Supply House Times articles from August 2004

Supply House Times archives from August 2004

Reader agrees: don't badmouth competitors.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... Thanks to Jim Olsztynski for an excellent editorial in the May 2004 issue of SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES ("Against The Wind," page 84). I spend countless hours trying to explain this "spontaneous trait transference" (STT) stuff, and the negative selling...

Clarification of Price Pfister's Rep agency of 2004.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... Being the premier magazine of the plumbing and HVACR industry, I thought you would like to know that the article published in the Rep Update section in the June 2004 issue of SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES (page 53) regarding Access Marketing being named...

AIM/R responds to reader's letter.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... The Executive Committee of the Association of Independent Manufacturers'/Representatives (AIM/R) would like to respond to the letter from Karl W. Triche, president of The Plumbing Warehouse, published in the June issue of SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES,...

Hirsch pipe & supply.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) recently awarded a 48-inch high definition television to Augustine Cortes (pictured) of ACG Plumbing in San Marcos, Calif., as the 2004 grand prize winner in its annual March Madness contest. Customers qualified...

Interline Brands files for public offering, announces executive changes.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Jacksonville, Fla.-based distribution company Interline Brands filed a Registration Statement on Form S-1 with the Securities and Exchange Commission in June for an initial public offering of its newly formed parent corporation's common stock....

Supply House Times honored with APEX Awards.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES received two 2004 APEX Awards For Publication Excellence: one for Editor Jim Olsztynski's feature story on Collins Pipe & Supply (June 2003) and the other for its entire October 2003 issue. The awards program, sponsored by...

CIPH elects chairman.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Hearing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Mike Dennis, president of Moen, Oakville, Ontario, was ejected as the 2004/2005 CIPH chairman at the 2004 annual general meeting of the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Hearing. He has been in the industry since 1981 and an active member of...

Obituary.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Obituary)
August 1, 2004... Joseph Neustadt, 48, co-owner and vice president of Neuco, Downers Grove, Ill., passed away June 24 from heart failure brought on by Marfan Syndrome. During his 25+ years at Neuco, he was highly regarded by manufacturers and customers. From his...

Residential building permit activity: regional & local market survey.(A Supply House Times Exclusive)(Illustration)
August 1, 2004... A SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES Exclusive Residential Building Permit Activity Regional & Local Market Survey MAY 2004 Residential Local Permits ...

Modern Supply Co.(Expansion, Acquisition ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Modern Supply Co. (Knoxville, Tenn.) opened its first branch outside of Tennessee, at 351 Old Airport Road in Bristol, Va. Mitchell Justice is the branch manager. The company distributes heating and air conditioning, plumbing, electrical and...

John W. Danforth Co.(Expansion, Acquisition ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... John W. Danforth Co., a mechanical contractor, acquired a majority of the assets of Niagara Frontier Sheetmetal, a sheet metal fabricator and installer. This creates a provider in western New York that offers a full range of piping, air...

Hercules Chemical Co.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Hercules Chemical Co. promoted Gail S. Leicht to brand manager. In addition to her current duties in communications, she will be responsible for helping to grow the Hercules product line, as well as marketing and promoting the line to the Oatey...

Dahl Brothers (Canada) Limited.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Dahl Brothers (Canada) Limited named Jannike Husebye Godfrey president. She has been with the company more than 20 years, most recently as general manager. Dahl manufactures plumbing and heating valves and specialties for the hydronic industry....

Liberty Pumps.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Liberty Pumps named Jim Halpin regional sales manager for the northeastern United States and Canada, effective July 1.

A.O. Smith Water Products Co.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... A.O. Smith Water Products Co. named James D. Grasha to the new position of vice president/general manager of its Water Systems business; Kevin J. Wheeler as vice president/ international, responsible for the company's water heater business in...

Munters Corp.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Munters Corp. named Bryan Cheskin account manager for its Moisture Control Services division, a water damage recovery/temporary humidity control company that provides emergency services in the United States and Canada.

Plastic Trends.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Plastic Trends appointed Kevin Wolcott southeast regional manager, responsible for Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. Plastic Trends manufactures sewer, water and drainage fittings.

Cerro Flow Products.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Cerro Flow Products released a corporate capabilities brochure in conjunction with the merger of Cerro Copper Products Co. and Cerro Copper Tube Co. into Cerro Flow Products. The 12-page brochure includes an overview of the current product...

General Pipe Cleaners.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
August 1, 2004... General Pipe Cleaners offers the proved Power-Vee[TM] automatic feed drain cleaner with a simplified feeding system. With a squeeze of the lever the cable feeds at a rate of up to 16 feet per minute. Circle 250 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Weil-McLain to close Michigan plant, shut down Indiana facility.(News: companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... SPX Corp., corporate parent of Weil-McLain, said it will close the boiler manufacturer's Benton Harbor, Mich., facility by next year and also shut down assembly operations at its Michigan City, Ind., plant. The Benton Harbor plant makes...

Watts Brass and Tubular.(Appointments ...)(Hollabaugh Brothers & Associates)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Watts Brass and Tubular appointed Hollabaugh Brothers & Associates to represent the company in Oregon, Washington, Alaska and the panhandle of Idaho. Hollabaugh Brothers has offices in Portland, Ore. (phone: 503-238-0313) and Kent, Wash....

Atlantic Bath Distributors.(Appointments ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Atlantic Bath Distributors has appointed the following manufacturers rep firms: Conner Marketing based in Birmingham, Ala., covers Alabama and the Florida Panhandle. Bans Co. based in Brandywine, Md., covers Delaware, Maryland,...

Selkirk L.L.C. has added Williston-Allen Associates as its new manufacturers representative for the six New England states.(Appointments ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Selkirk L.L.C. has added Williston-Allen Associates as its new manufacturers representative for the six New England states. The contacts are: Jerry Williston in North Kingstown, R.I., phone: 401-374-4365; Steve Williston in Tolland, Conn.,...

Prier Products.(Appointments ...)
August 1, 2004... Prier Products presented Manufacturers Representative Sales Awards to the following companies: Meyer Bressen Inc. of Albany, N.Y. (Prier rep since 1998); WE Cathell Associates of Baltimore (Prier rep since 2002); JT Associates of...

Sussman Lifestyle Group.(Appointments ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Sussman Lifestyle Group appointed Tom Scott with Associated Sales, a manufacturers rep firm based in Anaheim, Calif., to represent the company. Scott is based in Las Vegas and will call on architects, designers, plumbers and homebuilders as...

American Standard's Bath and Kitchen Americas Group.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... American Standard's Bath and Kitchen Americas Group named Kenneth Damato vice president of sales. In this newly created position, Damato will set and drive strategic sales direction for retail, wholesale and national accounts throughout the...

Jacuzzi Brands.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Jacuzzi Brands appointed Bryan Kelln president of its Jacuzzi Inc. business unit. He will assume global leadership for the Jacuzzi[R] branded companies including Jacuzzi Whirlpool Bath in North America, the Jacuzzi Spa division, Jacuzzi South...

Villeroy & Boch.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Villerov & Boch announced that Steve Howkinson has joined its Bathroom, Kitchen & Tile division where he will be responsible for sales and dealer relationships for the company in 26 states. Howkinson has nearly 20 years of sales experience,...

GROHE announces leadership changes.(Bath & Kitchen)
August 1, 2004... Jeffrey P. Noll was named president of GROHE effective July 1, succeeding Bob Atkins, who retired as of that date. Also, Jeff Carney was named vice president of sales and marketing. In other news, David Haines is to become chairman and CEO of...

Lasco Bathware.(Advertising ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Lasco Bathware has been unveiling new trailer graphics on 50 trailers and tractors in six U.S. regions this summer in order to build brand and product line awareness. The mobile billboard graphics feature three Lasco product lines: high-end...

Delta Faucet.(Advertising ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Delta Faucet named Young & Laramore as the agency of record for its Peerless brand of faucets. Delta has been working with the agency more than a year to bring its premium Brizo faucet brand to market.

Central States Group has new leader.(Pipe-Valves-Fittings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Ron Warren has taken over as president and CEO of Central States Group, a leading Midwestern wholesaler of fluid handling equipment headquartered in Omaha, Neb. Warren succeeds Central States co-owner Steve Anderson, who will continue to serve...

Two ASA/ISH NA panels geared to PVF interests.(Pipe-Valves-Fittings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... "Living in Wild Times: Shortages, Inflation, Globalization... What s Next?" is the title of a wide-ranging Impanel discussion sponsored by the American Supply Association's Industrial Piping Division at this Fear's ASA Convention in Boston....

Flowserve management undergoes changes.(Pipe-Valves-Fittings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Lewis Kling has been named to the newly created position of chief operating officer at Flowserve Corp. He has more than 35 years of experience in manufacturing operations with General Electric, Harris Corp., Allied Signal, General Signal Corp....

Strahman buys French valve maker.(Pipe-Valves-Fittings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Strahman Valves Inc. of Florham Park, N.J., has acquired MG Process Valves. MG will be renamed Strahman MG and will continue to operate from facilities in Mery, France. As a result of the acquisition, the two companies can consolidate...

Steel industry devises worker safety program.(Pipe-Valves-Fittings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) signed a historic one-year Alliance with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to enhance worker safety and health in the nation's steel mills. Two other major trade...

Amcast to sell Flow Control division.(Pipe-Valves-Fittings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Amcast Industrial Corp. said it has signed a definitive agreement to sell most of the assets of its Flow Control division to a U.S. subsidiary of the Dutch group Aalberts Industries N.V. (Amsterdam: AAL). The transaction, which is subject to...

ASA's Industrial Piping Division.(American Supply Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... ASA's Industrial Piping Division launched a raw materials report, "Market Materials Digest" by Ed Scott, on June 29 to members of the American Supply Association Vendor Division and Industrial Piping Division. It is being made available via...

The Industrial Supply Association (ISA).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) has named John Buckley its executive vice president. Buckley previously served as president of the Notional Paper Trade Association. ISA was formed via consolidation of the Industrial Distribution...

Pipe-eating bug.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Pipe-eating, bug: Biotechnology researchers at The Institute for Genomic Research in Rockville, Md., have sequenced the genome of the desulfovibrio vulgaris bacterium that has caused substantial economic losses in the petroleum and other...

The Institute for Supply Management.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The institute for Supply Management reported economic activity in the manufacturing sector grew for the 13th consecutive month in June.

Dixon Valve & Coupling.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Dixon Valve & Coupling has opened a new distribution center in Tampa, Fla.

Hayward allies with Cepex, Spanish plastic valve firm.(Pipe-Valves-Fittings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Hayward Industrial Products of Elizabeth, N.J., has entered into a global marketing alliance with Cepex S.A. of Barcelona, Spain, to enhance distribution of both companies' lines of industrial plastic valves and flow control products. In...

Birds in hand: the best opportunities for increased sales are right under your nose.(Adam on PVF Supply)
August 1, 2004... These days, PVF suppliers are getting squeezed pretty hard from all sides. Customers no longer accept any price. They know the vendors' prices, and they will pay only a low mark-up above that price. Vendors, too, are faced with higher...

Kohler supports student plumbers.(Bath & Kitchen)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Kohler Co. and its subsidiary brand Sterling donated suites of bathroom products for the 40th annual SkillsUSA Championship. The contest was organized and co-sponsored by the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors--National Association. More than...

Atlas Homewares.(Bath & Kitchen)
August 1, 2004... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Atlas Homewares hosted a fundraiser for World Vision's Los Angeles Storehouse. Attendees included (left to right): Walter Clarke, director of housing, City of Los Angeles Housing Dept.; Dick McClennin, VP,...

Eljer announces "I Want it All" consumer ad campaign.(Bath & Kitchen)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... This month Eljer is launching a $1 million consumer advertising campaign to support its wholesaler showrooms and plumbing contractor customers. The company's market research found that the positioning of the Eljer brand has broad appeal to the...

MTI Whirlpools.(Products ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... MTI Whirlpools new Jentle Tread[TM] hydrotherapy tub uses the passive resistance of water coupled with the power of full-sized whirlpool jets to provide the user with a no impact workout. Two deep, non-skid tiers are against one wall of the...

Invensys Climate Controls.(Price Increase ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Invensys Climate Controls announced a price increase averaging 5% effective June 21 on its HVACR products under the brands Ranco[R], Paragon[R], Com-Trot[R], Firex[R] and Robertshaw[R].

Ferguson.(Expansions/Acquisition ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Ferguson (Newport News, Va.), owned by Wolseley plc. based in Reading, England, opened a new 40,000 sq.-ft. HVAC facility in Golden Valley, Minn. It is a satellite of the main branch in Plymouth, Minn. Timm Foss is manager.

PROSTOCK[R].(Expansions/Acquisition ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... PROSTOCK[R] opened five new stores. Admor HVAC Products Inc. had an open house June 3-4 at its new Honolulu location. Noland Co. opened a store May 26, in Birmingham, Ala. Riback Supply Co. opened two stores--one in Olathe, Kan. on May 14 and...

Carrier acquires German refrigeration giant.(Hydronics/HVACR)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Carrier Corp. acquired Linde Refrigeration, a division of Linde AG, after approval from the European Commission. "With this regulatory approval, we expect closing the transaction within the next three months," said Geraud Darnis, president of...

Danfoss forms joint venture.(Hydronics/HVACR)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Danfoss entered into a 50/50 joint venture with Montreal-based Turbocor Inc., which manufactures oil-free centrifugal refrigerant compressors. Danfoss Turbocor Compressors Inc. will provide energy efficient compressors that optimize operating...

Frank Coda.(Obituary)(Obituary)
August 1, 2004... Frank Coda, vice president emeritus of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) since January, passed away June 25. He joined ASHRAE in 1981 as executive director and was named chief staff officer...

ECR International.(Hydronics/HVACR)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... ECR International received a $500,000 grant from the Department of Energy to develop energy-saving technology. It allows ECR to develop and commercialize a device that will enable gas-fired home heating appliances to simultaneously generate...

Filtration Group Technical Media.(Expansions/Acquisition ...)(Filtrair B.V)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Filtration Group Technical Media, based in York, S.C., acquired Netherlands-based Filtrair B.V. to form a company that will operate under the Filtrair name. The new company will blend Filtrair's European nonwoven technology products with...

REHAU.(Training ...)
August 1, 2004... REHAU's 2004 Skill Builders training classes, offered through REHAU Academy, include basic courses and a set of advanced courses specifically focused on the RFH WarmSource[R] design software. Basic classes will be held Sept. 22-24 in Toronto...

York International's Unitary Products Group.(Training ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... York International's Unitary Products Group (UPG) will sponsor a training program titled "Maximizing Profit in a Retail Environment" at the York Business Day Sept. 15 at America's Center in St. Louis. The free daylong training program will be...

The 2005 AHR Expo.(Industry Events ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The 2005 AHR Expo to be held Feb. 7-9 in Orlando, Fla., now has 19 industry associations endorsing it including Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International and Radiant Panel Association. The latest added endorser is the...

AERS and Vantage merge.(Hydronics/HVACR)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Applied Energy Recovery Systems, Inc. (AERS) merged with Vantage Equipment Co. of Winter Park, Fla. The company said this will expand its offering of industrial air conditioning products under the Vantage Aire name. The product line will...

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI).(Certification Testing ...)
August 1, 2004... Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) is soliciting proposals until Sept. 1 from independent testing laboratories to conduct certification testing of its members' HVACR equipment for the 2005 test year. Visit www.ari.org/cert...

Prophet 21.(Acquisition/Event ...)(Dynamic Data Systems Inc)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Prophet 21 announced the acquisition of Dynamic Data Systems Inc., the provider of Turns, enterprise software for medical products distributors and distributors in other vertical markets. It is the company's fourth acquisition since June 2003....

Global Technology Distribution Council.(Acquisition/Event ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Global Technology Distribution Council, an industry association that defines and promotes the role of wholesale distribution in the information technology channel, held a Global Technology Distribution Summit May 5-6 at the Ritz-Carlton in San...

Elkay.(Software And Newsletter ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Elkay upgraded its Custom Quote CD-ROM software that assists its sales reps to facilitate quotes for Elkay custom sinktops, countertops, scullery sinks and institutional products. The new 3.0 version features the same capabilities as before,...

Liberty Pumps'.(Web Sites To Watch ...)(Liberty Pumps)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Liberty Pumps' new Web site, www.libertypumps.com, features descriptions of its sump, sewage, and effluent pumps and pre-assembled systems. It also features product spec sheets, installation manuals and performance data.

Luxaire[R] Heating and Air Conditioning.(Web Sites To Watch ...)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Luxaire[R] Heating and Air Conditioning launched a new Web site, www.luxaire.com/acclimate to provide trade customers details about the Acclimate[R] line of central air conditioners, heat pumps and furnaces.

Burke Agency performs like well-oiled Pistons: teamwork and tenacity make this Michigan rep firm one of the industry's best.(2004 Manufacturers Rep Of The Year)
August 1, 2004... This story coverage took place as the Detroit Pistons were delivering a whuppin' to the heavily-flavored L.A. Lakers in this year's NBA championship series. Consensus in the sports world was that the series would go no more than five games, but...

Parks, Peyton & Sasser: successful selling, Southern style: this small Louisiana-based rep firm has prospered and grown by serving its customers with Southern hospitality.(2004 Manufacturers Rep Of The Year)
August 1, 2004... Frank Parks, one of the principals of Parks, Peyton & Sasser, learned how to survive and excel in the rep business from one of his customers when he was still fresh out of college. "I had an MBA and I was all Ivy League trying to do business,"...

Manufacturers rep directory 2004.(Alabama-Indiana)(Directory)
August 1, 2004... ALABAMA A.W. Ferguson Co. Inc. 6470 Spanish Fort Blvd., Ste. D Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (251) 626-0685 Fax: (251) 626-4933 awfco01@aol.com A.W. Ferguson, Pres. TERRITORY/STATES SERVED: AL, MS, FL Panhandle. ...

Manufacturers rep directory 2004.(Iowa-New Mexico)(Directory)
August 1, 2004... IOWA Allied Systems, Inc. 2200 East Douglas Ave. Des Moines, IA 50313 (515) 223-6642 Fax: (515) 224-4648 jmcdermo@asidsm.com www.asidsm.com Jim McDermott, Pres. TERRITORY/STATES SERVED: IA, NE. LINES...

Manufacturers rep directory 2004.(New York-Pennsylvania)(Directory)
August 1, 2004... NEW YORK Alco Sales 19 Curtis Pl. Lynbrook, NY 11563 (516) 887-3888 Fax: (516) 593-5569 mail@alco-sales.com www.alco-sales.com Al Lipsky TERRITORY/STATES SERVED: Lower NY State, Five boroughs, Nassau,...

Manufacturers rep directory 2004.(Puerto Rico-Quebec)(Directory)
August 1, 2004... PUERTO RICO Delva Corp., MSC 635 89 Ave. De Diego, Ste. 105 San Juan, PR 00927-6346 (787) 273-8480 Fax: (787) 749-9895 delva@caribe.net Alfredo del Valle, Pres. TERRITORY/STATES SERVED: Puerto Rico, Dominican...

VIPs tell NCWA what's important: excerpts from speakers' presentations provide insight into supply chain relationships.(North Central Wholesalers Association)
August 1, 2004... The North Central Wholesalers Association focused its annual meeting on an all-star panel presentation on industry trends. Eight high ranking executives from manufacturers, wholesalers, a rep firm and a buying group presented their views on...

Sump pumps.(College of Product Knowledge)
August 1, 2004... This is an updated version of the product training course introduced by SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES in 1979, authored by Don Arnold. Though a sump pump can be used for other purposes, the two most common uses involve the removal of ground water from...

How to market your showroom.(Darlington on Showrooms)
August 1, 2004... When I owned my business, marketing was bar far my favorite segment of the overall business management area. Maybe because I had a marketing degree, maybe because I'm fairly creative in that area, maybe because I'm a salesman at heart or maybe...

The chicken little effect--or, don't worry, it's not their money.(Wheeler on HVACR)
August 1, 2004... I always enjoy reading Jim Olsztynski's editorial column, and his June 2004 piece titled, "Serfdom Vs. the High Road" (page 76) offered readers some sage advice: Don't worry about large home builders buying direct. Like Jim, I've been...

Ethics, privacy and discipline.(Hurst on Employee Management In A Small Business)
August 1, 2004... Like so many of the other issues discussed each month in this column, business ethics at the employee level is best served by solid recruiting and interviewing practices. A predisposition toward ethical behavior--as a character trait--is highly...

Fair trade yes, protectionism no.(Editorial)(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... Nowhere on earth will you find a more beautiful land or a friendlier population than in our neighboring nation to the north. It was a special treat being invited this past June by the Canadian Institute of Plumbing and Heating to participate in...