American Standard Parent Company

Frequently Asked Questions About the Parent Company of American Standard

This article addresses common questions about the parent company of the well-known brand American Standard, offering clarity for homeowners, facility managers, and anyone interested in the company's structure and history.

Question 1: Who is the current parent company of American Standard?

The current parent company of American Standard is LIXIL Americas, a division of LIXIL Corporation. LIXIL Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation.

Key takeaway: American Standard is not an independent company. It's part of a larger global corporation.

Question 2: What exactly is LIXIL Corporation, and what else do they own?

LIXIL Corporation is a global leader in housing and building products. They operate in over 150 countries and are known for their diverse portfolio of brands related to water and housing solutions. Think everything from faucets to windows, and even complete bathroom systems.

Besides American Standard, LIXIL's portfolio includes other well-known brands, such as:

GROHE: A premium brand known for its innovative bathroom and kitchen fixtures.
INAX: A Japanese brand specializing in advanced sanitary ware and tiles.
DXV: A luxury kitchen and bath brand known for its heritage and modern styles.
Permasteelisa: A global leader in architectural envelopes.
ASSA ABLOY: (LIXIL holds shares) A leading global provider of access solutions.

In essence, LIXIL is a major player in the global home improvement and building materials market, offering a wide range of products and services across various price points and styles. They aim to improve homes and living spaces around the world.

Question 3: Has American Standard always been owned by LIXIL? What was the history before?

No, American Standard has not always been owned by LIXIL. Its history is quite complex, involving several mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs over the years.

Here’s a simplified timeline:

Early Years: American Standard's roots trace back to the 19th century with the formation of several independent plumbing and heating companies.
American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Manufacturing Company: These companies merged in 1929 to form American Radiator and Standard Sanitary Corporation, later known as American Standard Corporation.
Diversification: Over time, American Standard diversified into various industries, including transportation (WABCO, now Wabtec) and air conditioning (Trane).
Breakup: In the mid-2000s, American Standard began to restructure, separating its various businesses. The plumbing and sanitary ware division retained the American Standard name.
Private Equity Ownership: In 2007, American Standard was acquired by private equity firms Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR), and Vestar Capital Partners.
Acquisition by LIXIL: In 2013, LIXIL Corporation acquired American Standard Americas, becoming the parent company.

Important Note: This means that the American Standard brand has been part of different corporate structures throughout its long history. The LIXIL acquisition marked a significant shift towards a more global and integrated approach to the plumbing and building products market.

Question 4: How does LIXIL's ownership affect the quality and availability of American Standard products?

LIXIL's ownership has generally had a positive impact on American Standard products by allowing the company to invest more in research, development, and innovation. Furthermore, LIXIL's global supply chain and manufacturing capabilities can improve product availability and reduce costs.

Here are some key areas where LIXIL's influence is noticeable:

Innovation: LIXIL is committed to developing innovative products that meet the evolving needs of consumers. This includes smart home technology, water conservation features, and enhanced designs.
Quality Control: LIXIL maintains strict quality control standards across all its brands, ensuring that American Standard products meet high levels of performance and durability.
Global Reach: LIXIL's global presence allows American Standard to expand its reach into new markets and offer a wider range of products to customers worldwide.
Sustainability: LIXIL has a strong commitment to sustainability, which translates into American Standard products that are designed to be environmentally friendly and conserve water.

While changes in ownership can sometimes lead to concerns about quality, LIXIL has generally worked to maintain and enhance the reputation of the American Standard brand. There is a drive for continuous improvement across product lines.

Question 5: Where can I find more information about LIXIL Corporation and its other brands?

You can find comprehensive information about LIXIL Corporation and its portfolio of brands on the following resources:

LIXIL Corporation Official Website: This is the primary source for information about the company's mission, values, history, and global operations (www.lixil.com).
LIXIL Americas Website: This site focuses on the LIXIL operations within the Americas, providing more specific details on American Standard and other North American brands (search LIXIL Americas).
Individual Brand Websites: You can also visit the official websites of other LIXIL brands like GROHE, INAX, and DXV for detailed information about their products and services.
Press Releases and News Articles: Search online for news articles and press releases related to LIXIL Corporation to stay updated on the latest developments and acquisitions.
Company Annual Reports: These reports provide in-depth financial and operational information about LIXIL Corporation, including its performance in different markets.

Pro-tip: When researching, pay attention to both the global LIXIL perspective and the specific information provided by LIXIL Americas to get a complete picture.

Question 6: Does LIXIL's ownership of American Standard impact warranties or customer service?

LIXIL's ownership generally aims to improve customer service and honor existing warranties for American Standard products. When a company like LIXIL acquires a brand like American Standard, they inherit the responsibility for supporting products sold under that brand.

Here's what you need to know:

Warranty Coverage: LIXIL typically honors the existing warranties on American Standard products sold before the acquisition. If you have a product under warranty, you should still be able to make a claim.
Customer Service: LIXIL is committed to providing excellent customer service for all its brands, including American Standard. You should be able to contact American Standard customer support through the same channels as before (phone, email, website). In some cases, service levels may even improve due to LIXIL's resources and expertise.
Product Support: LIXIL typically continues to offer product support for American Standard products, including providing spare parts, manuals, and technical assistance.
Contact Information: If you have any questions or concerns about warranties or customer service, it's best to contact American Standard directly through their official channels. You can usually find contact information on the American Standard website or product packaging.

Important: Keep your proof of purchase and warranty information handy when contacting customer service.

Question 7: Are American Standard products now manufactured in Japan because of LIXIL?

Not necessarily. While LIXIL is a Japanese company, American Standard products are manufactured in various locations around the world, including North America, Asia, and Europe. The specific manufacturing location depends on the product type, target market, and supply chain logistics.

Here's a breakdown:

Global Manufacturing Network: LIXIL has a global manufacturing network that includes facilities in multiple countries. American Standard products are produced in factories that are strategically located to serve different regions.
Established Manufacturing Locations: American Standard already had established manufacturing locations before the LIXIL acquisition. LIXIL has generally maintained these locations, while also optimizing production processes and supply chains.
"Made In" Labeling: The "Made In" label on American Standard products indicates the country where the product was manufactured. You can check the label to see where a specific product was made.
No Complete Shift: There has not been a complete shift of manufacturing to Japan. LIXIL leverages its global manufacturing capabilities to produce American Standard products efficiently and cost-effectively.
Quality Standards: Regardless of the manufacturing location, all American Standard products are subject to LIXIL's rigorous quality control standards.

The key takeaway is that LIXIL utilizes a global manufacturing strategy to optimize production and distribution, so the location of manufacture can vary. Always check the "Made In" label on the specific product.