In today’s world, manufacturers reps in the plumbing and HVAC industry are constantly looking for ways to enhance their reputation beyond just being a sales agency — and J & K Sales has managed to accomplish that and more through its dedication to training and building lasting relationships with both its manufacturer partners and customers.

Several Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) members and PMI’s federal government affairs consultant will address the industry’s most urgent water and regulatory issues at the 2022 Emerging Water Technology Symposium (EWTS). The event will take place from May 11-12, in San Antonio, Texas. Early bird registration runs to March 15.

Reed Manufacturing in Erie, Pennsylvania is celebrating 125 years of supplying industry with pipe tools and vises for the professional trades. Carl Reed, scion of one of Erie’s pioneer families, along with three partners, started the business in 1896. REED started by manufacturing pipe wrenches and plumbing supplies, as is still the case, but also scales, bicycles, and laundry machinery. 

Zurn Water Solutions Corp. and Elkay Manufacturing Co. announced they have reached a definitive agreement to combine the businesses in an all-stock transaction. Upon completion of the transaction, Zurn Water Solutions shareholders will own approximately 71% and Elkay shareholders will own approximately 29% of the combined and newly named company — Zurn Elkay Water Solutions Corp.

PMI announced the election of Martin Knieps as president of the 2022 PMI Board of Directors during PMI’s 67^th Annual Meeting of the Membership yesterday. The senior director of operational excellence at Viega, Knieps succeeds Todd Teter, senior vice president and general manager of the Professional Plumbing Group House of Rohl North America, a division of Moen. Teter will remain on the board as immediate past president. The meeting was held during the PMI21 Manufacturing Success Conference in San Diego.

Oatey Co. has partnered with nonprofit organization Miracle Mechanical to make one deserving veteran’s hope a reality through significant HVAC and plumbing repairs. 

The sweepstakes, open to professional plumbers and contractors in the United States, will run for 75 days, from Sept. 1 to Nov. 15, and result in 10 winners pocketing $7,500 for a total of a $75,000 cash giveaway.