Gerber Features Electronic Faucet Collection at International Builders' ShowAttractive, Green Designs Bring Water Conservation Home

WOODRIDGE, IL - February, 2007 - Although hands-free electronic faucets have been around for over 25 years, few have been welcomed into the home or office due to the staid commercial appearance of these products. A new collection of modern-styled electronic faucets from Gerber may bridge the design divide and help broaden the appeal of hands-free convenience and water-saving benefits associated with sensor activation.

The deck-mounted gooseneck design.

The faucets are available with either a plug-in transformer (AC) or battery (DC) power (four AA batteries), when a power outlet is not available. Depending on usage, Gerber believes the batteries should last more than a year. All faucet functions can be reprogrammed via an optional remote control that allows installers and homeowners to custom design the sensor's detection time, detection range and/or the faucet run time.

Advances in electronic sensor technology have made it more economical to provide "hands-free" faucets that conserve the use of water and limit the "touching" of faucet surfaces, which controls the spread of bacteria. The new Gerber faucets are even more sanitary than traditional "hands-free" faucets because they incorporate laminar flow controls that do not add air into the water stream - like the more common aerated flow nozzle - and thereby reduce the amount of bacteria contained in delivered water. Moreover, the comfort "soft flow" laminar spout reduces splashing and is equipped with a 2.2 gpm (gallons per minute) flow regulator.

The faucet's electronic sensor is factory set to activate instantly re-programmable between 0-14 seconds) and to turn off as soon as the user's hands are removed from the sensor beam. This makes Gerber's electronic faucets ideal for children's bathrooms and for people with disabilities.

Gerber's new sensor faucets include a deck-mounted gooseneck design (model 44-806) that features an 8-inch-high spout with a 4-3/4-inch reach, or a crescent style (model 44-801) that offers a 5-11/16-inch-high spout with a 5-1/2-inch reach. Finally, the collection includes a wall-mount faucet (model 44-812) with either a 7- or 9-inch spout that is ideal for a modern lavatory or, when positioned near a stove or food preparation area, a convenient pot filler. The basic model is sold in the $400 to $630 range and is available through plumbing wholesalers nationwide.

All Gerber electronic faucets are quality cast from solid brass and feature optional remote programming and a limited five-year warranty. When Max Gerber established Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC in 1932 with the purchase of his first vitreous china manufacturing facility, he vowed to provide products to the plumbing trades that represent only the best in quality, style, performance and durability. Now, 75 years later, the Gerber brand continues to meet and exceed the highest of standards, while remaining true to the plumbing professional with innovative, affordable solutions for the kitchen, bath and commercial markets.

Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC is a leading manufacturer of vitreous china plumbing fixtures and chrome-plated and special finish faucets and fittings for the residential, builder, commercial and hospitality markets. Gerber® products are sold exclusively to the plumbing professional and are supported with "Best-in-Class" customer service. For more information, call 630-754-0278 or visit www.gerberonline.com.

CONTACT:
Ila Lewis
ila.lewis@gerberonline.com
(630) 754-0102

Gaelen Bell
gbell@msinet.com (312) 946-6089