| Elkay® Announces Partnership with Webert Italian Design® |
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November 5, 2009 - OAK BROOK, IL - Elkay’s Plumbing Products Division (PPD) is pleased to announce a partnership with Webert Italian Design, a family-owned and -operated manufacturer of premium, European-inspired bath faucets and fixtures located in Maggiora, Italy. Starting in January 2010, Elkay will be the exclusive distributor for Webert branded bath products in North and South America, combining the expertise of Webert craftsmen and Elkay sales and distribution to offer American consumers Italian luxury within reach. “The natural synergy between Elkay and Webert Italian Design accelerated this partnership, especially the alignment in our core values to deliver reliable, quality products with innovative design,” said Angela Sheehan, the Elkay Residential director of marketing and product development for faucets. “Elkay’s reputation in the marketplace as a leader in stylish innovation perfectly complements Webert’s exceptional quality of production and its elite design team’s innate knowledge of beautiful and cutting-edge Italian design. Elkay is excited that this partnership will allow us to quickly expand our presence in the bath market and to distribute a full line of fixtures that bring the beauty and attention to detail of Italian design and craftsmanship to American consumers at an affordable price.” Founded in 1975 by Carlo Zanetta, Webert began as a small company solely focused on producing bath faucets and fixtures of the highest quality and strongest design. After a significant increase in production in the 1980s, Webert offered a comprehensive line of products and, in 1995, underwent a complete upgrade to help accommodate these expanded offerings. Zanetta’s son, Emanuele, assumed responsibility as managing director in the 2000s, and together he and his father sought to further deliver a first-class, European-inspired bath faucet and fixture experience by adding fresh, impactful design elements to the mix. Today, Webert employs 100 people, operates in a 100,000-square-foot plant and conducts business with nearly 1,000 clients and customers outside of North and South America. Machining, polishing, chrome finishing, brass component production, assembly and warehousing comprise Webert’s far-reaching capabilities. Most recently, Webert has combined the cornerstones of quality with a quest for new, striking designs, achieved by working with leading European designers, thus creating a broader range of premium faucets and fixtures. Designers such as Aldo Cibic, emerging talents like Massimiliano Settimelli and three full-time highly talented designers on staff - Salvatore Pischedda, Livio Sola and Marco Spinelli - help to provide Webert customers with the world’s most cutting edge fixture fashions. While Webert focuses on creating beautifully styled products that offer a delicate balance of simplicity and sophistication, Webert products are also held to the strictest measures of quality control. All products are ISO 9001/2000 certified, which verifies that the supplier is reliable both in product quality and in procedures and service. With the philosophy that bathroom environments need faucets and accessories which go beyond functionality and comfort to carry a touch of exclusivity throughout the entire interior, Webert offers seven collections and eight finish options that are the synthesis of innovation, comfort and beauty. From single hole lavatory faucets to widespread and vessel lavatory faucets to thermostatic and pressure balance showers to shower heads, hand showers and body jets, Webert offers a myriad of impactful designs that make it easy to customize the look of the bath while ushering in a new era of modern elegance into home décor.
 All Webert products are in compliance with the lead content requirements of California (AB1953) and Vermont (S152) which go into effect January 1, 2010. Webert also features products that meet the EPA WaterSense certification guidelines with a 1.5 gallon per minute (gpm) flow rate for lavatory faucets - including Wolo, Lotho, Flauto, Trefle and Firenze. Webert offers a limited lifetime warranty on all parts and finishes for its products. For more information on Webert Italian Design and all bath collections, visit www.webertusa.com. For almost 90 years, Elkay has been an innovative manufacturer of stainless steel sinks, water coolers, drinking fountains and faucets for residential and commercial use. Elkay, which is ranked 57th in Crain’s Chicago Business list of Chicago’s Largest Privately-Held Companies, has more than 2,800 employees in facilities across the United States and select international markets. Elkay is also a member of key industry associations including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) and the Decorative Plumbing & Hardware Association (DPHA). Headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, Elkay is also the parent company of E.B. Tecnica Mexicana®, Phylrich® International and Elkay China. Recently, Elkay broadened its scope to address the need for high-quality granite and composite countertop materials for the East Coast with the addition of Badolato Granite and Chesapeake Stoneworks holdings. Elkay is America's number one selling stainless steel sink company. The Elkay Manufacturing Cabinetry Division is the fourth largest cabinet manufacturer in the U.S. with its Yorktowne® Cabinetry, Medallion® Cabinetry and Mastercraft® Cabinets holdings. For more information, Elkay customers can contact Elkay customer service at (630) 572-3192 or visit elkayusa.com. For media inquiries, contact Mandy Meszaros at (312) 946-6004. |
With a sleek feel and intrinsic lightness, this design was inspired by the flight of airplanes and the aerodynamics of their wings. Wolo’s tapering and slim shape adds to the simplicity of its design. The Wolo is available in a wide range of fixture options from lavatory faucets to shower systems and is offered in four finish options including Chrome, Black with a Chrome Handle, White with a Chrome Handle and Satin Gold. (MSRP of single hole lavatory begins at $875 and is dependent upon finish.)
reflecting the ancient virtues of the lotus flower. Inspired by nature, both in name and shape, the Lotho collection features a handle with an organic shape that caresses the faucet’s body creating a balanced sense of linearity. Available in everything from lavatory faucets to shower systems, the Lotho collection offers three finishes including Chrome, Chrome with a Black Handle and Chrome with a Wood Handle. (MSRP of single hole lavatory begins at $695 and is dependent upon finish.)
a sound that is both ancient and modern. Created with this beautiful musical composition in mind, Flauto translates to Flute in English and features the perfect pitch for the transitional bath with harmonic, yet strong lines. Built with a flat, large spout, the handle evokes the image of a mouthpiece on a wind instrument. The collection ranges from lavatory faucets to shower systems and is available in Chrome or Chrome with a Black Handle. (MSRP of single hole lavatory begins at $550 and is dependent upon finish.)
of modern enthusiasm and minimalist design. With a strong, clean-lined geometry, Azeta is available in everything from lavatory faucets to shower systems and in two finishes options, Chrome and Brushed Nickel. (MSRP for single hole lavatory begins at $525 and is dependent upon finish.)
the Elio collection lightens the bath with its effortless, contemporary form. Available in everything from lavatory faucets to shower systems, the Elio brings a breath of fresh air into the bath and is offered in two finish options, Chrome and Brushed nickel. (MSRP for single hole lavatory begins at $425 and is dependent upon finish.)
the organic charm of a four-leaf clover with its handle design. Available in Chrome and Black finishes, the collection offers everything from lavatory faucets to shower systems. (MSRP of single hole lavatory begins at $490 and is dependent upon finish.)