American Standard Companies Products and Services Overview

American Standard Companies has a diverse portfolio of products and services that cater to various needs. They offer a range of plumbing fixtures, including toilets, sinks, and faucets.

Their products are known for their quality and durability, with many models featuring advanced technologies like water-saving designs and antimicrobial coatings.

American Standard Companies also provides commercial and residential HVAC solutions, including heating and cooling systems, air purifiers, and ventilation products.

Their products are designed to provide efficient and comfortable indoor environments, while also reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

American Standard Companies has a rich history dating back to 1875 when its predecessor, Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, was founded. The company pioneered plumbing improvements such as combination faucets, one-piece toilets, and built-in tubs.

The company merged with several small plumbing manufacturers around the turn of the century and by 1929, it had become the largest producer of bathroom fixtures in the world. American Radiator Company, another predecessor, was formed in 1886 and expanded into Europe in the early 20th century.

In 1929, American Radiator merged with Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company to form the American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation, which changed its name to American Standard in 1967. The American Standard building in Manhattan, also known as the American Radiator building, was built in 1924 and is now a hotel and popular New York City landmark.

Here's a brief timeline of the company's history:

In 2007, American Standard Companies announced it would break up its three divisions, selling its kitchen and bath division to Bain Capital Partners, LLC for $1.76 billion.

American Standard has a rich history that spans over a century. The company's predecessor, Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company, was founded in 1875 and pioneered innovations such as combination faucets and one-piece toilets.

Standard Sanitary merged with several small plumbing manufacturers around the turn of the century, and by 1929, it had become the largest producer of bathroom fixtures in the world. The company's success was largely due to its focus on quality and innovation.

American Radiator Company, on the other hand, was founded in 1886 and initially manufactured radiators made of cast iron. The company expanded into Europe in the early 20th Century and caught the attention of J.P. Morgan, who helped it combine most of the U.S. radiator manufactories.

Here's a brief timeline of the key events in American Standard's history:

The American Standard building in Manhattan, also known as the American Radiator building, was built in 1924 and is now a hotel and popular New York City landmark.

In February 2007, American Standard Companies announced it would break up its three divisions.

The plan included the sale of its kitchen and bath division and the spin off of WABCO Holdings, American Standard's vehicle controls division, while retaining the Trane Company.

American Standard announced the sale of the kitchen and bath division to Bain Capital Partners, LLC for $1.76 billion in July 2007.

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This deal included the sale of the American Standard name to Bain, though American Standard retained the rights to use the "American Standard" name for its HVAC products.

The kitchen and bath business generated $2.4 billion and had 26,000 workers across 54 production facilities in 23 countries at the time of the deal.

The deal closed on October 31, 2007.

American Standard subsequently changed its name to Trane on November 28, 2007.

Bain Capital created American Standard Americas from the North American units of the bath and kitchen business units acquired from American Standard Companies.

Bain sold a majority stake in American Standard Americas to Sun Capital Partners on November 27, 2007 for $130 million.

American Standard Americas later merged with two other plumbing fixture companies, Crane Plumbing and Eljer, to create American Standard Brands in February 2008.

This new company included the Crane Plumbing unit, which had acquired the former Universal-Rundle product line in 1995 and continued to support with repair parts.

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Asbestos concerns surround American Standard Companies due to its long history of manufacturing products containing asbestos.

American Standard had a large Factory Complex in Buffalo, New York, which housed various plants, including the Institute of Thermal Research and the Malleable Foundry.

Workers in these plants may have been exposed to asbestos while manufacturing boilers, radiators, HVAC systems, and other products.

A 1910 catalog from American Radiator Company boasted the use of asbestos in boilers, recommending a "substantial covering of asbestos" for protection.

In 1956, a Kewanee Boiler catalog stated that its boilers used asbestos rope gaskets, further exposing workers to the hazardous material.

HVAC systems also incorporated asbestos materials, with a 1966 Trane Reciprocating Refrigeration Manual explaining that its water and steam pipes were insulated with air cell asbestos paper.

The use of asbestos in American Standard's railroad braking and automotive brake systems business also poses a risk to workers, with WABCO warning those who service its brake systems that some brake linings contain asbestos.

Asbestos is still found in dozens of products manufactured today, despite its known health risks to workers exposed to it.

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American Standard is committed to providing top-notch quality products at an affordable price.

Some American Standard HVAC products may cost slightly more than other brands, but you get what you pay for. The company's focus on quality and reliability is evident in the rigorous 2,600 hours of testing its products undergo at the Systems Extreme Environmental Testing (SEET) laboratory.

Consumer Reports regularly tests and reviews the top nine brands of HVAC equipment, and American Standard furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps have all repeatedly been ranked as the very best in terms of value for money.

American Standard has some of the lowest defect rates among HVAC brands, with Consumer Reports ranking its products as the most reliable brand multiple times in the past decade. This is a testament to the company's commitment to quality and reliability.

The company's AccuComfort Platinum 20 heat pump was even named the Gold Award winner in the residential equipment category in the AHCR Dealer Design Awards. This is a recognition of the product's excellent value for money and its ability to provide top-notch performance.

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American Standard Companies have strict standards for installation and service. They require certified technicians to meet specific requirements to prove they're up to the company's high standards.

As an American Standard-approved installation company, we have the skills, experience, and knowledge necessary to ensure your new equipment installation is done properly. This ensures your unit functions just as it should.

Regular yearly preventative maintenance is also crucial, as the warranty on your new unit will only stay valid if the unit is professionally maintained every year.

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American Standard's warranty options are one of the best in the industry, covering the cost of parts that fail due to a manufacturer's defect.

Their Registered Limited Warranty covers units for a full 10 years if you register within 60 days of installation, but it's essential to register on time to take advantage of this extended coverage.

If you miss the 60-day registration window, you'll still be eligible for the Base Limited Warranty, which covers units for a full five years against defects.

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Keep in mind that these warranties only cover parts, not labor costs, which is standard across the industry.

You can purchase Optional Extended Warranty plans through your dealer, which often cover both parts and labor costs, providing longer-term protection for your unit.

Some of these plans have longer lengths, ensuring your unit is protected for more years, giving you peace of mind and financial security.

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American Standard has very high standards for its installation and service providers. These standards are strict and must be met to prove a company's worthiness to install and service their products.

Any company certified to install and service American Standard products must meet specific requirements. This ensures that the technicians have the necessary skills, experience, and knowledge to do the job right.

As an American Standard-approved installation company, we have met these high standards. Our certified technicians can ensure that your new equipment installation is done properly.

To keep your warranty valid, it's essential to have your unit professionally maintained every year. We can assist with your yearly preventative maintenance needs.

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In June 2013, the Japanese firm Lixil Group agreed to purchase American Standard Brands from Sun Capital Partners for $342 million.

This acquisition marked a significant change for the company, as it improved employee morale and increased revenue by $200 million by the beginning of 2014.

Under Lixil Group, American Standard invested heavily in its Mexico facilities, where a vast majority of its employees are based.

In 2014, Ferguson Enterprises became an authorized American Standard wholesaler, expanding the company's distribution channels.

American Standard launched a luxury bath and kitchen line called DXV, celebrating the company's 15th decade.

The company's VorMax toilet line was recognized for its design excellence, earning a 2015 Good Design award from the Chicago Athenaeum.

American Standard's brand recognition continued to grow, earning the top spot for "Brand Familiarity" in the Bathroom Accessories category by Builder Magazine in 2015.

Here are some key dates related to the sale and acquisition of American Standard: