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Matco-Norca Remains Viable Source in Turbulent Times

Leverage is the latest addition to the OmniPro faucet lineup

Matco-Norca began in 1952 as the pioneer in sourcing valves. Since then, Matco-Norca has grown into one of the largest independent sourcing companies providing quality fittings, pipe nipples, valves and plumbing specialties exclusively to the wholesale trade throughout the United States.

“While we sell many similar products that a number of other suppliers in our industry provide, ultimately, we sell peace of mind for our wholesalers,” said Phillip Lewis, vice president of commercial sales at Matco-Norca. “They know they can combine a broad mix of products on a single purchase order that would otherwise be required from four or fi ve different vendors, receive one shipment, pay one invoice and spend the time saved focusing on their business. Our customers trust orders will arrive complete, on time and correct. Most importantly, they know that contractors trust the brand and the quality.”

Employees understand that there is a level of trust toward Matco-Norca that is 69 years in the making. “It obviously precedes us, and our daily goal is to ensure that level of trust endures long after us,” Lewis said. “Our people are empowered at the local level throughout the country to consider how we expect to be treated as customers and business partners and interact with our customers and business partners accordingly.”

It is impossible to ignore the organizational challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has presented. “Like our customers and our peers, we have many employees working remotely,” Lewis said. “We are running multiple shifts at all our warehouse locations to minimize risks of exposure. Our information technology team has done a remarkable job ensuring that these changes are invisible to our customers and that every day is business as usual. We feel very fortunate as a company and as a family that we have not had to endure layoffs and furloughs as a result.”

Still privately-owned, Matco-Norca has the benefit of addressing market relevant conditions, whether internal or external, as a small tightknit group, keeping its focus customer centric. “We don’t feel pressure to sacrifi ce long-term reputation and standing for short-term gains,” Lewis said.

Matco-Norca values the diversity and independent spirit of its customers. “The continued consolidation in our industry, whether it be at the wholesaler, the manufacturer or recently at the buying group level, is an ever-present factor in our thought processes,” Lewis said. “We are striving to enhance our operational excellence to ensure that Matco-Norca remains a viable source in turbulent times. One of the more relevant issues that has presented itself since March 2020 is digital readiness, and the ability to adapt and address customer needs as they evolve.”

The company’s goals for 2021 include returning to some level of normalcy and reconnecting with customers at a more personal level. “From a sales standpoint, we are looking to more effectively compete in the multi-family residential markets by capitalizing on some unique labor-saving innovations, continued quality and more market competitive pricing,” Lewis said. “We have added a lot of additional products to our offering for 2021 that we expect to enhance our position with our current group of customers. We are also looking to capitalize on emerging markets like pharmaceutical, food & beverage and semi-conductor with our SVF Flow Control offering.”

Leverage is the latest addition to the OmniPro faucet lineup that boasts a unique quick install nut on all two-handle faucets and single-handle kitchen pull-down faucets. In addition, all lavatory faucets come with push pop-ups in various configurations. Due to OmniPro’s steadfast commitment to water conservation, all Leverage faucets are California Energy Commission compliant and all lavatory faucets and showerheads are EPA WaterSense Certified. “Our Leverage widespreads, kitchens with side sprays, pull downs and pullouts come with a convenient quick connect system that is designed to save the plumbing professional time and the chance of a leak point,” said Fred Grewen, director of faucets & plumbing specialties at Matco-Norca. “Every single Leverage faucet is backed with OmniPro’s limited lifetime fi nish and function warranty regardless of the application.”

Leverage continues OmniPro’s tradition of providing the plumbing professional quality components such as metal slip-on tub spouts, metal ball joints and metal shanks. All Leverage tub and shower, shower-only and valve-only trim pack configurations accept OmniPro’s existing 799 pressure balancing rough-in valves, with and without stops.

The OmniPro brand is owned by IMARK and its distribution is limited to members only. Don’t forget, OmniPro faucets ride together with all Matco-Norca products including stops, sink strainers and supply lines. “We believe Leverage is just one more arrow in IMARK’s quiver to combat the big-box brands without compromising quality or service,” Lewis said.

Please contact your OmniPro representative or visit the OmniPro website for more information regarding Leverage.

“With IMARK Plumbing membership, we feel we have a standing invitation to continuously discuss our value proposition and earn some portion of business (and hopefully loyalty), at the best and most respected wholesale companies across the nation,” Lewis said. “We value our customer relationships above all else, and in 2020 have come to realize how much we miss our personal interactions. It is a blessing to have the opportunity to make a living in such a resilient industry with so many individuals who have become friends over the years. We hope to see them all very soon.”

For more information, visit matco-norca.com and omniprofaucets.com.