A 136 year-old company shares some fast facts about its unusual journey.

By Dianne M. Pogoda

Bob Gifford, Director of Business Development for Hastings Tile and Bath, introduced his brand in the ICFF Pavilion at KBIS Virtual and offered a few nuggets about the company some attendees might not know.

  • The company was founded in 1885 as Hastings Pavement, a manufacturer of asphalt hexagon pavers used outdoors, prominently in public parks and on the streets of New York.
  • In the early Seventies, Hastings came indoors and started importing tile from Italy, especially for bathrooms. Hastings is also the exclusive U.S. importer and distributor for Vola faucets and fixtures, an iconic Italian brand designed by Arne Jacobsen in the mid 20th century in the U.S.
  • Sustainability plays a major role at Hastings. All its factories in Europe meet ISO standards and have the most modern production capabilities. The company adheres to lean principles of production. In its Vola factory, for instance, there is no excess inventory or stock, everything is made to order. And everything is recycled, including brass or steel bars or scraps, which are turned into new product, and all oils and waters used in the manufacturing process are reused, for a green process.

The same principles apply to Hastings vanities and other products, which are all made to order.

  • Inspiration: Hastings strives for trend-setting, unique designs, high standards of manufacturing, and flexibility, including hundreds of choices in hardware, colors, finishes and countertop materials.
  • Gifford said among the elements that make Hastings different are its focus on European design, Italian manufacturing, and the ability to customize products, as well as taking chances on products.
  • The pandemic has inspired many homeowners to consider remodeling to upgrade the comfort, useability and function of their spaces. The mudroom/ laundry area has probably seen the greatest change in the past year, Gifford said, because it has become a transition room. A sink allows an accessible washing and disinfecting zone, laundry is right there for washing clothing before entering the house, and it’s a handy place to organize masks, gloves and other items for going in and out of the home.