New federal lead free-legislation on the way makes the case for converting to plastic fittings

“As California goes”, is the saying, “so goes the rest of the country.” The Golden State being a bellwether has proven true once more with its lead-free law, commonly referred to as AB 1953, serving as the basis for new federal lead-free legislation.

This past January President Obama signed into law S.3874, a bipartisan-supported bill that establishes a new federal standard – one closely modeled after the California law which went into effect on January 1, 2010 – to reduce the amount of lead content in new plumbing materials in order to limit exposure to toxic lead in drinking water.

For plumbing materials suppliers like British owned John Guest®, the new legislation is a boon to the company’s prospects in the American marketplace: John Guest plumbing products are made of plastic so the issue of lead-free is an advantage from the start.

John Guest’s product lines – especially its signature Speedfit® line of push-fit fittings for plumbing applications – are made of engineered plastic. The new federal legislation is a welcome development for the company, which is already increasing awareness and market share for its product line due to its ease of use and labor time savings. A nationwide lead-free requirement will make its products an even more attractive choice to plumbing contractors.

“Our Speedfit line contains no lead elements so we’re already compliant with S.3874,” states Stan Artman, President, Sales & Marketing Group for John Guest USA, the parent company’s U.S. distributor. “Speedfit fittings are made of high quality engineered plastic with EPDM O-rings. They’re non-corrosive and reusable.”

Foremost Groups opens new facility in Indiana

Foremost Groups recently celebrated the grand opening of their new manufacturing and distribution center in Hobart, Ind. Hobart was chosen primarily because of its location along the major thruways via the east-west trucking corridor. The area is also rich with industry experience, making Hobart the natural choice for the company’s newest facility.

The location includes a 50,000-square-foot warehouse, distribution and manufacturing facility, and a 2,000-square-foot regional showroom. It will serve as the distribution center and showroom for Foremost-branded products such as the SOMA by Foremost (luxury line of bathroom vanities), Contrac Vitreous China and the company’s new product offering, Foremost Shower Enclosures. The majority of this full line of shower and tub doors will also be produced at the new manufacturing facility.

Ferguson opened a new Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery in Depew, N.Y. on June 1. Located at 6326 Transit Road, the state-of-the art showroom features fully-functional displays and a vast selection of plumbing products and fixtures, including appliances, lighting, cabinets and countertops from the industry’s most recognized manufacturers. Ferguson will expand the size of the existing showroom to 6,000 feet over the next few months and will stay open for business during this time.

“The new showroom is a beautiful space that offers customers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience,” said showroom manager Shelly Hermans. “We are excited about the expansion and the opportunity to strengthen our relationships with contractors, builders, architects, designers and homeowners in the Erie and Niagara markets.”