Worcester, MA – Leading central Massachusetts PHCP wholesale distributor, R & R Plumbing Supply Corporation, celebrates 100 years of dedicated service to the contractors, commercial accounts and retail markets that surround Worcester, MA, the second largest city in New England and an area referred to as "The Heartbeat of Massachusetts."

Having withstood our industry’s merger and acquisition fever and surviving a difficult move due to a 1994 eminent domain imposed upon it to make room for the new Worcester Medical Center, single location R & R Plumbing Supply Corp. has grown to become one of the most highly respected wholesale distributors in the New England plumbing, heating and industrial supply industry.

The company was started in 1905 by Samuel Ritz as an installation plumbing contractor. Affectionately referred to as “The R & R” by family members and the customers they have served over the past 100 years, the company’s impressive growth into wholesale distribution excelled as the company passed into the hands of second generation Henry Ritz in 1937. Under the skillful entrepreneurship of Henry Ritz, The R & R became a preferred supplier to many building projects throughout New England including the larger schools, colleges, and commercial buildings.

The R & R was a local industry icon for more than 50 years at their Union Street location being one of the first distributors to sport a large street level glass front showroom. Their infamous dripping faucet sign became The R & R trademark and is still at work guiding customers to their new location, 170 Chandler Street, Worcester, MA.

With the assistance of Henry Ritz’s wife, Roslyn who served as Clerk, and brother-in-law Jerry Treister as Vice President, some of the high profile projects R & R supplied include the DCU Center (formerly the Worcester Centrum Center, regarded as one of the most successful entertainment and convention facilities in the world), the Worcester Art Museum and the 1977 restoration of the famous Mechanics Hall known as the nation’s finest pre-Civil War concert hall.

Jesse Ritz, third generation owner and president of The R & R, enhanced his company’s popular reputation as a favored “City Counter” distributor when, with the assistance of industry veteran Bob Barry, Vice President and General Manager, they built the new 38,000 square foot Chandler Street location to include an impressive showroom with a training facility, counter pickup area, overhead cranes and cantilever racking. (See picture at right)

Always unique in their sales and marketing approach, R & R counter sales, inside sales and key management personnel spend a day a week calling on contractor, commercial and industrial accounts in order to bring a personal touch and superior sales contact to their current and prospective customers. The company’s 18 employees boast of an asset missing in many of today’s distributorships - experience. The average industry experience per employee is 18 years.

"R&R Plumbing Supply has been our primary wholesale supplier this past decade", said Michael J. Moran, President, Charles M. Moran Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Mr. Moran continues, "The breath and depth of their inventory is unmatched in the industry. Their entire staff is a pleasure to work with. They all have extensive product knowledge, experience, and commitment to their customers. We congratulate R & R on their 100th year in business".

Loyalty to manufacturers is another earmark of this company as evidenced by their long relationship with manufacturers such as American Standard, Burnham and many other product lines that can be seen on their website, www.randrplumbing.com.

Henry Ritz has hosted and paid for “Thank You” parties for his vendors and suppliers in appreciation of their service to The R & R.

A company that believes in giving back to the industry and community for its great growth and good fortune, R & R top management has been very active in both industry and civic organizations, as seen with,

Henry Ritz, past president of Plumbing & Heating Wholesalers of New England, Inc., the forerunner of New England Wholesalers Association, Inc.

Jerry Treister, deceased, chairperson of the New England Wholesalers Association’s Education Committee, recipient of New England Wholesalers Association Industry Honor Award and Life Time Achievement Award and chairperson of American Supply Association’s Education Foundation.

Jesse Ritz, member of the Board of Directors of New England Wholesalers Association, Past President of the Jewish Community Center, Board Member of the Solomon Schechter Day School and Class Agent for Worcester Academy, Class of 1969.

Bob Barry has served the industry as a member of the sales and management teams of New England’s largest PHCP wholesale distributors prior to coming to R & R and has served on the Board of Directors of New England Wholesalers Association.