Niagara Conservation: From ‘Stealth’ mode to full exposure

 

Phc News recently was fortunate to receive an in-office visit from Niagara Conservation, a provider of high quality of water and energy conservation products and solutions. Carl Wehmeyer, executive vice president, Niagara Conservation and Paul Kwiat, director, wholesale business, Niagara Conservation were gracious with their time and the sharing of information. The following is a Phc News exclusive with Carl Wehmeyer, stemming from that meeting.

 

Phc: Please provide a brief history of Niagara.

 

Wehmeyer: Founded by William (Bill) Cutler and his wife 30+ years ago with the vision and mission to create the most efficient plumbing and energy products on the market. Niagara has been on the cutting edge since, and has always lead with the highest performing and most cost effective fixtures. The business has been built through long lasting relationships with the water and energy utilities and government entities worldwide. Through these relationships we have developed channel markets in the wholesale and mro business by capitalizing on the rebates and incentive programs made available. Our patented designs have given us an edge in these markets and allowed us to branch from our core utility markets into the traditional wholesale and trade industries.

 

Phc: Has the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) made an impact as far as hets are concerned? How?

 

Wehmeyer: At this point, no; however, funding appears to be imminent. The initial phase of the arra funding as it relates to toilets and retrofits was geared towards the training of new “installers.” The mission was to beef up the field personnel capable of installing fixtures in order to meet the demand. Most of these programs are coupled with the weatherization efforts set forth by the current administration and fall under energy projects. There has been a significant tie in to energy use associated with pumping and treating water. The next phase of arra funding will be focused on programs like “Recovery Through Retrofit.”

 

This program and others will stimulate the economy by employing citizens to retrofit households to make them more efficient. Unfortunately most of this money will cover energy expenses so the toilet component will be scarce and even non-existent in some states. However, due to the large magnitude of funding released it will still be a formidable amount. California so far seems to be leader in including the water fixtures in this program.

 

Phc: Has the economy changed your business model or the way you conduct business?

 

Wehmeyer: It has definitely caused us to become more cautious in our overall business dealings and inventory levels. The need though to reduce utility expenses and the “green movement” have offset some of our sales declines by introducing new customer bases and growth areas for the company. These opportunities have allowed us to weather the storm and continue our exciting growth.

 

Phc: Please describe some new product offerings from Niagara. (i.e. Stealth)

 

Wehmeyer: Our newest and most exciting product offering is the 0.8 gpf Single Flush Stealth toilet. This patented technology uses an air transfer system to pressurize the trapway and create a powerful flush with the lowest amount of water of any fixture on the market. It is set to revolutionize the toilet industry and is forging a new toilet rating of “Ultra High Efficiency Toilet.” This product will offer significant water and utility bill savings for any property manager or homeowner. This product offers a 50 percent water savings over the existing 1.6 gpf toilets.

 

Phc: How do your high efficiency products differ from your competition?

 

Wehmeyer: Niagara’s products contain proprietary and patented technologies, which have been developed over the last 30 years. Our expertise in making highly efficient fixtures that actually perform better than your existing fixture is our specialty. Our flow compensators regulate the flow through our fixtures regardless of water pressure. This allows for a consistent and forceful flow. Our flow and flush rates are the lowest available on the market and we to continue lead in this arena. We have the industry’s only 0.8 gpf toilet and 1.25 gpm massage showerhead.

 

Phc: What are some ‘green’ associations you are affiliated with? What does that mean to Niagara?

 

Wehmeyer: Alliance for Water Efficiency, Alliance to Save Energy, US Green Building Council, and Energy Star… to name a few.

 

We are affiliated with more than 25 associations and these associations are a great way for Niagara to showcase its products through trade events. Also, the associations give us an audience with the industry code and product testing leaders, who are very beneficial in helping to keep us up to date on the latest trends and technologies.

 

Phc: Explain the Niagara ecokits.

 

Wehmeyer: The ecokits are a great way for plumbers, small business, and utilities to brand their companies and show their dedication to efficiency and the environment. The kits are fully customizable and usually contain enough green products to start the retrofit process within a home. Consumers then become more conscious of the impacts of efficiency products and will be more apt to “invest” in higher cost retrofits like tank less water heaters and high efficiency toilets. The kits typically contain high efficiency showerheads, aerators, and lighting.

 

Phc: How does a flapperless toilet work?

 

Wehmeyer: The Flapperless flush system uses a patented “tip bucket” flushing mechanism to create a powerful and leak free flush. By capturing the water needed for the flush in a rigid and tamperproof bucket we accomplish many benefits for the end user. By eliminating the flapper you virtually eliminate the maintenance needed on a toilet and the costly leaks associated with deteriorating flappers. After pressing the flush handle the contents of the bucket quickly and quietly enter the bowl and create an extremely powerful flush. After the flush, the bucket returns to its upright position and refills for the next flush.

 

Phc: What is the significance of a strong relationship with your wholesale partners?

 

Wehmeyer: Strong relationships are everything in this business. It is especially important to Niagara to protect and support our wholesale partners and offer them the highest levels of service they deserve. Without a strong two-way relationship we would be nowhere, and we wake up every day committed to maintain and protect those relationships.

 

Phc: What are your initiatives for Niagara?

 

Wehmeyer: Efficiency is the new luxury. We’re investing our human and financial capital into the development of highly efficient products that will offer the consumer the greatest value at a fair price. We’re intent on growing awareness for the Niagara Conservation brand throughout the plumbing wholesale and professional contractor markets. The market for “Green” products is exploding — and it presents opportunities for everyone in the channel.

 

Phc: How do you see Niagara within the next five years (or would like to see the direction of the company headed)?

 

Wehmeyer: To see our leadership role in the development and launching of energy efficient products expanding. And, it’s about trust in our brand promise. Our customers’ customer — the consumer — wants the security of investing their hard earned money into products that serve them and their homes for a long time. Our mission over the next five years is to continue on that path with products that pay back the consumer from the day they are installed.