Matco-Norca Gets the Lead Out for California & Vermont
- More than 600 Lead-Free Valves, Fittings, Faucets and Plumbing Specialty Products Are Ready for January 1st 2010 -
Brewster, NY, November 9, 2009 - Matco-Norca, Inc., one of the nation's leading suppliers of globally sourced, code-compliant plumbing and PVF products, is ready to meet the new California and Vermont lead free requirements for plumbing products and fixtures.
Matco-Norca's lead free products are now available and contain less than .25 percent weighted average lead content on wetted surfaces. They include lead free valves, fittings, faucets and plumbing specialty items.
With a La Palma, CA distribution center, the Golden State is a major market for the company. When California announced passage of its AB 1953 law in September 2008, Matco-Norca swung into action in gearing up to meet the new lead-free product requirements, which will go into effect as of January 1st, 2010.
The new CA law, now referred to as Health and Safety Code 116875-116880, defines lead free products as "not more than a weighted average of 0.25 percent when used with respect to the wetted surfaces of pipes and pipe fittings, plumbing fittings and fixtures to be determined pursuant to a prescribed formula." As of January 1st, the law prohibits the sale of lead-based plumbing products, and any water fixtures or fittings that need replacement as of that date will have to comply with the new law.
To prepare for its lead free roll-out, Matco-Norca systematically reviewed all of its products sold in CA and VT in recent years and worked directly with its factories overseas and its sales reps in the two affected states to define the full extent of products that would need to be lead free.
For now, Matco-Norca will carry dual inventories of standard and lead free products. The La Palma, CA distribution center has been reorganized with a dedicated lead free section.
"California has a history of being the "first" state to enact new laws and ordinances, especially with regard to environmental considerations," stated Lynn McVay, Matco-Norca's President. "We anticipate that lead free plumbing products will gradually be mandated across the country. Our experience and expertise in global sourcing will allow us to ensure that we continue to provide our wholesale customers with top quality products at competitive prices regardless of the restrictions this public serving law requires."
Matco-Norca is working with its local sales force and ramping up marketing efforts to get the word out about its lead free products availability. The company has a dedicated lead free website - www.matco-norca.com/leadfree.
About Matco-Norca
Matco-Norca, headquartered in Brewster, NY, is a leading supplier of code-compliant Plumbing, PVF, Waterworks and Irrigation products for use in residential, commercial and industrial installations. In business over 50 years, Matco-Norca operates four national distribution centers and eight regional warehouses. www.matco-norca.com
