JB Products became the exclusive North American distributor for Opella's line of basket strainers, disposal wastes, drinking dispenser faucets and plumbing accessories effective May 1, Opella said.

The Opella product line will be marketed under the “JB Signature” brand name that will feature Opella's products, as well as a selection of finish items, including bathwastes, p-traps, supply lines and other JB accessories. A new JB Signature catalog and price guide including Opella products will be available in 2004. Wholesalers will be able to combine their purchases of JB Signature products with the traditional JB lines of plastic and brass tubular products, bathwastes, strainers, commercial products, accessories and chemicals.

JB Products of South Bend, Ind., is a division of Federal Process Corp., and Opella is a manufacturer of plumbing products based in Hereford, England.