News from manufacturers

Ferguson Enterprises To Stock Weil-McLain

Weil-McLain has entered into a strategic agreement with HVAC wholesaler Ferguson Enterprises. As part of its Sole Source Program, Ferguson will stock the full line of Weil-McLain products in its Front Royal, Va., distribution center.

Uponor Wirsbo Hosts Blood Drive

Uponor Wirsbo recently hosted a blood drive with North Central Blood Services at its Apple Valley, Minn., manufacturing facility. About three dozen people, mostly employees, took part in the second annual drive. More community involvement is expected in future events.

Halsey Taylor Releases Voyager CD

Halsey Taylor’s new CD Rom features the Voyager(tm) water cooler line. The CD highlights Voyager’s features and benefits, as well as detailing the installation process and maintenance. Spec sheets and owners manuals can be printed for immediate use.

In other news, the company recently appointed Associated Independent Marketing and Soderholm & Associates as the company’s new sales representatives. Associated Independent Marketing, headquartered in Sun Prairie, Wis., will cover eastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Anoke, Minn.-based Soderholm will represent Halsey Taylor throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and western Wisconsin.

Swan Corp. Has New Brand

The Swan Corp. recently announced that the company and all of its products now will be marketed under the Swanstone name. The name and brand comes from the company’s signature product, Swanstone, a solid surface material that has become its most successful product line. The brand initiative is the result of a year-long study of the kitchen and bath marketplace.

Talbot Named Brass Craft President

Brass Craft Manufacturing, a division of Masco Corp., appointed Todd Talbot as company president. Talbot was most recently president of Alsons Corp., a position he took in 1996. He currently serves as president of PMI.

Former Brass Craft President Donald Milroy will continue as Masco group vice president, overseeing Brass Craft, Cobra Products, W/C Technology and Faucet Queens.

New President For Float Valve Manufacturer

Robert Mfg. Co., maker of floats and float valves, gas appliance connectors, fittings, and water supplies, named Bob Drach as its new president. Robert Hartwell was named chairman.

TOTO Announces New Marketing Director

TOTO USA promoted Newbold Warden as its director of marketing. Prior to this appointment, Warden served as TOTO’s marketing communications manager. He is among the main architects responsible for developing the TOTO brand in North America.

LA-CO/Markal Names Marketing Manager

LA-CO Industries Inc./Markal Co. named Patrick Esposito as marketing and Web solutions manager for its plumbing division. Previously, he served as direct marketing manager for A.O. Smith’s parts service division.

Danze Names Senior Sales Staff

Danze, maker of kitchen and bath faucets, showerheads and bath accessories, added three senior-level sales managers to its national sales team. Ken James is the new western regional sales manager, MJ Davis is the new eastern regional wholesale sales manager, and Ken Fey is the new East Coast retail sales manager.

PMI Technical Director Chairs ASME Committee

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute announced Technical Director David W. Viola will serve as chairman of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers A112 Plumbing Materials and Equipment Committee. The A112 committee is responsible for more than 50 product standards regarding materials, fixtures, devices and equipment used or installed in plumbing systems. Viola’s term expires June 30, 2005.