TYPAR® Announces Distribution Agreement with Capital Lumber Company for Western United States

June 1, 2010 - TYPAR® today announced a new strategic distribution agreement with Capital Lumber Company, Phoenix, for the TYPAR Weather Protection System. Effective immediately, Capital Lumber will begin promoting and selling the complete system, comprised of weather resistant barriers, a variety of flashing options and construction tape. Capital Lumber will also distribute Surround® SR Underlayment, a new synthetic roofing underlayment developed by TYPAR. “

We are excited to see where our new agreement with Capital Lumber takes us as we continually seek new distributors who can uphold the TYPAR brand,” said Bob Dahl, vice president, TYPAR Construction and Specialty Products. “With over 60 years of experience in the business and a recognizable name in the western United States, Capital Lumber will further increase the weatherization product offering to our customers.”

Extension of SCRAIL® Deck Fastener Line Eliminates Visible Fasteners from Deck Surfaces.

Fasco America, the exclusive North American distributor of the BECK Fastener Group, recently announced the new InvisiDeck™ Hidden SCRAIL® Fastener System, an extension of their popular SCRAIL® fastener line initially introduced in 1998. This latest innovation lets deck builders win in a slow economy by allowing them to create flawlessly smooth deck board surfaces with less time and labor, a welcome advancement in deck fastening technology for homeowners and deck builders alike.

A. O. Smith Enters Into A Tankless Water Heater Joint Venture With Takagi

Milwaukee, Wis. (June 16, 2010) — A. O. Smith Corporation (NYSE:AOS) and Takagi Industrial Co. Ltd. of Fuji-city, Shizuoka, Japan, today announced that they are establishing a joint venture to market and manufacture tankless water heaters in North America. As part of the joint venture, A. O. Smith will take over the management of Takagi’s existing North American sales and distribution organization, maintaining Takagi’s North American headquarters in Irvine, Calif. The companies expect the transaction to close in the third quarter.

A. O. Smith Aims to Revolutionize the Water Heating Industry with Four New High-Efficiency Products: Innovations Push the Envelope of Energy-Saving Technology

ASHLAND CITY, TENN. (April 22, 2010) – A. O. Smith is taking energy efficiency to new heights with four new families of residential water heaters. Designed to provide contractors with the exact solution for every home, these new products represent the latest advances in gas, gas hybrid, electric hybrid and solar thermal technology.

“Energy efficiency is the driving force behind innovation in the water heater industry, and A. O. Smith is in the driver’s seat. We make it our mission to set the pace and direction for the entire industry,” said David Chisolm, brand manager for A. O. Smith Water Products Company.

Universal introduces new Deckorators® integrated aluminum railing system

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 28, 2010 – Universal Consumer Products, Inc. announces the addition of Deckorators® aluminum deck railing to its spring 2010 lineup. Long known as the leader in decorative railing in-fill products, Deckorators now offers a fully integrated railing kit of its own.

The sleek, durable top profile creates an eye-catching appearance and is compatible with all Deckorators baluster styles. This innovative new railing system is available in powder-coated black or white and features a lifetime limited warranty. The rails are sold in kits to make purchasing simple. Post sleeves, stair rail bracket kits, angled brackets and matching post caps are also available. All kits can be shipped via UPS.

This new line also features two matching styles and colors of post caps to accent the railing. Deckorators aluminum post caps, available in black or white, include a pyramid and a square, solar-powered post cap. The solar post cap requires no wiring or electricity and comes with two rechargeable AA batteries. The small solar collector rests atop an attractive silhouette light made of shatter-resistant glass. Its glow is perfect for casting a relaxing ambiance on deck areas.