TOTO Enhances Distributor Network Through Strategic Alliance With Blackman Plumbing Supply

Company Partners with Major Long Island, New York, and New Jersey Wholesale Distributor

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Aug 26, 2014, 03:00 ET

MORROW, Ga., Aug. 26, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TOTO, the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world with $5.1 billion dollars in annual sales, announced today that the company is increasing its market reach in the Northeast region of the United States by entering into a distribution agreement with Blackman Plumbing Supply. Starting today, TOTO's full line of residential and commercial fittings and fixtures will be available at all of Blackman's 19 branch locations throughout Long Island, New York, and New Jersey and will be on display in all Blackman showrooms.

(R-L) David Krakoff, President of the Americas Sales Division for TOTO USA, and Robert Mannheimer, President and CEO of Blackman Plumbing Supply, ink landmark distribution agreement for the Northeast region of the U.S. (PRNewsFoto/TOTO)

(Center R-L) David Krakoff and Robert Mannheimer seal the companies' new distribution deal with a handshake. They are flanked (L-R) by David Lyon, Director of Showrooms, Blackman Plumbing Supply; Jason Fitzsimmons, Vice President, United States Sales Division, TOTO USA; and Kevin Burns, Regional Director, Northeast Region, United States Sales Division, TOTO USA. (PRNewsFoto/TOTO)

"Blackman Plumbing is proud to deepen our partnership with TOTO, an industry leader known for anticipating and creating the next generation of fixtures," said Robert Mannheimer, President and CEO of Blackman Plumbing Supply. "Our new relationship with TOTO will allow Blackman Plumbing to continue to offer our discerning customers world-class products at the cutting edge of contemporary design."

With this distribution agreement, TOTO and Blackman embark on a new relationship that offers TOTO increased distribution channels through which to provide customers in the Northeast region of the U.S. with its full line of residential and commercial products for the whole bathroom, which have set the standard for world-class performance and innovation as they help improve people's quality of life.

"The Northeast region of the U.S. is a high priority for TOTO," said David Krakoff, President of the Americas Sales Division for TOTO USA. "Our ability to partner with an organization of Blackman's caliber to enhance our coverage of Long Island, New York, and New Jersey is a particularly significant event." Krakoff noted that Blackman embraces TOTO's core values—technology and innovation in products that respect the environment while meeting people's needs for comfort, beauty, performance, and design for people of all ages. "Our two companies share these values, so we envision a tremendous level of success and growth together in the future," Krakoff concluded.

Universally recognized for their enduring quality, reliability and timeless elegance, TOTO products' added scope of availability through all Blackman's locations will be an important addition to TOTO's national offering.

"Like TOTO, Blackman holds the customer experience in the highest regard," said Jason Fitzsimmons, Vice President of the United States Sales Division for TOTO USA. "They always go above and beyond what is expected to provide excellent service throughout the sales cycle—before, during, and after purchase." Fitzsimmons continued, "Working with Blackman provides TOTO with expanded access to retail, wholesale, and commercial customers in the important Northeast region and offers us more opportunities to efficiently deliver products where and when our customers need them."

About TOTO:
TOTO USA is headquarters for the Americas Division of the TOTO Global Group, which was established in 1917 with the founding of TOTO, Ltd., in Kitakyushu, Japan. TOTO is the largest plumbing manufacturer in the world with $5.1 billion dollars in annual sales. To date, TOTO has produced more than 60 million plumbing fixtures. Today, this international company maintains 23,500 employees in 69 offices around the world and owns manufacturing facilities in Japan, Mexico, the USA, China and Europe with an affiliated network of more than 80 production facilities worldwide. With over 1,500 engineers on staff and three centers devoted solely to research and development, TOTO is the undisputed global leader in product innovation, precision engineering, high design, and sustainability in products that are designed to meet people's real world needs. Exemplified in the company's philosophy – People-First Innovation -- TOTO offers consumers elegant luxury products that save money and water without sacrificing an ounce of performance and the peace of mind that comes from knowing they purchased a brand that sets the standard for world-class performance, enduring quality, and reliability. Winner of numerous domestic and international awards and recognitions, TOTO is the only plumbing manufacturer honored as Water Efficiency Leader by the Environmental Protection Agency. TOTO continues to raise industry standards and consumer expectations as to what is possible in the bath space, as it connects people with water in ways that enrich the flow of their daily lives.

For more information, consumers may visit www.totousa.com or call 1.888.295.8134, Option 5. Follow TOTO on Twitter (@TOTOUSA) and become a TOTO fan on Facebook

About Blackman Plumbing Supply
Blackman Plumbing Supply is a privately owned retail and wholesale supplier of plumbing, heating, industrial, waterworks, and HVAC equipment located on Long Island and in the New York metropolitan area. The company has 19 branch locations throughout Long Island, New York, and New Jersey. For more information, visit www.blackman.com.

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SOURCE TOTO