The Portland Group celebrates 90th anniversary
The Portland Group, the family-owned, multi-generation plumbing, heating and air-conditioning company, is proud to announce it is celebrating 90 years of business in 2020.
Nationally recognized as New England's wholesaler of plumbing, heating and air-conditioning, The Portland Group prides itself on the quality and variety of products offered to customers, providing top brand names in a warehouse space exceeding 300,000 square feet. The Portland Group is also known for its vision in promoting innovative products that create new opportunities. The company’s launch of a signature retail showroom in 1987 and subsequently six others over the years was a New England first. Catering to both the wholesale and retail markets is key to its longevity.
The fact that The Portland Group continues to be owned by not one but two families, Fox and Rose, makes it extra special in New England’s history.
“My great-grandfather and his friend started the company, and the families are still in business together today. How many American companies can say that, even in New England?” said Fox, who took over as the company’s CEO in 2019. Benjamin (Ben) Rose became the company’s third-generation President at the same time.
It's a family legend now. In 1930, Irving "Speed" Rose invited Benjamin Fox to help him expand his hardware store on Portland Street in Boston to launch the Portland Pipe & Fitting Company. The company grew in part by purchasing other businesses throughout New England. Its latest acquisition is Middlesex Supply, another family-owned business in Connecticut with three locations, which The Portland Group bought last year.
The watershed moment in The Portland Group’s history came when it opened its signature showroom Splash in Newton, Massachusetts. As New England's first boutique kitchen and bath showroom, Splash was updated in 2017 and is the leader in offering the industry’s premier brands and coveted designs in an award-winning, state-of-the-art interactive design center. Catering to design professionals and retail customers, Splash, and its sister showrooms Spritzo in Worcester and Providence as well as Saco, Maine; Clinton, Connecticut; Middletown, Connecticut; and Vernon, Connecticut are committed to providing the highest quality product and exceptional customer experience.
“The interactive showrooms allow customers to see and try different working fixtures firsthand. It’s a much better experience than simply buying off the shelf,” Fox said.
"The showrooms feature fixtures at all price levels," states Ben Rose. “That’s part of our family values showing through – we cater to everyone’s budget, not just the high end."
The Portland Group’s success is built on the foundation of their strong relationships and their commitment to changing with the times, while at the same time continuing with the traditions that have made them successful.
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