Native Trails Introduces Their latest in Finishes and Their New Vanity Collections

Native Trails recently introduced their latest in NativeStone®, hammered copper and nickel, and their new vanity collections:

• Solace Collection - Cool concrete meets solid, sustainable oak
• Vintner’s Collection - Floating vanities made from beautifully salvaged winemaking materials
• ZACA Collection - Sleek stainless steel pairs with NativeStone for a stunning ADA compliant result
• Rhapsody (pictured) - Hand hammered by expert artisans from recycled copper & nickel
• Cozumel - A breathtaking combination of form and function showcases centuries of artisan tradition
• NativeStone Vanity Top Collection - The hottest material, for the ultimate wow factor is now available to top any bath vanity - in stock, precut in four finishes
• New Earth Finish - All NativeStone products are now available in natural, warm Earth finish.

Duravit Celebrates World Water Day

World Water Day occurs every year on March 22, advocating for a more conscientious and sustainable use of our freshwater supply. Since initiated by the UN in 1993, it seeks to raise awareness and promote solutions for effective management of the world's most vital resource. The issue of water conservation has resonated with Duravit for decades, and as bathrooms play a part in indoor water use, Duravit has concentrated on sustainability, having been a WaterSense partner for over 10 years. Throughout their WaterSense partnership, Duravit has been able to save over 2.1 trillion gallons of water and over $40 billion in water + energy bills. All Duravit wall- and floor-mounted toilets are WaterSense approved, which means that they meet the EPA’s performance mandate for High Efficiency Toilets (HET) - which is 1.28 or fewer gallons per flush (gpf). You can learn more about Duravit's stance on energy-efficient, adaptable design at bit.ly/DuravitGreen.

BLANCO's PRECISION® R0 DURINOX® Super Single Bowl with Apron Wins an IDA Award

BLANCO's PRECISION® R0 DURINOX® Super Single Bowl with Apron has won an International Design Award (IDA) for its design excellence. The PRECISION® R0 DURINOX® was specified a Silver award in the Home Interior Design category, focusing on its unique material and surface. The PRECISION® R0 DURINOX® is also recognized in the 2018 GOOD DESIGN Awards, KBCULTURE DESIGN® Awards 2018 and the 2018 Interior Design’s Best of Year (BoY) Awards as an honoree. DURINOX is the latest innovation from the artisans at BLANCO STEELART® featuring a unique look and feel with two times the strength of traditional stainless steel. Tailored to a hard-working and sophisticated kitchen, the PRECISION R0 modernizes a classic style complete with a velvety, matte finish and sleek silhouette. Featuring crisp, zero radius seams and an on-trend farmhouse style, the PRECISION R0 combines superior strength and unsurpassed resilience in its design. Created using technology inspired by the aerospace industry, DURINOX is an exclusive patented material by BLANCO, and is extremely resistant to scratches and impervious to fingerprints.

DXV's 3D Printed Faucet Honored as 2019 KBIS Best of Show Winner

DXV's (part of LIXIL Americas) latest 3D printed faucet received the top prize, “Best of Show” in the Best of KBIS awards. The newest 3D printed faucet represents the next evolution of additive manufacturing. This new faucet gives designers and consumers the ability for daring and brilliant self-expression by generating shapes in the water flow that cannot be produced in the typical manufacturing process. The faucet and its associated lavatory are designed to surprise and delight the consumer with a unique water experience. The faucet senses the user’s presence and automatically turns on as hands approach. The flow of water is delivered in the dramatic shape of a vortex, creating a mesmerizing effect. The Best of KBIS Awards is a respected annual program that recognizes the most innovative new products introduced at KBIS each year. In 2016, DXV previously won a Gold Award in this competition for the Vibrato faucet, part of the brand’s first collection to explore the possibilities of 3D printing.

GROHE Participates in the Intelligent Living Summit at 2019 ISH Fair

GROHE CEO Michael Rauterkus recently joined executives from Miele and Viessmann to participate in an "Intelligent Living Summit," a top-class round table held at the ISH trade fair in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. At the Summit, the discussion focused on the high expectations consumers have for intelligent home solutions that offer real added value as well as the enormous market potential in this category. By 2030, the number of sensors and devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) is expected to increase from 21 billion in 2018 to about 125 billion worldwide.

Hansgrohe USA Appoints Ryan Anderson Senior Director of eBusiness

Hansgrohe USA recently announced Ryan Anderson as Senior Director of eBusiness. Formerly the director of digital and e-commerce for Franke Kitchen North America, Anderson brings a wealth of experience in e-commerce strategy, business development and leadership to Hansgrohe’s eBusiness department. Hansgrohe USA President, Oliver Bahr, said "Ryan brings with him an extensive track record of success in the digital space. Under his leadership, their newly formed eBusiness team will be well-positioned to maximize the potential of our consumer experience.” Anderson excelled in product development for Bosch from 2005 to 2010, where he was able to secure over $47 million in revenue. He was also director of e-commerce for Corelle Brands from 2013 until 2016 and most recently served as Director of Digital & eCommerce, North America at Franke Kitchen Systems.

BLANCO Introduces Their New FORMERA Collection

BLANCO introduced its most versatile undermount series, the FORMERA Collection. The stainless finish collection is available in a wide range of sizes and styles, making it the perfect addition from spacious kitchens to small entertainment areas. With a generous and aesthetically pleasing R30 radius, the BLANCO FORMERA is easy to keep clean. The offset drain offers users the ultimate utility with a wider work area inside the sink, along with more storage area under the sink. Models include:

• BLANCO FORMERA 33” XL Super Single Bowl - 33” x 18”, 9” deep, outside cabinet: 36”
• BLANCO FORMERA 28” Large Single Bowl - 28” x 18”, 9” deep, outside cabinet: 33”
• BLANCO FORMERA 25” Medium Single Bowl - 25” x 18”, 9” deep, outside cabinet: 30”
• BLANCO FORMERA Equal Double Bowl - 33” x 18”, 9” deep, outside cabinet: 36”
• BLANCO FORMERA 1-3/4 Bowl - 33” x 18”, 9” deep, outside cabinet: 36”
• BLANCO FORMERA Bar Bowl - 16” x 18”, 8” deep, outside cabinet: 21”

Elkay's New Crosstown® Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink with Interchangeable Apron™

New color, new material, new day. Now, there’s a sink that lets you have the best of both worlds – the durability and good looks of classic stainless steel plays with fashion-forward colors and materials. Elkay's Crosstown® Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink with Interchangeable Apron™ feature gives you the ability to easily switch out aprons from day to night, or seasonally. See the complete Crosstown collection of sinks and Interchangeable Aprons at elkay.com/crosstown.

Alno Inc.'s New Cabinet Hardware and Bath Accessory Catalogs

Alno Inc.’s new Cabinet Hardware and Bath Accessory catalogs are now available. Your local Alno sales representative should deliver these to you by the end of March. If you do not receive your catalog by then, please contact your local Sales Rep or you can e-mail orders@alnoinc.com to request your copies. Alno Inc. is pleased to expand their finish offerings in their most sought after Cabinet Hardware Collections as detailed below.

• The addition of matte black (MB) to the Moderne and Charlie's collections
• The addition of satin brass to the Linear collection
• The addition of polished brass to the Manhattan and Millennium collections

Alno's new Bath Accessory catalog has the following improvements.

• The new bath catalog has a group four(4) column so you can special order Alno finishes that are not stocked in a particular series. The normal ETA would be 4-6 weeks and the special order form is on the last page of the catalog.
• Most ADA compliant grab bars are now available in polished brass (PB) as well as unlacquered brass (PB/NL).

For more information or if you have any additional questions, contact Alno's customer service team at 818-882-6028.

LIXIL Americas Supports the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School

LIXIL Americas’ kitchen and bath brands, American Standard and GROHE, are supporting the Somerset County Vocational and Technical High School (SCVTS) in Bridgewater Township, N.J. By providing some of the latest plumbing innovations, LIXIL aims to help students receive the proper training necessary to pursue a plumbing career in today’s modern world. The support is part of a larger effort of LIXIL Americas to steer the conversation towards the importance of plumbers, and how their contributions ensure that communities have safe drinking water, a clean shower and proper sanitation. The SCVTS program in Bridgewater Township provides students with instruction in all aspects of residential and commercial plumbing. Over the past year, LIXIL supported seven vocational and technical schools in New Jersey, including Payne Tech in Newark and West Caldwell Tech in West Caldwell. Also, LIXIL often hosts groups of local STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students at its Research and Design Center in Piscataway, where they receive a full day of mentorship.

in2aqua's New CLASSIC Bath Collection

in2aqua's new CLASSIC bath collection catches the glamorous spirit of the past. It's familiar, extraordinary, modern retro-look, decorative and detailed, and captures the timeless and elegant designs of yesteryear while crafting them with today's cutting-edge technology.  The widespread faucet and 4-hole roman tub kit are constructed of solid brass and include metal handles and escutcheons.  The double handles rest on 1/4 turn valves.  All in2aqua products utilize Fluehs valves made in Germany and Kerox PVD+™ plasma coated greaseless ceramic disc technology.  The solid brass pressure balance shower valve is designed to prevent cross flow, reduce water hammer, and protects bathers against scalding and cold-water shock.  Temperature control is within 3.6 degrees (F) of the set point despite a 50% water pressure drop.  All in2aqua products are engineered to meet or exceed North American standards.  The shower head and hand shower utilize Air Technology to enhance the showering experience and save water.  The CLASSIC design is available with a tarnish free extra hard chrome coating or PVD brushed nickel finish that will last a lifetime.  All products shown are ADA compliant.  The widespread faucet, 4-hole roman tub kit, and pressure balance shower valve are backed by in2aqua’s Go Pro Limited Lifetime Warranty for as long as the homeowner owns the product.

California Faucets Honored with a 2019 Gold AVA Digital Award

California Faucets claimed another award for its signature Pixar-inspired videos. The company’s latest video, Bath Time, has won a Gold Award in the category of Digital Video Creation/Live Action/Animation in the AVA Digital Awards 2019 competition. Following last year’s win for Aqua Pella, the fun and memorable story of five faucets in a singing competition, Bath Time creatively blends computer-generated imagery with live action. “With Bath Time, the idea was to have viewers interact emotionally, through animation, to something inanimate that they use every day—a faucet,” explains Noah Taft, California Faucets Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales. AVA Digital Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP). The international organization consists of several thousand production, marketing, communication, advertising, public relations, and freelance professionals. Judges are industry professionals who look for companies and individuals whose talent exceeds a high standard of excellence and whose work serves as a benchmark for the industry.

Thermasol Promotes Two Long-Term Employees

ThermaSol® announced the promotion and appointment of two dedicated, long-term employees to new positions. Thomas Hagins is now Director of Technical Services and Carrie McMullen is being promoted to Factory Operations Manager, assuming Hagins’ former position. In her new position, McMullen will manage and lead all operational aspects of ThermaSol’s new 40,000 square foot, fully self-contained facility. Hagins will take the lead in educating ThermaSol’s internal customer care staff as well assisting in the training of their extensive network of technicians across North America. In their new roles, Hagins and McMullen will continue to ensure that ThermaSol functions efficiently and effectively.

Crosswater London Adds New Exterior Finishes to Their Balthazar Tub

Crosswater London announced new exterior finishes for its Balthazar freestanding bathtub. The metal surround that wraps the distinguished soaker is now available in white, black or gold, joining polished stainless and recently launched polished nickel, for a striking centerpiece in the luxury bathroom. Engineered for form, function, and durability, the Balthazar is created from high-performing ClearStone material, an innovative natural stone compound that ensures brilliant white color and a hard-wearing, high-gloss surface that resists stain, retains heat, and minimizes maintenance. Hand-polished for over ten hours, the lustrous sheen of the tub itself is matched in beauty by its exterior metal surround in five distinctive finishes. Sleek and stunning, the new white exterior is polished to perfection; while the matte surface of the black exterior is understated elegance. For a highly reflective surface with warmth and character, opt for the outer casing in gold. All three exciting new finishes extend designer options to the existing polished nickel and polished stainless for a sumptuous focal point in the traditional or contemporary bathroom. Generous in proportion and classic in shape, the Balthazar exudes old-world elegance with modern appeal. The overall size of 66” in length, 30” in width, and 27 1/8” in height with a center drain position accommodates two bathers comfortably.

ACS Marketing Honored by Dornbracht and Infinity Drain

ACS Marketing, an independent rep agency who covers southern California, Arizona and the Las Vegas area, was recently honored by the following member manufacturers with multiple awards:

• Dornbracht USA - 2018 North American Sales Representative Award (inaugural award)
• Infinity Drain - 
• 2019 Highest Volume Increase
• 2019 Highest Sales Volume

GRAFF's New Harley Faucet Collection

GRAFF recently unveiled its new Harley Faucet Collection. Conceptualized by GRAFF’s G+ Design Studio, the design of the contemporary collection was derived from the stylings of classic motorcycles, fusing an industrial aesthetic with detail work nostalgic of the all-American icons. The collection includes one, two, or three-hole versions of the sink and bathtub; wall, floor or deck-mounted models, and a linear lever option, also knurled for a user-friendly handle. A first for the brand, the Harley Collection portfolio of offerings includes a two-hole lavatory faucet ideal for narrow spaces, as well as powder rooms and laundry rooms. The revised footprint of the faucet enhances the user experience and applicability of the collection’s designs. The free-standing bathtub filler stands out for its elegance, while the various wall-mounted faucet orientations speak to the sophistication of the Harley collection. The Harley collection is available in several elegant finishes, including onyx - a PVD finish that is as attractive as it is durable. Additional finishes available include: polished chrome, polished nickel, brushed nickel, gunmetal, olive bronze, black, white, gold and brushed gold. Unique to the Harley Collection, the faucet handles are available in three stunning two-tone finish options, polished chrome with onyx and polished nickel with onyx, and brushed gold with onyx.

Top Knobs Introduces Their New Grace Collection

Top Knobs introduced the Grace collection. Inspired by the ageless beauty of New York's five boroughs, Grace includes knobs, pulls and appliance pulls that lend a nod to some of Top Knobs' most well-loved designs over the past 25 years. All hardware in the Grace collection is available in six desirable finishes including: ash gray (AG), brushed satin nickel (BSN), flat black (BLK), honey bronze (HB), polished chrome (PC) and polished nickel (PN). Grace Collection details include: 

• 276 pieces 
• Six series: Henderson, Pomander, Kent, Riverside, Minetta, and Barrow 
• 3 Appliance pull styles available in sizes 12" and 18” 
• Pulls in all 6 series available in sizes ranging from 3 ¾" to 12” 
• Knobs in 4 series available in sizes 1 ¼" and 2”

Mountain Plumbing Products Honored as Forte Group's 2018 Vendor of the Year

Mountain Plumbing Products was honored with the 2018 Vendor of the Year award at the recently concluded Forte Group's annual conference in Austin, TX. The company wants to thank their partners, customers and the entire Mountain Plumbing Products family for making this achievement possible.

MTI Baths Wins a 2019 AVA Digital Award

MTI Baths announced it won a 2019 AVA Digital Award. Out of 2,500 entries from throughout the US, Canada and 24 other countries, MTI won Platinum Distinction for the outstanding work demonstrated in their Hydrotherapies for Wellness video. AVA Digital’s Platinum Award is presented to those entries judged to be among the most impressive submissions in the competition. The AVA Digital Awards is an international competition that recognizes outstanding achievements by creative professionals involved in the concept, direction, design and production of media that is part of the evolution of digital communication. Platinum Winners are recognized for their excellence in terms of quality, creativity and resourcefulness. Wellness viewed in a holistic way is of great interest and importance for many people today. From the beginning, promoting wellness for individuals and improving the quality of their lives has been the focus of MTI in the design and function of its products and therapies.

Whitehead Sales Honored as Duravit's Top Sales Region Overall in 2018

Duravit USA has kicked off the year by celebrating its business associates. At its 2019 National Sales Meeting, the manufacturer recognized Whitehead Sales as their 2018 honoree as the rep agency with the top sales overall in a region. Based in South Florida, Whitehead Sales was named Duravit’s Top Sales Region Overall for 2018, thanks to a combination of project and showroom sales.

AXOR's New MyEdition Collection

AXOR unveiled its new MyEdition Collection at last week’s 2019 KBIS Show. MyEdition is a tailor-made collection to bring individualization to the bathroom. The new line pairs sleek, low-profile faucet and tub filler bodies with six different cover plates including leather, wood, two types of marble, and a mirrored or black glass. With the AXOR FinishPlus program, an additional 13 finishes are available, offering nearly 300 extra design combinations geared towards satisfying varying personal styles. With the AXOR Signature program, the option to add an inscription is also available. AXOR MyEdition incorporates the company’s innovative new PowderRain spray, a micro-fine mist that has a powder-like feel. Developed in Hansgrohe's R+D lab in Germany, the secret is in the spray disc, which features precisely arranged nozzles that incorporate several microscopic openings rather than just one. The resulting spray is so fine it melts into the skin rather than bounces off of it. This allows the skin to retain warmth and translates to reduced splashing at the sink. What's more, the spray is engineered to be remarkably quiet, a result of rigorous testing in an acoustics chamber.

in2aqua's New Multiport Ceramic Disc Valve Diverter

in2aqua‘s new multi port ceramic disc valve diverter, combined with its high-performance thermostatic valve, guarantees an ergonomic and user friendly shower system. The award-winning in2itiv™ mounting system saves installation costs and reduces sound transfer to the back wall. Configuring shower systems is a snap with the easy-to-use Shower Configurator on in2aqua.com. Simply pick and click the desired design, configuration, and finish, and a list of all needed shower components, including the rough-ins, are provided. Equally impressive is in2aqua‘s shower collection which utilizes Air Technology to enhance the showering experience and save water.

BLANCO Introduces the BLANCO QUATRUS R15 Apron Super Single Sink

BLANCO introduces the BLANCO QUATRUS® R15 ERGON Apron Super Single sink. Featuring a transitional, geometric design the QUATRUS R15 ERGON refreshes the classic farm sink with a modernized look and functionality that meets the everyday needs of the most practical, yet beautiful kitchens. With a generous R15 radius, rear-positioned drain hole and a high ledge for custom accessories, the QUATRUS R15 ERGON offers users maximum workspace in, under and on top of the sink. Optional accessories include a grid, steel colander and wood cutting board – the QUATRUS R15 ERGON elevates a kitchen’s workspace and limits countertop clutter. Features include:

• BLANCO QUATRUS® R15 ERGON Apron Super Single
• 33” x 20 ½ ”, 9” deep, outside cabinet: 36”
• Accessories
• Grid
• Steel Colander
• Wood Cutting Board (included with sink)
• BLANCO QUATRUS® R15 Apron Front and Undermount Series
• 18 Gauge Stainless Steel
• X-pattern drain grooves
• Easy-to-clean satin finish surface

Laufen Bathrooms' On-Site Party at the 2019 ISH Fair

Laufen Bathrooms would like to extend an invitation to any DPHA member who is attending the ISH Fair in a few weeks to be a part of their on-site party on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 6 to 10 p.m. at their location in Hall 3.1, Booth B51. To reserve your spot, yo may RSVP with Steve Barry via phone at 516-650-7500 or email at stephen.barry@laufen.ch.