher Jr.
Fisher Manufacturing Co.
Walt Strader
Price Pfister
Tom White
Haws Corp.
