Hilary Benn opens new generation of Plumb Center branch

WHADDON, ENGLAND, September 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) The branch boasts working renewable technology displays, a bathroom showroom, training facilities and a vast array of water efficient products.

The flagship branch, located in Mr Benn's constituency has recently undergone an extensive refurbishment and is the first in a programme of upgrades planned for branches across the UK in the coming months. Working displays include a Kingspan Solar System, an Aeromax air source heat pump providing heat to Dimplex SmartRads and a Baxi Biomass Boiler providing space and water heating.

Also new to the branch is an extensive bathroom showroom which has a wide range of displays enabling customers to see the latest innovations in bathroom design, sanitaryware and brassware. Incorporating water efficient products such as aerating showers, taps, water saving toilets and baths, not to mention stylish shower enclosures and bathroom accessories from the industry's leading manufacturers, customers are sure to find the inspiration and products they are looking for to meet their specific requirements.

It is also the first branch to incorporate training facilities within the building, enabling Plumb Center to provide relevant industry and product training to customers, staff and industry professionals.

"We are delighted to officially open this flagship branch which incorporates so many of the technologies, products and facilities that our customers want to see," said Keith Jones, MD Plumb Center. "What better way to show customers the benefits of new and sustainable technologies such as heat pumps and solar thermal than by having them as working displays in the branch actually providing space and water heating for the building."

Mr Benn said, "Seeing is believing. Green technologies and water saving innovations are crucial to our future, and I applaud Plumb Center for taking this lead in encouraging both the industry and the public to see for themselves how these innovations really can work. Of course, from a local point of view, I'm very pleased that this is happening in my own constituency as I believe this will be a huge benefit to local installers and their customers."

Renewables are a key focus for Plumb Center. It first showed its true dedication to renewable solutions back in April 2008 when it supported parent company, Wolseley PLC , with the opening of the first commercial showcase for sustainable building products and construction methods - The Sustainable Building Center. The SBC allows everyone, from architects to installers to experience firsthand the latest in renewable and sustainable technologies. The continued support of the SBC from all associated parties has meant that, to date, over 10,000 visitors have been to the center.

Plumb Center is also focused on water efficiency. It is a key distributer of the Ecoplay system, a product which has previously been awarded 'Sustainable Product of the Year'. This system alone can cut water consumption and drainage loads by as much as 30%, simply by reusing bath or shower water to flush the toilet.

And, Plumb Center is working to ensure that water saving measures go beyond just the residential market. Products such as the Saracen Waterless Urinal, from its Commercial Plumbing range, completely eliminate water usage and can save up to GBP360 of drinkable water per year.