Founded in 1946, Lowes is one of the largest home improvement specialty retailers worldwide. It serves more than 13 million customers and operates over 1,400 home improvement stores in nearly 45 U.S. states and three stores in Canada. The company offers various building products, such as ladders, accessories, and chimney caps and brushes. Lowes additionally provides home automation and security products. It also sells appliances, including dishwashers, ice makers, water heaters, refrigerators, wine chillers and carpet steamers. In addition, the company offers grills, ceiling fans, trailers, ramps, dehumidifiers, faucets, cabinets and outdoor power equipment. Lowes provides installation and other in-store services to its customers. The company sells products of several brands that include Whirlpool, Jetclean, Energy Star, General Electric, Maytag, Frigidaire and KitchenAid. In addition, Lowe s has received the ENERGY STAR award from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency for promoting products that meet the highest energy and water efficiency standards. Lowes maintains a location in South Charleston, W.Va.