Plumbing Manufacturers International annual report highlights ‘Past, Present, Future’

In recognition of Plumbing Manufacturers International’s 70th anniversary, PMI’s 2024 Annual Report draws lines between the association’s “past, present and future,” which serves as the report’s theme.

The report first provides an overview of PMI's history, reviews recent achievements, and then describes sanitary ware manufacturers' efforts to develop new ways of managing water in response to water scarcity caused by climate change.

“The resilience and innovation of the sanitary industry has been evident over the past 70 years and continues to be evident today,” says CEO/Executive Director of PMI Kerry Stackpole in the report. “These qualities serve us well today as we work to address the many challenges facing the industry and society.” Stackpole also co-authored an introductory letter to the report with Chip Way, 2024 PMI Board President of Lavelle Industries, and Sal Gattone, former PMI President of LIXIL.

The content of the report includes a rich history, an exciting present and a promising future

PMI was founded in 1954 when pioneers in the plumbing industry began to translate the fruits of their ingenuity into commercial success. Post-war America was eager to use its modern innovations in the new homes being built across the country.

Over the decades that followed, PMI members adopted and adhered to codes and standards for fittings, piping, valves and other components. As water and sanitation concerns caused by environmental issues increased, PMI members responded by voluntarily developing water-efficient and lead-free products.

To meet today's challenges, PMI has expanded its mission of safe and responsible sanitation – always. PMI members are expanding their sustainability efforts, training a diverse, knowledgeable workforce and contributing to efforts to provide better water resources to underserved populations. The report provides examples of this work, as well as other notable events from the past year.

As much of the world faces acute water shortages, PMI members are looking to the future and finding new, innovative solutions. They are finding safe ways to reuse water and reinventing toilets, sanitation systems and more to use water more efficiently.

An important part of this work is training plumbers and other skilled workers needed to install and maintain the systems of tomorrow. PMI and its members have launched several programs and initiatives to help build this workforce.

While making these advances, PMI's original work on codes and standards remains as important as ever. “Over the past seven decades, PMI members have created and maintained plumbing codes and standards that meet the challenges of the times,” Stackpole explained. “And they have combined their technical expertise with an effective commitment to water efficiency and safe, responsible plumbing. These qualities have seen us through our first 70 years and will be our legacy.”

Read the PMI 2024 Annual Report at https://www.safeplumbing.org/communications/pmi-annual-report-2024.