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Libra Oval freestanding tub from BainUltra. Tosca freestanding tub from MAAX. Matte Black finished faucet from Blanco. Evero Matte commercial washbasin from Bradley Corporation. M A R C H 2 0 2 3 | 37 Plumbing Products BATHTUBS & MORE The designers at Maax have launched the new Pocono 58-inch by 32-inch by 23-inch freestanding bathtub. "The stylish white with white skirt look offers a large bathing well and backrest, but the size works well for bathrooms with a small footprint," says Jessica Randrianavony, product manager, American Bath Group. "Faucets can be deck or floor mounted, and the incorporated Above-the-Floor Rough [AFR] design leaves a few inches of clearance between the under- side and the flooring for pipes to be routed without breaking ground," she explains. "This installation system works great for concrete slab applications, in both new construction and renovations." Maax has also introduced three sizes in its Tosca acrylic freestanding bathtubs family, includ- ing a 59-inch by 31.5-inch by 23.625-inch model, a 67-inch by 31.5-inch by 23.625-inch model to accom- modate two people, and a 57-inch by 31.5-inch by 23.625-inch model. The seamless one-piece bath- tub features a large bathing well with backrests and a centre drain. Available in a trendy matte or glossy finish, either black or white, the tub is also F2 drain compatible for ease of installation. Another Maax product that offers benefits for multi-generation households is the Manhattan shower door. "This product is compatible with most Maax shower units, bases, and walls," says Randrianavony. "The door can be installed for left or right openings, there is no threshold or header to eliminate height restrictions, and it offers easy access to plumbing." With the 68-inch height and 18 sizes of width, the Manhattan covers openings from 23 inches to 59 inches. Finishes are available in chrome, brushed nickel, and matte black. BainUltra introduced its stylish Libra Oval free- standing tub, with a generous 66-inch length, 35-inch width, and 27-inch height. Available in either white or a black and white combination, with a glossy or ultravelour finish. The Libra Oval features classic BainUltra luxury accessories such as the MiaPlus ThermoMasseur and the BU-Touch virtual control app, which allows bathers to navigate through settings while in the tub, or while at other locations in the home. These options include acti- vating the Hydro-thermo Massage, adjusting the heated backrest and headrest temperature, select colours for chromatherapy, and a program drying cycle. The rectangular version of the Libra bathtub, also available in the 66-inch length with a narrower 23-inch width and 23-inch height, offers two head- rests for dual bathing. As with the Libra Oval, all of the BainUltra special massage and chromatherapy features are included. For a unique departure from the standard bath- tub options, the BainUltra BeOne collection features a round, Japanese-style tub. The 46-inch by 39-inch by 30-inch vessel is the first of its kind, incorpo- rating air jets in the circular design, creating a powerful massage that is different than other air systems. With 40 jets and a heated backrest, the BeOne bathtub also includes BainUltra favourites such as the MiaPlus Control, the BU-Touch control app, and the Geysair and Illuzio Chromatherapy. FAUCETS & WASHBASINS In 2022, Blanco launched the Matte Black and Satin Gold premium faucets, expanding the company's existing line of metal and Silgranit faucet finishes, which are all designed to co-ordinate with Blanco's portfolio of sinks. Unlike deeper-toned brass and bronze faucets, the Satin Gold has been welcomed by the design community for its modern, soft hue. "For those interested in a farmhouse-inspired Blanco unit, the Empressa faucet collection in Satin Gold brings a touch of vintage elegance that traditional design enthusiasts will love," says Edyta Drutis, direc- tor, brand and communications, North America. In addition to the Empressa design, the Satin Gold is also available in the Rivana, Torre, and Lato kitchen faucet collections, accompanied by the Empressa, Rivana, Torre, and Lato soap dispensers. For those who prefer a darker tone to their kitchens, the Matte Black finished faucet creates a dramatic accent, complementing dark countertops and white cabinetry. "Opt for a Matte Black finish in the Rivana Semi-Pro faucet, inspired by profes- sional kitchens for the full Semi-Pro Home Chef Blanco Unit experience," says Drutis. As with the Satin Gold selection, the Matte Black is available in the Empressa and Rivana collections, as well as the Atura, Catris, and Catris Flexo faucets. Pairing a Blanco faucet and sink not only creates a stylish Blanco Unit but integrates into one seam- less solution. "The integrated system delivers style and performance, transforming everyday chores into more joyful experiences and ultimately opti- mizing kitchen workflow," says Drutis. Bradley Corporation's new Evero Matte quartz material for commercial washbasins has an arrest- ing visual appeal with its stone-like appearance. "Evero Matte quartz has a seamless natural matte finish and velvety soft suede feel that will not show fingerprints or water spots," says Kris Alderson, senior marketing manager. "Available in eight monochromatic colours inspired by nature, Evero Matte brings a sense of earthiness and calmness into washroom spaces." Highly durable and Greenguard Gold certified, Evero Matte quartz is made from a sustainable blend of bio-based resin and a unique mixture of extra fine grade quartz. This quartz material option is nonpo- rous with no cracks, crevices, or grout lines, which prevents bacteria, mould accumulation, and growth for a more hygienic handwashing experience. "Being cast-formed, Evero Matte quartz can be specified in many attractive seamless shapes and forms," Alderson says. It is available in sev- eral of Bradley's Verge basin designs, including the LVQ Series that is paired with all-in-one touchless WashBar models, and the LVA and LVS Series that feature matching Verge Soap Dispenser and Faucet Sets, which are also touch-free. PLUMBING PIPES IPEX began expansion in the summer of 2022 to facilitate three of its pipe extrusion facilities. "This will allow IPEX to increase production capacity for our pipe business to ensure high fill rates and excel- lent service both in the U.S. and Canada, while we continue our significant growth strategy," says Alex Mestres, IPEX's chief executive officer. "These investments will also add enough capacity to deliver a number of ground-breaking new products we now have in the pipeline and ready to launch. Not only are we continuing to invest in the best available technology so we can better service our customers, but these expansions are also creating career oppor- tunities for all IPEX employees." As with all new IPEX facilities, industry-lead- ing health and safety best practices and technology are paramount. In addition, IPEX envisions possible next-phase expansion and further automation in the future. These expansions will also create new jobs across three communities: Asheville, North Carolina; Lawton, Oklahoma; and Fort Pierce, Florida. All three facilities will see expansions of their distribution yards and buildings. This expansion is an important investment for IPEX that comple- ments other strategic investments, including three new distribution centres and their new state-of- the-art flagship molding facility in Pineville, North Carolina that is currently under construction. A

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