Press Republican Press Release 11/25/03
Showroom highlights Aird Dorrance update

PLATTSBURGH — The bold look of — Dorrance.

Aird Dorrance Inc., specializing in heating, plumbing and industrial supplies, recently began a new chapter in its 43-year history with the grand opening of a Kohler Premier Showroom.

The showroom was jointly designed with Kohler representatives to showcase Kohler advertising buzzwords — clean, consistent, bold.

"It is one of only 60 in the country," Aird Dorrance Controller Sheila Dorrance said. "Currently, it is the only one in New York north of New York City."

Aird Dorrance Vice-President Frank Dorrance said designing the new showroom was a collaborative process.

"Kohler worked with us to come up with a design that fits our space," he said. "Together, we made it worth the customers’ while to make the short drive out here."

The new showroom is part of a new 12,000-square-foot building constructed this year. The 4,000-square-foot Kohler showroom and 2,000 square feet of additional showroom occupy the top level, while the lower level houses 6,000 square feet of warehouse space.

There are interactive elements throughout the gleaming, bright showroom, including working showers, tubs and sinks.

"It’s a visual thing," Sheila said. "People want to see working displays."

One that might grab their attention is a wooden laminar flow fixture suspended eight-feet above a whirlpool tub, although it is still being adjusted. When set up properly, it will provide an air-free and whisper-quiet water supply to the deep, overflow tub.

When the tub is full and the whirlpool activated, there will be a constant cascading action to the surrounding catch tub, all designed to provide a visually and tactually soothing bath experience.

Frank said the wooded site at 202 Kent Falls Road makes a nice sales location, where customers can avoid traffic and noise. There is even a patio fireplace on the front porch, allowing customers to take a break in a cozy, warm setting.

"It’s a better environment. By next spring, we will make a picnic area out front," Frank said.

Although it will be ostensibly for customers, he expects employees to also take advantage of the shaded picnic area. The rest of the showroom also houses functional displays.

The building’s boiler room has a glass door, providing views of some of the company’s heating and plumbing products. Work is nearing completion on the company break room, which will also serve as a kitchen showroom.

Aird Dorrance was founded in 1960 by the company namesake, Frank’s father.

"Up until recently, he has been very involved in the business," Frank said. "My mother, Barbara, is president and still very active in the company, but she is looking forward to retirement."

The company territory stretches in a hundred air-mile radius, with company representatives making scheduled runs throughout the week. They have 27 employees, including several with extensive experience. "Our employees have more than 335 years of experience," Sheila said. "There are two gentlemen with more than 26 years, one more with 20-plus years and two more with 17-plus years."

Aird and Barbara still live on the property, in a house behind the showroom, while Frank and Sheila have a home closer to the river.

"We are not a branch outlet. Our roots are here," Frank said. "We live here and support the area."