Ferguson Enterprises is part of the pipeline for pipes. It is one of North America's largest wholesale distributors of plumbing supplies, pipes, valves, and fittings. Ferguson is also a major distributor of heating and cooling equipment, waterworks (water hydrants and meters), kitchen and bath lighting, safety equipment, fireplaces and appliances, and tools and safety equipment. Ferguson has some 1,350 branches and 10 distribution centers across the US. Its customers include plumbing contractors, home owners, air conditioning dealers, the government, and irrigation and fire suppression equipment installers. Formed in 1953, Ferguson Enterprises is a subsidiary of UK-based Wolseley.