Turning a problem into a solution, the rise of the single-handle faucet

Moen’s single-handle faucet recently marked its 75^th year with company associates around the world celebrating the achievement. Al Moen came up with the idea for a single-handle faucet in 1937 after burning himself at a sink with traditional single taps for hot and cold water. Two years later he finalized his invention, which helped revolutionize the plumbing industry. 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 published another list that included Moen faucets as a part of the “100 of America’s Best.” Al Moen continued to lead Moen’s research and development group until his retirement in 1982. “His work inspired many around him, helping the company earn 75 patents, including the replaceable cartridge, the screen aerator and pressure-balancing shower valves,” said Tim McDonough, vice president, global brand marketing, Moen Inc. “His genius is perhaps best summed up by the simple title that appeared on his business card – Al Moen, Inventor.”