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INDUSTRY NEWS
completed its revision of the popular Fixtures and Faucets©
CHICAGO— The ASA education Foundation has certificate course. The improved
version is now available in ASAU Online as an interactive, online course. The project began with a full content review,
with the assistance of ASA’s new plumbing divi- sion council. Revi- sions include an updated and ex- panded section on the Americans with Disabilities Act and
many new and upgraded course illustrations. Fixtures and Faucets©
is now a three-hour, in-
teractive, online program divided into eight mod- ules. each module is 20 minutes or less and includes definitions of common industry terms, descriptions of the major types of fixtures and in- formation about the supply and DWV fittings most commonly specified for the installation of these fixtures. The course includes graphics, in- teractive activities, self-grading quizzes, a glos- sary, a 100-question final exam and a certificate of completion for those who pass the exam. employees who successfully complete the course will be able to do the following: • Identify the three major types of plumbing
fixtures, as well as their similarities and differ- ences • Use common plumbing fixtures terms
•THE WHOLESALER® —MAY 2011
ASAEF revises its Fixtures and Faucets course
• Identify the common specifications neces-
sary in reading manufacturers’ rough-ins and or- dering the fixtures covered in the course • Recognize the fixture designs that are best for a given installation or application • Recognize and use basic terms related to
whirlpool bathtubs, whirlpool spas and other fix- tures • Discuss the ordering specifications, required support equipment and construction method for each type of specialty fixtures • Recognize the similarities and differences between fixtures for residential and commercial installations • Discuss the types of and specifications for fixtures in commercial installations • Use basic plumbing requirements specified
by the ADA • Understand the importance of providing fix-
tures and accessories that comply with ADA guidelines. “Fixtures and Faucets has been a very popular
course with the industry for years,” said Amy Black, ASA education Foundation executive di- rector. “The modernization of this course not only educates on current trends but also allows the Foundation to deliver it in ASAU Online. This online system provides truly engaging and interactive learning and, for the companies that use it, free tracking and reporting.” Visit
www.asa.net.
Grundfos Group describes 2010 results as best ever
BJeRRINGBRO, DeNMARK — The international debt crisis and the increasing oil prices, as well as the growing need for energy efficiency, are key reasons for Grundfos’ focus on internal process efficiency and global sustainability. This resulted in the group being able to present an an- nual report for 2010 which group president, Carsten Bjerg, describes as the best ever for Grundfos. Grundfos Group is owned by a private foundation, with headquarters in Denmark and staff in 55 countries. The 2010 sales reached $3.7 billion, with
See contact information on page 102
“In a difficult and challenging time, we managed to expand the technological and commercial lead in the market and, at the same time, managed to limit costs.”
profit before tax reaching $455 million compared to $3.2 billion and $169.7 million, respectively in 2009. With this result, the company in 2010 returned to a level of activity equal to those prior to the global financial crisis. “This is a good result,” said Bjerg. “even better than we hoped. It will be used for in- vestments in new growth. For in- stance, we shall soon be launching new energy effi- cient solutions that will no doubt at- tract attention, and
we shall continue the globalization of our activi- ties in growth markets. The fact that, in a difficult
and challenging time, we managed to expand the technological and commercial lead in the market and, at the same time, managed to limit costs, is a
strong example of management and staff’s strong performance and cooperation. At the turn of the year the group even managed to abolish all debts with an interest-bearing net deposit of $325 mil- lion, compared to net debts of $18 million at the start of the year.” Because of Grundfos’s special ownership, the
profit gained will be reinvested directly in the business, with special focus on investments in technology and product development. These in- vestments will reach $184 million in the coming year. In addition, investments in production equip- ment will be doubled; for instance, with new pro- duction facilities in Russia, Serbia and India. “The North American region will also be the beneficiary of some of the enhanced investment activity,” said Jes Munk-Hansen, regional man- aging director for North America, commenting from the company’s North American headquar- ters in Olathe, Kan. “All Grundfos employees shared in the success, as the company announced at Christmas time that every employee would be awarded an extra week’s pay.” Visit
www.grundfos.us.
• Be sure to visit
www.thewholesaler.com for web exclusive articles and videos! •
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