LIXIL, a global leader in innovative plumbing technologies that improve lives for people everywhere, knows that for the past 20 years when looking for support with industry and regulative policy, hiring practices, education and employee training, there was one resource that we can always count on — the American Supply Association.

“I served on the board of ASA for four years,“ says Gray Uhl, leader of trade training, LIXIL Americas. “They provide a forum for like-minded manufacturers to come together to share ideas, solidify ties and create relationships that would not be possible without the strength of the association.”

LIXIL and ASA continue to partner around the labor shortage within the skilled trades. LIXIL’s TradeUp Initiative, a program designed to bring more young people into the skilled labor force, began with research that was shared by ASA.  
“ASA has known for years that 1/5 of tradespeople will be leaving the workforce in the next 10 years,” Gray continues. “We used their insights to put together an educational program that will make young people proud to take the less traditional route and enter the trades. They have been a valuable partner in drawing attention to the labor shortage.”  

LIXIL continues its outreach and education efforts to address this growing national problem.

Since continuing education and development is crucial to remaining at the top of our industry, LIXIL also partnered with ASA to create educational programs to provide training to new hires in the manufacturing field.

“There is a real synergy in bringing together the collective knowledge of people who install and create the products we use every day, “ says Jeannette Long, leader sales enablement, operations, development LIXIL Americas. “ASA and LIXIL created training programs that helped newer professional become more proficient with the products and services they provide to consumers.”

LIXIL is also proud to collaborate with the ASA in advocating for meaningful change in state and federal policy.   
“ASA gives the industry a voice and a strong partner we can turn to when navigating the complicated process of state and federal policymaking,” says Troy Benavidez, leader government relations, and LIXIL International. “We appreciate how they help us stay on top of and influence policies and regulations that will affect our business.”  

Each year, LIXIL sponsors and participates in the annual ASA NETWORK national conference, which gathers key distributors and manufacturers from around the country. LIXL, an ASA Platinum Supplier Partner, sponsors ASA Chief Economist Dr. Chris Kuehl’s popular monthly webinar, podcast series and will sponsor his LIXIL 2022 Industry Forecast at NETWORK2021 in Las Vegas on Nov. 11.

“This industry leading event provides outstanding value to its members and attendees leading to immediate success and ROI,” says Bob Downie, leader, trade sales LIXIL Americas. “This is all achieved through a well thought-out agenda that includes well-respected guest speakers, member networking opportunities, one-on-one relationship building, educational sessions, and best practice sharing.“

“The covered discussion topics directly pinpoint the key areas that are front and center for all ASA members today, and we are thrilled to be a part of this value-driven association,” Downie concludes.

“Without the ASA, LIXIL would not have the valuable insights that help us develop and innovate our products, says Trey Northrup, leader, LIXIL Americas. “We look forward to continuing this partnership for another 20 years and beyond.”