Moen Celebrates Significant Milestone In 2014: 75th Anniversary of the Single-Handle Faucet

If history has taught us anything, it's that the best inventions are born out of necessity. In 1937, after burning himself at a sink with traditional single taps for hot and cold water, a young, determined Al Moen set about inventing a single-handle faucet designed to mix hot and cold. The invention, finalized in 1939, revolutionized the plumbing industry and set the stage for 75 years of innovation at a company later named after this strong-minded inventor. In 2014, Moen associates around the world are celebrating this significant advancement, and the founder that made it all happen.

"Like so many innovations at Moen, the very start of our company came from a simple thought: 'why can't an everyday task be easier?'," said Tim McDonough, vice president, global brand marketing, Moen Incorporated. "Today, Al Moen's invention still drives the backbone of our company. Our associates use consumer insights to drive our design process, and work tirelessly to develop thoughtfully designed, innovative kitchen and bath products which make all of our lives just a little bit easier... and a little bit better."

Al Moen developed the single-handle mixing faucet in 1939, and it didn't take long for consumers to take notice. By 1959, Moen products could be found in hundreds of thousands of homes across the U.S. That same year, a survey of the world's leading designers published by FORTUNE Magazine named the Moen single-handle faucet one of the best designed, mass-produced products of modern times. In 1991, FORTUNE Magazine published another list that included Moen faucets as a part of the "100 of America's Best."

"We all look up to Al Moen and what he did for our company," continued McDonough. "We love the fact that he was a true inventor in every sense of the word. He didn't stop with the 1939 innovation. In fact, he continued to lead Moen's research and development group until his retirement in 1982."

McDonough added, "His work inspired many around him, helping the company earn 75 patents, including the replaceable cartridge, the screen aerator and pressure-balancing shower valves. His genius is perhaps best summed up by the simple title that appeared on his business card -- Al Moen, Inventor." PR