By Dianne M. Pogoda

 
 

INDUSTRY  NEWS

CONSTRUCTION NEEDS NEARLY A MILLION WORKERS A YEAR: Demand for new housing and remodeling has remained so vigorous, the Home Builders Institute projects that the construction sector needs 740,000 additional workers each year to keep pace. This shortage is contributing to the lack of housing supply as well as impacting affordability. While more than 100,000 net residential construction jobs were added over the last 12 months, the industry still needs more than 61,000 net hires every month to fill vacancies and adjust for anticipated growth. In all, between now and 2024, the industry needs 2.2 million net hires. Builderonline has more.

 

COMPANY  NEWS

FERGUSON BUYS ANOTHER LIGHTING COMPANY: Ferguson signed a purchase agreement to acquire Corona, Calif.-based Minka Group, which includes the lighting and fan brands Metropolitan Lighting Fixture Co., George Kovacs, minkaAire and Minka Lavery. This is Ferguson’s second lighting acquisition this year, following the purchase of RP Lighting + Fans in January. Ferguson, based in Newport News, VA., said it expects to complete the purchase of Minka in the fourth quarter subject to regulatory approval.

WILSONART IN THE BATH: Engineered surface maker Wilsonart has introduced a collection for the bath, the Wilsonart® Solid Surface Bath and Shower Accessories Niche line. The components are compatible with the company’s Wetwall™ Water-Proof Wall Panel System, and provide sleek, functional, recessed shelving to store shampoo, soap and other shower necessities. The niches are finished and waterproof, and can be installed with adhesive (no framing or blocking required) and come in a variety of colors with matching caulk. For more, visit Wilsonart.

DELTA’S TWO-FER: Delta Faucet Co. has introduced a shower head and hand shower in one. The In2ition Two-In-One Showerhead allows the user to operate both units together or either one separately. The budget-friendly upgrade screws onto existing pipe, so it doesn’t require complicated plumbing. Go here for more details.

KOHLER OPENS ALABAMA WAREHOUSE: Kohler Co. has opened a 546,000 square-foot warehouse in Huntsville, Ala., to support increased demand for its Sterling Vikrell bath and shower fixtures. Kohler built the warehouse near its existing plant that manufactures the Sterling Vikrell line. At the ribbon-cutting last month were Kohler executives, including CEO David Kohler, Senior VP Laura Kohler and Senior VP Norb Schmidt, along with local officials and executives from Burns & McDonnell, the design-build contractor for the project. The new facility is expected to ease stresses on the supply chain with enhanced stocking strategy, reduce lead times and improve delivery efficiency. Kohler said in February it would build another Vikrell production facility and distribution center in Casa Grande, Ariz., set to open by August 2023.

CAMBRIA TEAMS WITH ROOM & BOARD: Cambria, a maker of quartz surfaces, has expanded its collaboration with home-furnishings retailer Room & Board. Both companies are based in Minnesota. Business of Home reports that the line, which began in 2020, now includes six new Cambria surface designs customized for seven of Room & Board’s bath vanity collections, as well as the brand’s Amherst collection of storage cabinets and kitchen islands. Go here for more detailsf.

 

EVENTS

PRESIDENT OBAMA HEADLINES A’22: A’22, the American Institute of Architects’ Conference on Architecture, runs this week — June 22 to 25 — at McCormick Place and all around Chicago. Former President Barack Obama, who called Chicago home for many years, will address the closing session on Friday in a moderated conversation. A’22 will showcase innovations in products, design and materials; feature continuing education sessions; highlight Chicago architectural icons including designs by Frank Lloyd Wright and Mies van der Rohe; and offer tours of the city’s unique architecture. For more info, go here.

PEOPLE NEWS

LIEBHERR ADDS TO TEAM: Liebherr has made two appointments to its marketing team. Fabiana Triana has joined the company as Marketing Events Manager for North, Central and South America. In her role, Triana leads and coordinates international and local trade shows and events. Cristhyan Briceno has joined the team as Regional Social Media Coordinator, U.S. Territory. As social media coordinator, he will work closely with the Appliance Division to promote brand awareness, increase sales and boost brand loyalty.

 

CHAPTER NEWS

BASEBALL NIGHT IN ALABAMA: The Alabama Chapter is hosting a free night of baseball on July 14 at Regions Field, 1401 1st Ave S in Birmingham. Watch the Birmingham Barons take on the Rocket City Trash Pandas from Suite 115 on the Jimmy Johns Concourse, and enjoy complimentary food and networking. All are welcome. Registration is free, RSVP by July 7.