Howard, Merrell & Partners Named Agency of Record For Component Hardware Group, Inc.

Raleigh, NC – Nov.19, 2009 – Howard, Merrell & Partners, a full-service strategic branding, advertising and communications firm, has been named agency of record for Component Hardware Group®, Inc. (CHG). For 28 years CHG has been the leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of premium plumbing and hardware products for the foodservice, institutional, healthcare and commercial markets. As the agency of record, Howard, Merrell & Partners provides strategic, integrated brand support and tactical execution in the areas of advertising, media buying and planning, market research, interactive, public relations and social media marketing.

“We want our portfolio of brands to be the top-of-mind options in the markets we serve,” said Harry Franze, CEO of CHG. “The agency’s keen strategic insights and their experience with launching brands into the marketplace are an asset to our long term brand development. We are confident Howard, Merrell & Partners will help us define our overarching brand strategy and help us achieve our business objectives.”

CHG’s portfolio is made up of some of the most recognized plumbing and component hardware brands including SANIGUARD®, Flame Gard® Filters & UL-Fire Rated Access Doors, and Encore® Premium Plumbing. The initial focus for Howard, Merrell & Partners is to develop and launch new brand campaigns for the CHG legacy brands. The campaign will include print and interactive advertising, media planning, tradeshow support, an extensive Web site redesign and an aggressive public relations program.

“By using the agency’s full-range of talents, we will help increase the overall brand preference for CHG and its sub-brands,” says Jim Cobb, CEO of Howard, Merrell & Partners. “Ultimately, we look to make the CHG brand portfolio the top-choice for all plumbing and specialty component hardware needs.”

CHG is also known for its versatile production and logistics management capabilities, with access to worldwide resources for various specialized manufacturing processes and short lead times. Additionally, CHG’s product portfolio spans nine product categories, with an inventory of more than 8,000 SKUs.

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About Component Hardware Group®, Inc (CHG)
CHG is a leading designer, manufacturer and distributor of premium plumbing and hardware products. The company creates innovative solutions that serve the foodservice, institutional, healthcare and commercial markets in the following brand divisions: Flame Gard® Filters & UL-Fire Rated Access Doors, SANIGUARD®, Keil® Refrigeration Hardware, SaniShower, Encore® Premium Plumbing, Grease Defender, Regal Ride, TOP-LINE, Drain Master and QuikWash. CHG has provided excellence in the plumbing and hardware industry for more than a quarter of a century and, today, remains steadfastly committed to quality, service and innovation. For more information, please visit www.chgusa.com or www.flamegardusa.com.

About Howard, Merrell & Partners
Raleigh, NC-based Howard, Merrell & Partners Inc., specializes in linking business and communications strategies to yield higher levels of financial performance for its clients. Founded by Jack Howard in 1945 and later reorganized as Howard, Merrell & Partners under Mac Merrell’s leadership, the agency is a pioneer in understanding and applying the power of emotions to develop more effective business and communications strategies. Agency service offerings include brand development, creative development and production, consumer insight research, public relations, media asset services, event planning and management, social media, interactive services, Hispanic marketing and strategic planning.

Recent clients include BASF, Butterball, Canvas on Demand, Central Aquatics, CHD Meridian Healthcare, Cisco, Colonial Bank, Doctors Vision Center, Georgia-Pacific Professional (Dixie® and enMotion®), Hewlett-Packard, Interton, INVISTA (CORDURA® brand), Naughty Bits, NC Beautiful, O2 Fitness, Oliver Twist Restaurant, ReSound, THOR•LO, UltraPet, and Zilla. The agency’s work has been honored by, the Telly Awards, the Addys, Graphis, The London International Advertising Awards, The Communicator Awards, Sir Walter Raleigh Awards, Hermes Creative Awards, The InSpire Awards and the North American Precis Syndicate. For more information, visit http://www.merrellgroup.com.

Howard, Merrell and Partners
8521 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, NC 27615

Laura McAliley
(919) 844-2767
lmcaliley@merrellgroup.com

This release was published on openPR.