LIXIL Partners with WorldSkills International to boost global skills

• Partnership to address the global skilled labor shortage by fostering the next generation of professionals across the water, housing and sanitation sectors

Tokyo– LIXIL Corporation (“LIXIL”), a leading manufacturer of water technologies and building fixtures, has announced its partnership as the newest global industry partner of WorldSkills International. This new collaboration underscores LIXIL's long-standing commitment to vocational education. It builds on the already strong collaboration between WorldSkills and LIXIL's GROHE brand, which has been successful for many years. Skilled plumbers and installers, who are currently in short supply, play a central role in public health, economic growth within the plumbing industry, and the adoption of important water- and energy-saving technologies. By expanding the partnership beyond the GROHE brand to the entire LIXIL corporation, the company is strengthening its commitment to addressing this global issue and promoting a new generation of skilled workers in the construction industry.

Kinya Seto, CEO of LIXIL, says: “The partnership with WorldSkills builds on our long-term commitment to our GROHE brand and our long-standing commitment at LIXIL to addressing the global skills shortage. By empowering the next generation of skilled professionals, we are not only investing in the future of our industry, but also helping to build stronger communities.”

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, said: "We look forward to continuing this great collaboration with LIXIL and its GROHE brand. The company has unique expertise in water and home technology, as well as the skills needed to deliver more sustainable water and sanitation solutions. Looking ahead to WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, we can't wait to create many new opportunities together."

Partnership

Long-standing commitment to promote skilled workers

WorldSkills is a global movement that promotes the status and recognition of skilled workers through competitions, educational outreach, and contact between industry, politics, and educational institutions. It brings together 89 member countries and regions to promote the importance of skills for a better life and economic progress.

The expanded global partnership with WorldSkills International enables GROHE and other brands and teams from LIXIL to work more closely with policymakers, educators, and industry leaders. Together, they are committed to promoting vocational education, improving training programs with innovative technologies, and creating a more inclusive and attractive profession for a new generation of talent.

Building on the long standing relationship with WorldSkills, LIXILʼs GROHE brand will continue its role as a Gold Sponsor for the EuroSkills Competition, championing excellence and supporting contestants in the plumbing sector.

LIXIL and GROHE's long-standing commitment to promoting skilled workers

For years, LIXIL has been committed to supporting talent across the globe through diverse skills training programs. Initiatives include the INAX Institute of the Tiling Arts (IITA *Japanese Only), LIXIL Building Material Technical College (LBTC *Japanese Only), the GROHE Installer Vocational Training and Education (GIVE) Program, American Standard's TradeUp initiative, empowering girls through partnerships with Tools & Tiaras Inc. and developing local entrepreneurs and skilled labor in emerging markets via its social business SATO.

Through the WorldSkills partnership and other collaborations, LIXIL reaffirms its commitment to supporting ambitious young professionals, diverse tradespeople, and dynamic local economies to drive both our sustainable growth and our shared success. Supporting aspiring and existing tradespeople of all ages, genders, and backgrounds contributes to individual livelihoods, revitalizes local economies, and strengthens markets for the future. This business approach is an integral part of LIXIL's growth strategy and purpose of making better homes a reality for everyone, everywhere.

To learn more about LIXILʼs STORY on IITA, see here.

To learn more about GIVE, TradeUp and collaboration with Tools & Tiaras, see here.

To learn more about SATOʻs training initiatives in refugee camps, see here.

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