Supply House Times articles from April 2006

Supply House Times archives from April 2006

Hughes' fourth quarter earnings soar 58%, sales up 23%.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
April 1, 2006... Closely following the announcement of its planned acquisition by The Home Depot, Orlando, FL-based Hughes Supply reported its highest-ever organic growth rate--19%--for the fourth quarter ended Jan. 31, with double-digit growth reported in six...

MIFAB Inc.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... MIFAB Inc. is building a 60,000-sq.-ft. distribution center and headquarters office on the south side of Chicago (see artist's rendering below). It will have 52,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space and 8,000 sq. ft. allocated for the headquarters...

Obituaries.(D and C Plumbing and Heating's Herbert Wallace)(Coburn Supply Company Inc.'s James L Hayes)(A.O. Smith Water Products Co.'s Terry Bihun)(Alsons Corp.'s Kyle Talbot)(Obituary)
April 1, 2006... * Herbert "Larry" Wallace, 74, former president of D&C Plumbing & Heating, a southeastern Michigan wholesaler, died Feb. 25 in Hamburg, Ml. He joined the wholesale firm in 1962 as a counterman after spending four years in the U.S. Navy and...

Residential building permit activity regional & local market survey.(Statistical data)
April 1, 2006... Residential Building Permit Activity Regional & Local Market Survey JANUARY 2006 Residential Local Permits Markets Region ...

Ferguson acquires Dixie plumbing supply.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
April 1, 2006... Wolseley plc (Reading, England) announced that in its North American Plumbing & Heating Distribution segment, Ferguson (Newport News, VA) acquired Central Georgia Supply Co., which does business as Dixie Plumbing Supply Co., based in Macon, GA,...

First supply.(marketing )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... First Supply (Madison, WI) hosted more than 400 customers, vendors and employees for a seven-day trip to Puerto Rico in mid-January as part of its 2005 World of Opportunity program. Customers participate in the program by buying products from...

Ridge Tool Co.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
April 1, 2006... Ridge Tool Co. completed its RIDGID North American distribution center in Cambridge, OH. The state-of-the-art distribution facility will enhance Ridge Tool's logistics capabilities and business practices. Its new 125,000-sq.-ft....

Ferguson.(appoints Keith VanderVennet )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Ferguson (Newport News, VA) promoted Keith VanderVennet to vice president of supply chain and named Stao Allen regional manager for the combined Northwest/Mountain region. Previously director of sales, VanderVennet will now work directly with...

Wiseway Supply.(Awards ...)
April 1, 2006... Wiseway Supply (Florence, KY) honored certain manufacturers for their performance for the wholesaler in 2005. Those recognized included ADS as Plumbing Manufacturer of the Year (Large Tier); Fernco as Plumbing Manufacturer of the Year (Small...

supplyFORCE.(Appointment ...)
April 1, 2006... supplyFORCE (King of Prussia, PA) was selected by Temple-Inland to be its national provider of electrical and lighting supplies for all paper mills, forest product plants and box plants. The new three-year agreement, valued at $9 million, will...

H&H Sales Co.(Anniversary ...)
April 1, 2006... H&H Sales Co. celebrates its 55th anniversary this year. The company fabricates custom service and delivery truck bodies, bulk tank trailers and LP gas and in-plant gas cylinder handling and storage equipment, and material storage and handling...

EZ-FLO International.(Literature ...)
April 1, 2006... EZ-FLO International has completed its 2006 product catalog that now includes: PEX tubing, PEX risers, PEX stub-outs and fittings, mini hammer arresters, copper fittings, HVAC air registers and a complete line of decorative as well as...

JMF.(Products ...)
April 1, 2006... JMF PEX fittings are used to join, route and cap water service and radiant heat tubing. The heavy brass fittings conform to ASTM standards and are CSA, NSF-61 and IAPMO certified. They all adapt to the crimp ring connecting method often used by...

Glentronics.
April 1, 2006... Glentronics introduced the PHCC Pro Series-branded dual float switch and monitoring control system to provide a more reliable activation method for sump pumps. The dual float assembly contains two redundant floats mounted in a rigid protective...

Current code editions now available.(International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... The 2006 editions of the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Mechanical Code are now available. Other codes and guides published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) will be completed and ready for use...

Wolseley reports 10th set of record first half results.
April 1, 2006... In its unaudited interim results for the half year ended Jan. 31, Wolseley plc, Reading, England, said group revenue was up 26.3%, including organic growth of 12.2%. Its North American division reported a 40.1% sales increase, reflecting...

Water Guard.
April 1, 2006... Water Guard offers waterproof pipe penetrations with its ProSet Water Guard Sleeves. A coupling extends sleeving above any expected water emergency level. An elastomeric ring prevents leakage from concrete cracking. The product is ASTM-814 fire...

The Chicago Faucet Co.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... The Chicago Faucet Co., a member of the Geberit Group, announced that William Christensen became its president/CEO effective Feb. 22. He joined the Geberit Group in November 2004 and most recently was head of strategic marketing in Jona,...

Elkay.(Jack Krecek, Jeff Valles appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Elkay named Jack Krecek vice president/marketing, North America, Plumbing Products division. Krecek, a 21-year veteran at Elkay, had been vice president and general manager of the Elkay Water Cooler division. Also, Jeff Valles was appointed to...

In-Sink-Erator.(Rob Grim, Robert Tsuchiyama )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... In-Sink-Erator announced that Rob Grim is shifting to vice president of wholesale sales and Robert Tsuchiyama is returning to In-Sink-Erator from parent company, Emerson, as vice president of retail sales. Tsuchiyama served more than three...

Modern Plumbing Supply.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
April 1, 2006... Plumbing Supply (New Milford, CT) opened a 5,000-sq.-ft. luxury showroom and 5.000-sq.-ft. self-service parts counter earlier this year in a renovated warehouse and vacant lot next door to its previous location. The new warehouse has more than...

Murray Supply Co.(re opens)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Murray Supply Co. (Winston-Salem, NC) opened its newly renovated showroom, The Fuller House, which carries luxury bathroom and kitchen fixtures, Wellborn cabinets and countertops from Surfaces Unlimited. The company says it is the only American...

Waterless Co. LLC.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... Waterless Co. LLC appointed Vincent Newton eastern regional sales manager. He has more than 20 years of experience in the commercial plumbing industry. The company manufactures No-Flush[TM] urinals.

The National Kitchen & Bath Association.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... The National Kitchen & Bath Association named Edward Pell to its national headquarters staff as manager of market research, a new position. Poll has been writing about the kitchen and bath industry since 1978.

Houzer stainless steel sinks has secured manufacturers reps in every key market of the United States, currently totaling 28 agencies, according to Kenneth F. Fey, executive director.(Rep News ...)
April 1, 2006... HOUZER stainless steel sinks has secured manufacturers reps in every key market of the United States, currently totaling 28 agencies, according to Kenneth F. Fey, executive director. The most recent appointments include: Smith & Stevenson for...

Burke Agency, Walled Lake, MI, has been named as the manufacturers representative for VitrA USA for the state of Michigan.(Rep News ...)
April 1, 2006... Burke Agency, Walled Lake, MI, has been named as the manufacturers representative for VitrA USA for the state of Michigan. VitrA USA manufactures contemporary bathroom furniture for home and commercial use. For more information, visit...

Luxury Marketing, Stehr Enterprises, Hot2Cold and Silvertip Marketing have been appointed manufacturers representatives for Julien Inc., a manufacturer of professional grade commercial stainless steel kitchen equipment.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Luxury Marketing, Stehr Enter rises Hot2Cold and Silvertip Marketing have been appointed manufacturers representatives for Julien Inc., a manufacturer of professional grade commercial stainless steel kitchen equipment. Located in the New...

Neoperl[R].
April 1, 2006... NEOPERL[R] has introduced "Deals" counter displays for its faucet aerators. The Perlator[R]) Deal 22P offers OEM quality faucet aerators in standard flow; Deal 15P has a water-conserving low flow faucet aerator, ideal for Green Building...

Advance Tabco.(PRODUCT NEWS)
April 1, 2006... Advance Tabco offers the space-saving model D1-1-25 drop-in sink. The self-rimming dropin features a seamless drawn 9-inch by 9-inch by 5-inch bowl and includes a faucet and drain. For more information, visit www.advancetabco.com. * Circle...

Sonia.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
April 1, 2006... Sonia invited a select group of American dealers, sales reps and customers to Valencia, Spain, to visit its headquarters and production facilities. The attendees toured Sonia's furniture, glass, plating and Arco factories and participated in a...

Basco Shower Enclosures.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
April 1, 2006... Basco Shower Enclosures will appear on the fifth consecutive season of the NBC television show, "The Apprentice," starring Donald Trump, now airing Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on NBC. Four of Basco's Infinity doors will be seen in the luxurious...

Carr Co. and NCS Corp. were appointed by Tasman Sinkware North America to represent its Oliveri line of kitchen sinks.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Carr Co. and NCS Corp. were appointed by Tasman Sinkware North America to represent its Oliveri line of kitchen sinks. Carr Co., based in Boca Raton, FL, will cover Georgia and most of Florida. NCS Corp., of Bloomington, MN, will cover...

RepSource.(Rep News ...)
April 1, 2006... RepSource, formerly operating as Marketing Affiliates, now represents Waterless Co. LLC in Ohio.

Decolav.(Awards ...)
April 1, 2006... DECOLAV announced its multiple 2006 Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) wins. The Aura[TM] (Model # 3352), a double pedestal vanity sculpted from white tempered glass, won a platinum ADEX award. The patented 9400T frosted tempered-glass faucet...

Matco-Norca.
April 1, 2006... Matco-Norca's PADOVA of faucets includes the AE-895, a stylish, contemporary chrome-plated faucet that comes with a ceramic cartridge. ADA approved, it has lever handles and a brass pop-up. The faucet is available with either a deck plate or a...

Sloan Valve Co.(PRODUCT NEWS)
April 1, 2006... Sloan Valve Co. offers the QuickTop[TM] Model QT-1521 manual kitchen faucet with a single ADA-compliant fingertip control lever, chrome finish and an elevated swiveling spout to accommodate large pots and pans. * Circle 208 ...

Danze.(PRODUCT NEWS)
April 1, 2006... Danze features its new Distressed Bronze finish on its recently introduced South Sea collection, inspired by a classic bamboo motif. It is also available in brushed nickel. For more information, visit www.danze.com. Circle 209 ...

SFA Saniflo.
April 1, 2006... SFA Saniflo is offering the Sanivite gray water pumping system, small enough to fit inside a kitchen cabinet or under a sink. It can handle discharged wastewater from various plumbing kitchen and laundry appliances. The fully automatic Sanivite...

Alsons Corp.(Awards ...)
April 1, 2006... Alsons Corp. won three 2006 Award for Design Excellence (ADEX) awards. Shown here, its IN21TION[TM] hand shower was a Gold Award winner. It combines a traditional handheld shower with five spray settings and a fixed showerhead with an...

Hansgrohe.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Hansgrohe said its Axor Starck X, by designer Philippe Starck, received multiple design awards in 2005. Shown here, the Axor Starek Waterwall shower system won both an iF design award and a Design Plus Award. The Design Plus award stands for...

Delta and Brizo[R].(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Delta and Brizo[R] were both recognized with Awards for Design Excellence (ADEX) wins. Brizo's Loki[TM] powder room and bar/prep faucet received a Platinum ADEX Award, and the Venuto[TM] kitchen faucet was honored with a Gold ADEX Award....

MTI Whirpools.(PRODUCT NEWS)
April 1, 2006... MTI Whirlpools introduced the Isis, styled and sized to appeal to more masculine tastes. The freestanding glossy black tub clad in stainless steel is available as a soaking tub or an air bath with 20 strategically placed jets. * Circle 211...

Symmons.(PRODUCT NEWS)
April 1, 2006... Symmons said its Canterbury[R] Suite is the set of fittings custom-designed to mirror the simplicity and historical charm of the Four Seasons Hotel Boston. The Elements Canterbury offering is available in polished chrome, Radiance[R] satin...

NTF.
April 1, 2006... NTF (Non Touch Future) offers its line of EyeGiene "smart sensor" technology products to reduce exposure to bacteria in public restrooms. The EyeGiene self-cleaning toilet seat rotates through a cleaning channel that cleans, disinfects and...

Basco.(PRODUCT NEWS)
April 1, 2006... Basco introduced Cascade, its latest glass option for shower doors and enclosures. The subtle pattern of gentle lines flowing vertically down the glass allows light to enter the shower. * Circle 214 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Moen.(PRODUCT NEWS)
April 1, 2006... Moen Inspirations[R] introduced a stainless steel curved shower rod that provides an additional six inches of elbow room in the shower. It is available in chrome and brushed nickel finishes. * Circle 215 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Anvil restructures sales organization.(Anvil International Inc.'s )(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Anvil International has announced the following Mechanical/Industrial Division sales organization restructuring. * Phil Schechinger--Eastern Region Phil will transition from the Fire Protection Division to the Mechanical/Industrial...

Walter prepares for water products IPO.(NEWS: PVF Pipe ... valves ... fittings)
April 1, 2006... Walter Industries Inc. announced in early March executive changes to prepare for a strategic realignment of its businesses. As previously announced, the company has submitted an S-1 filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission for an...

Copper Cameron.
April 1, 2006... Copper Cameron has elected John Carne, president of the Cooper Cameron Valves Division, as a senior vice president of the parent company, Cooper Cameron Corp. Came was previously a vice president of Cooper Cameron and will continue in his role...

Rotork.(Rotork PLC acquires Omag Snc)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Rotork has acquired the business and assets of Omag Snc, an Italian valve gearbox manufacturer based in Milan. The acquisition provides Rotork's Gears division with a manufacturing and sales base in the Italian valve market in addition to its...

Horthwest Pipe Co.(reports annual sales)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Horthwest Pipe Co. reported the highest annual sales and earnings in its history for 2005. Sales were $329 million, compared to $292 million in 2004, and annual net income was $13.4 million, compared to $12.4 million in 2004. Tubular Products...

Maverick expands OCTG offerings.(Rocky Mountain Steel Mills Div. signs Maverick Tube Corp.)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Maverick Tube Corp. has entered into a marketing agreement with Rocky Mountain Steel Mills (RMSM), whereby Maverick will have the exclusive worldwide right to market and sell RMSM premium seamless oil country tubular goods (OCTG) products. This...

PVF intelligence report.(NEWS: PVF)
April 1, 2006... Here is a summary of various reports monitored by the SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES staff of market trends impacting the PVF business. * Global Oil & Gas Trends. Continued strength in commodity prices, compression in refining margins and further...

IPSCO to invest $27.5 million in pipe upgrades.(NEWS: PVF)
April 1, 2006... IPSCO Inc. announced an expenditure of $27.5 million on a coil preparation facility and other related enhancements to its large diameter spiral pipe mill operations located in Regina, Saskatchewan. The new prepping area and equipment...

Quality is everyone's job: the global economy increases the need for independent certification of vendors.(FORUM: PVF)
April 1, 2006... Successful PVF distributors need to be proactive at all levels to achieve and maintain quality in every aspect of their work. When the subject of quality is broached, many people think only of quality control inspections at the manufacturing...

The PVF roundtable--not just for Texas: business is great, but every silver cloud must have a dark lining.(Discussion)
April 1, 2006... In February, I had the pleasure of attending a meeting of the PVF Roundtable in Houston. For those of you who have not been to the area, let me start by saying as far as PVF goes, everything IS bigger in Texas. Houston is both the PVF...

R.E. Michel Co.
April 1, 2006... R.E. Michel Co. (Glen Burnie, MD) now offers the AirEase cooling and heating product line to dealers in the greater Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and eastern Ohio areas. The company has developed an acquisition and conversion program that provides...

Taco Inc.
April 1, 2006... Taco Inc. announced a price increase on all of its residential circulators, effective Mar. 15, averaging 4%. The price increase involves all Taco "00" circulators, including priority zoning, IFC, LoadMatch[TM] and radiant application...

First Supply.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... First Supply (Appleton, WI) announced Joe Carriere as the HVAC customer service consultant at the Appleton facility. His background includes more than 10 years of sales and customer service.

Gustave A. Larson Co.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... Gustave A. Larson Co. (Pewaukee, WI) named Michael Braun as director of marketing. In addition to his 10 years of industry experience, Braun recently was vice president of the Residential Division at Total Comfort of Wisconsin Inc.

Emerson survey shows contractors' concerns over 13 SEER.(NEWS: Hydronics/HVACR)
April 1, 2006... Emerson Climate Technologies reported that its final quarterly 13 SEER survey from 2005 showed a majority of HVAC contractors (56%) have serious economic and technical concerns as the 13 SEER regulation goes into effect. The survey, the last in...

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.(NEWS: Hydronics/HVACR)
April 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) has opened a 16,000-sq.-ft. state-of-the-art testing facility in the metro-Dallas area dedicated to energy efficiency testing of heat pumps, air conditioning equipment and...

Trane launches new large rooftop replacement program.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Trane announced the introduction of a new large rooftop replacement program. The program offers contractors a 5% rebate on IntelliPak[TM] and Voyager III[TM] commercial air conditioning rooftop systems being used as replacements for comparable...

Triangle tube.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Triangle Tube introduced the modulating Delta, a gas fired, sealed combustion combination heater that simultaneously provides both hydronic heat and domestic hot water. A built-in microprocessor constantly monitors the temperature of the...

Burnham Hydronics.(Jim Weichert appointed)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Burnham Hydronics named Jim Weichert as the newest member of its sales team in an effort to help support and grow customers in the Wisconsin area. With more than 20 years in the industry, Weichert has worked as a service technician,...

SpacePak.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... SpacePak, a Mestek company, hired Jeff Woods as national sales manager. With five years of sales experience in the HVAC industry, he recently served as a regional sales manager for one of Mestek's boiler companies, RBI.

New Yorker Boiler.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... New Yorker Boiler promoted Ann Swartzbaugh to regional sales manager. Her responsibilities include supporting the hydronics market in the Central and Western U.S. territories and Canada.

Industrial Controls.(People On The Move ...)
April 1, 2006... Industrial Controls (Wanamassa, NJ) announced Joe Eichelberger is chief executive officer. He has been president and chief operating officer of the company for the past two years. Eichelberger has also held previous positions as VP sales and...

Selkirk Americas L.C.(Acquisitions ...)
April 1, 2006... Selkirk Americas L.C. (Selkirk), a manufacturer of venting and air distribution products for commercial and residential HVAC applications, was purchased by Tomkins plc, a global engineering and manufacturing group. Selkirk will retain its...

Burnham.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Burnham's 2006 spring promotion allows contractors to earn $25-$35 gift cards to its collection, which includes apparel, golf items, coolers, tools and much more. For each Burnham boiler purchased from Apr. 1 until May 31, 2006, a contractor...

Danfoss.(Promotions ...)
April 1, 2006... Danfoss introduces its new Take-Out Special, which rewards refrigeration and air-conditioning contractors with a $5 fast food gift card for every purchase of a KPU pressure control or thermostat at participating wholesalers. Go to...

Caleffi.(Products ...)
April 1, 2006... Caleffi offers an insulated Hydro Separator designed for primary-secondary piping for commercial hydronic systems, particularly those with multiple zones. By creating a low pressure zone, the unit enables the connected primary and secondary...

Provia Software.(Software ...)
April 1, 2006... Provia Software, a provider of order-to-delivery supply chain execution software, announced that Industrial Data & Information (IDII), an independent software research consulting group focused on the supply chain, has published a positive...

Onset Computer Corp.(Software ...)
April 1, 2006... Onset Computer Corp., a supplier of battery-powered data loggers, introduced new Real-Time Alarm Software for use with HOBO data loggers. The new alarm software automatically notifies users via cell phone text messages or email when...

HVAC Web Connection.(NEWS: TECHNOLOGY)
April 1, 2006... Web site www.hvacwebconnection. an industry resource serving HVAC professionals, has partnered with careerbuilder.com to offer a national database of HVAC job listings. Job postings for branch managers, controls engineers, duct installers,...

Conference location: Lake Lanier Island, GA.
April 1, 2006... Set on the picturesque shores of Lake Sidney Lanier is Lake Lanier Islands--Georgia's most visited lakeside resort destination. Located 45 minutes from downtown Atlanta, the year-round 1,100-acre resort boasts a variety of amenities and...

The Wow! effect: Cayce Mill Supply's new 8,600-sq.-ft. showroom is designed to impress both homeowners and trade professionals.(SHOWROOM Merchandising)(Company overview)
April 1, 2006... A 16-foot high ceiling in the entrance area. Clusters of sparkling chandeliers. A working kitchen large enough to accommodate 20 to 30 people or more. Alcove after alcove with tastefully decorated product groupings or vignettes. This is what a...

Seven special days: bridge the culture gap by recognizing special non-Anglo holidays.
April 1, 2006... Right after Thanksgiving of last year I was giving a conference for some business owners in Arizona, and this Anglo gentleman approached me with the following statement: "Why are some of my Hispanics so ungrateful?" I was polite and simply...

Supply chain: partner of the month: Plumbing Manufacturers Institute.(connections)
April 1, 2006... Established: 1975 PMI originally began as the Plumbing Brass Institute. The scope of the organization was expanded in 1975 and the name changed to the Plumbing Manufacturers Institute (PMI). In 1998, it was reorganized around focus issues,...

The cool look of stainless steel hotter than ever: there's a revolution underway in the kitchen and bath.
April 1, 2006... It doesn't seem that many years ago that we viewed stainless steel as a material suited for making sinks and toasters--and that was about it. For use beyond that, whether for other applications in the kitchen or anywhere else in the house, it...

A view from the sunshine state.(NEWS: AMERICAN SUPPLY ASSOCIATION: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
April 1, 2006... I was fortunate to have the chance to spend a few days in Florida in mid-February this year, and while there, I had the opportunity to visit with a few ASA member wholesalers. They were all extremely gracious and enthusiastic to talk about...

2006 MwDA Town Hall Meeting.(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... MwDA will host its Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at Butterfield Country Club in west suburban (Chicago) Oak Brook, Illinois. This annual event is a convenient and affordable opportunity for valued members to learn and network...

Format changes to give PWDA convention in May a new look.
April 1, 2006... Following each PWDA annual meeting, convention management polls attendees for suggestions on how to make the meeting more productive and enjoyable for all who attend. Generally, the PWDA Convention for the first three years has "graded out"...

Homeportfolio[R]: we make home design easy[TM].(NEWS: AMERICAN SUPPLY ASSOCIATION: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
April 1, 2006... ASA's Center for Advancing Technology is now offering showroom marketing services from HomePortfolio, a leading consumer Internet company that offers the largest database of premium home design products in the industry. HomePortfolio's...