Franke and Similor AG – PMI’s Newest Manufacturing Members

Rolling Meadows, Ill. – March 3, 2015 – Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) has announced that its board of directors voted to approve Franke as the newest manufacturing member of PMI. The announcement was made by PMI President Fernando Fernandez, Director of Codes and Standards, TOTO USA. Franke is the second member to be added this year, following Similor AG, whose status as manufacturing member was announced last month.

Franke is a sink manufacturer, and Similor AG a faucet manufacturer. PMI membership consists of both manufacturing and allied members, who together represent more than 90 percent of the nation’s market share of plumbing products. Participation in PMI affords members the opportunity to work with other manufacturers to effect positive changes in the industry. Our membership constitutes a strong voice on legislative and regulatory matters, plumbing and building codes and standards, and water conservation and provides marketing and management information to its members and the industry.

Both Franke and Similor AG sent representatives from their companies to the 2014 PMI Fall Conference as prospective members to see the benefits of PMI in action, prior to making their applications. Eligible prospective members may attend a maximum of two PMI meetings as a non-member. In addition to the annual conferences, PMI hosts industry events and initiatives throughout the year including legislative fly-ins.

The year’s annual conference is scheduled for October 26-29, 2015 at the Hotel Contessa in San Antonio, Texas. Prospective members interested in attending may contact PMI directly at 847-481-5500 and watch for event details and registration information to be posted at www.SafePlumbing.org in the coming months, or contact PMI for information about other current events.

Details about the benefits and value of membership, eligibility, and how to join and are available on the PMI website at http://www.safeplumbing.org/pmi/join-us.

Contact for PMI: Ray Valek, ray@valekco.com, 708-352-8695

About PMI

Plumbing Manufacturers International is the voluntary, not-for-profit international industry association of manufacturers of plumbing products, serving as the Voice of the Plumbing

Industry. Member companies produce about 90 percent of the nation’s plumbing products. PMI is dedicated to advocating for plumbing product performance and innovation contributing to water savings, sustainability, public health and safety, and consumer satisfaction. For more information on PMI or its conferences, contact the organization at 1921 Rohlwing Road, Unit G, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008; tel.: 847-481-5500; fax: 847-481-5501. Visit our website at www.safeplumbing.org.

About Franke

Franke has established its position as the largest stainless steel kitchen sink manufacturer in the world and a leading name in kitchen faucets, hot- and cold-water filtration, undermount sinks and waste disposers. The Franke Group is a world-leading provider of solutions and equipment for domestic kitchens, washrooms, professional food service, coffee preparation and beverage delivery. The group has 72 subsidiaries with more than 9,000 employees in 37 countries and generates consolidated sales of CHF 2.1 billion. For more information, visit www.frankeksd.com or call 1-800-626-5771.

About Similor AG

Similor AG is a leading manufacturer of taps in Switzerland. The traditional company produces exclusive arwa, Similor Kugler, Sanimatic and Laufen brand taps for washbasins, bidets, bathtubs and showers that are sold all over the world. Everywhere, water inspires people in their daily lives, and us for 160 years, in our quest to create new innovations in the art of taps. The German precision, Italian flair for design and French sophistication that make Switzerland so unique are mirrored in our design and quality – Swissness by Similor. Visit them online at www.similor.ch/en