Commerce, Calif.-based plumbing product manufacturer Pioneer Industries recently bought Central Brass Co., Cleveland.

Israel Hernandez, assistant secretary for trade promotion and director-general of the U.S. Commercial Service, awarded the U.S. Commerce Department’s Export Achievement Certificate to AERCO International.

Burnham Hydronics hosted contractors and their families at major league ballparks in August and September.

Spirax-Sarco Inc. acquired majority interest in UltraPure Group Ltd., which manufactures pure steam generators and water stills for the bio-pharmaceutical industry.

Sloan Valve Co. turns 100 this year. In 1906, William E. Sloan, company founder and inventor of the Flushometer, introduced his first model of the Royal® Flushometer.

The American Association of Community Colleges and distributor Grainger recently announced the national launch of Grainger’s Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program.

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law legislation that will reduce the amount of lead found in faucets, fittings, piping and other common plumbing parts installed and repaired throughout the state to just 0.25 percent, a huge reduction from the old limit of 8 percent. Plumbing manufacturers have until 2010 to comply with the new restriction.

The Home Depot now offers contractors rental tools at 1,175 The Home Depot Tool Rental Center locations.

ITT Industries recently acquired the F.B. Leopold Co., based in Zelienople, Pa.

The Plumbing Manufacturers Institute will hold its fall meeting Oct. 8-11, 2006, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.