KITCHEN + BATH ‘Devine’ Intervention
Leadership drives American Standard Brands’ philosophy: Style that works better
BY JOHN MESENBRINK S 40
aving a major plumbing manufacturer
from financial trouble is one daunting task. To take it on during one of the worst economic times in recent history takes something short of a miracle. American Standard
entered the housing downturn with weak financial results and facing an ownership change, but perhaps it was good timing for the company. A new leadership direction was needed and Don Devine, president and CEO of American Standard Brands, loved challenges. Armed with his experience from U.S. Industries, the predecessor company to Jacuzzi Brands, Devine was “all in” when he started in 2006. Changes happened quickly.
Don Devine (l), president and CEO of American Standard Brands talks toilet design, style and functionality with James Walsh, the real life Professor Toilet, (r) and Dave Boer.
American Standard Companies, the parent company, announced a break- up in early 2007, which resulted in the Global Bath and Kitchen business being purchased by Bain Capital in July 2007. In December 2007, the Americas operations of the American Standard ’s Global Bath and Kitchen plumbing business in the U.S., Canada and Mexico was purchased by Sun Capital, leading to a triple merger with Eljer and Crane Plumbing, both portfolio companies of Sun Capital. By early 2009, American Standard
reported that the merger integration had been successfully completed, creating a building products-focused project solutions company called American Standard Brands. At year- end 2010, the now profitable company had expanded its stable of building products, under well-
respected brands such as American Standard, JADO, Porcher, Safety Tubs, Crane, Eljer, Fiat and Decorative Panels International. American Standard Brands now employs more than 5,000 people in the United States, Canada and Mexico. “We are unique in our ability to provide total residential and commercial project solutions, competing in markets from economy to luxury, with coordinated and innovative designs across multiple product categories and price points,” Devine said. The company has achieved a
leading position in the water efficient plumbing products market. Under Devine’s leadership, the company has invested substantial resources to educate the public on the benefits of water efficiency without sacrifice.
“Our current partnership with The Nature Conservancy helps educate consumers about fresh water conservation, while our company’s Responsible Bathroom tour reaches plumbers, wholesalers, utilities and other stakeholders with products and
demonstrations to help homes and businesses save water,” Devine said. On World Water Day 2011,
American Standard announced an exclusive sponsorship with the Green Education Foundation (GEF), a non-profit organization committed to creating a sustainable future through education. GEF provides curriculum and resources to K-12 students and teachers worldwide with the goal of challenging youth to think holistically and critically about global environmental concerns and solutions. On the trade side, the company also supports educational efforts.
“American Standard was a founding member of GreenPlumbers USA, supporting programs that provide contractors with the training and education to differentiate themselves in a meaningful way in this competitive marketplace,” Devine said. GreenPlumbers USA is a national training and accreditation program assisting plumbers in creating sustainable communities, and providing consumers with water
phc april 2011
www.phcnews.com
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