Supply House Times articles from August 2008

Supply House Times archives from August 2008

An open letter to manufacturers to enforce Internet pricing.(letters home)(Letter to the editor)
August 1, 2008... I have been in the plumbing supply industry for 37 years and was twice recognized as "Wholesaler of the Year" by Supply House Times. Since 2000, I have operated the leading Web site for decorating plumbing and lighting products for consumers...

Radiant Panel Association.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Lawrence Drake, executive director for the past 15 years of the Radiant Panel Association, said he will step down as the RPA chief. Drake said a search is on for the new director and included a list of the characteristics needed to fill the...

Wolseley.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)(Allison Bradlee and Denise Brown)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Wolseley appointed Allison Bradlee to manager of recruiting and recognition for Wolseley's North American Division. She will also coordinate with the temporary staffing department to implement a new technology platform. [ILLUSTRATION...

Ferguson.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)(Gregg Turner and Mike Wolfe)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ferguson appointed Gregg Turner to general manager of the Lubbock, TX, location. Since joining the company in 2000, he has been a branch manager and operations manager. Ferguson also appointed Mike Wolfe to general...

Wolseley projects conditions will get tougher still.(Industry News)(Report)
August 1, 2008... In its pre-close trading update for the 11 months ended June 30, Wolseley said that the housing and repairs, maintenance and improvement (RMI) markets in the United States softened further while commercial and industrial markets remained...

Hansgrohe names new chairman/CEO.(Industry News)(Siegfried Gansslen, Klaus Grohe and Richard Grohe)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Klaus Grohe, son of the founder of Hansgrohe and the company's leader for more than three decades, recently announced that he was stepping away from day-to-day operational management. The new chairman and CEO is Grohe's colleague, Siegfried...

Leaky pipes.(down the PIPE: COMPANY / ASSOCIATION / TRENDS / PEOPLE
August 1, 2008... DICK, ONLY YOU COULD INSTALL A GARBAGE DISPOSAL UPSIDE-DOWN... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

HD Supply.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... HD Supply announced that Margaret (Meg) Newman, vice president of human resources, has been named senior vice president of human resources for HD Supply. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Superior Radiant Products.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Superior Radiant Products (SRP) appointed Kevin B. Merritt as president, effective immediately. Merritt entered the infrared heating industry more than 20 years ago and is one of the co-founders of SRP. Merritt succeeds Eric Willms who is...

Briggs Industries.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Briggs Industries appointed Stephen Glaser as president and CEO effective July 1, 2008. He joined the company in 2004 as vice president of operations and was named general manager in December 2007.

Hart & Cooley.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Hart & Cooley named Curt Monhart as executive vice president of sales and marketing. His responsibilities include sales, promotions, technical services and new product development. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Neuco.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Neuco announced that Scott Kohler recently earned the designation of Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M), who has been with the company for more than seven years. This achievement is a great honor for professionals in purchasing and supply...

Emerson Climate Technologies.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Emerson Climate Technologies named Dave Boezi vice president business development. He will also be responsible for developing and managing a defined gate process to effectively evaluate and move business initiatives...

Continental Fan Manufacturing.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Continental Fan Manufacturing announced the appointment of Jim Paron as vice president--sales.

US Supply hosts product show.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] US Supply Sunbury (Sunbury, PA) celebrated its second annual vendor product show featuring more than 30 vendors from the plumbing, heating and HVAC industries. More than 200 customers attended. US Supply Co., a...

Danfoss hosts EnVisioneering Symposium.(Industry News)(Conference news)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... City leaders, building owners, engineers, builders, managers and other stakeholders met in Denver in June to discuss the growing concerns over energy and climate change in the building industry. "The Owner Nexus: Will Building Owners Transform...

Gerber honors Warriner Smith Utilities.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... As part of its 75th anniversary celebrations during 2007, Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC launched a national search for plumbing contracting firms that had reached or exceeded the same milestone. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Warriner Smith...

Sloan Valve Co.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sloan Valve Co. hired Jeffrey Krull as vice president, product development. He had been working in a similar capacity at Shure Inc., a privately-held manufacturer in Niles, IL. The company also appointed Patrick Daly...

Nortek Inc.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Nortek Inc. named Eric Roberts president of Nortek's CES Group. Roberts succeeds David Huntley, who has retired, as the leader of Nortek's custom commercial HVAC business, a major segment of the international company's portfolio of high-quality...

SEN Design Group.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... The SEN Design Group's Business Coaching Service has added four more business coaches: Raffael Brugnoni, CKD; Chuck Chwastyk; Andrew Colannino, CKD; and Jack Kellerman. They join John Lang, LPBC, and Ken Peterson, CKD, LPBC. Collectively, the...

Watts Water Technologies.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)(Taylor Grist and Zach Hudgins)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Watts Water Technologies promoted Taylor Grist to national specification manager. He will work to promote Watts specification programs, resources and products with engineers and architects. Taylor will also act as the liaison for the...

Seachrome Corp.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Seachrome Corp. hired Brian Reel as its national sales manager. The company manufactures ADA-compliant grab bars, tub/shower seats and accessories. Reel's 22 years in the wholesale plumbing industry include stints...

Klein tools' contests celebrate 150 years.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... Winners of the "Great Klein Tools 150th Anniversary Extravaganza" promotion were randomly selected from visitors to the company's Web site between Oct. 15, 2007 through March 30, 2008. In addition, weekly and monthly drawings were held for...

Cash Acme.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Cash Acme promoted Laura Brown to retail channel manager. In the newly-created position she will interface with retail customers on marketing, promotional and merchandising programs.

Caleffi Hydronic Solutions.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Caleffi Hydronic Solutions, a manufacturer of components for hydronic and solar heating systems, hired Woody Dickinson as a product manager. He will lead the development and introduction of new components and systems, including the related...

Potter Electric Signal Co.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)(Dave Kosciuk and Robbie Murray)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Potter Elecixic Signal Co, named Dave Kosciuk vice president of sales for the fire and security division. Kosciuk brings more than 17 years of industry experience and will be responsible for all domestic sales efforts for the fire and security...

Mincron Software Systems.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
August 1, 2008... Mincron Software Systems, a supplier of integrated software solutions and services to distribution companies, appointed Jonathan Lindle to director of client services. He will assume overall responsibility for ensuring client satisfaction in...

Ferguson.(EXPANSIONS, ACQUISITIONS ...)
August 1, 2008... Ferguson (Newport News, VA) opened a 10,500-sq.-ft. showroom in Hilliard, OH, that offers plumbing products, lighting and appliances. Erin Tober is showroom manager.

Wolseley.(EXPANSIONS, ACQUISITIONS ...)(wolseley's North American Division, which includes Ferguson and Stock Building Supply)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Wolseley's North American operating companies, including Ferguson (Newport News, VA) and Stock Building Supply (Raleigh, NC), opened their third "Home Selections Showroom" in the United States. The new 25,000-sq.-ft. "blended destination"...

Spears Manufacturing Co.(EXPANSIONS, ACQUISITIONS ...)
August 1, 2008... Spears Manufacturing Co, acquired the assets of Coastline Plastics LLC, an affiliate of the Victaulic Co. Renamed Spears Coastline Plastics, the company will continue to supply CPVC pipe to Victaulic for sale in the fire protection market....

Duratex/Deca.(EXPANSIONS, ACQUISITIONS ...)(Duratex/Deca acquired Ceramica Monte Carlo)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Duratex/Deca acquired Ceramica Monte Carlo, a Brazilian producer of vitreous china with one plant located in Recite, northeast of Brazil. With the recent purchase of American Standard operations in Brazil and this acquisition, the production...

MAAX.(REP UPDATE ...)
August 1, 2008... MAAX announced a strategic partnership with Locke Sales and Marketing (Langley, OK) to represent and sell its bathroom products in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana. LSM has sales offices in Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, TX, and in New...

Utility.(REP UPDATE ...)
August 1, 2008... Utility appointed John Walker Sales, Springfield, VA, as its sales representative for Virginia, District of Columbia, Delaware and Maryland. Utility manufactures chemicals for the plumbing, HVAC and janitorial/sanitation industries.

Tasman Sinkware North America.(REP UPDATE ...)
August 1, 2008... Tasman Sinkware North America announced that Equipco Ltd., based in Coquitlam, British Columbia, will now represent the Oliveri line of kitchen sinks in western Canada and Southwest Sales, Coppell, TX, will represent Oliveri in Texas.

Affiliated Distributors.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Affiliated Distributors (A-D), now based in Wayne, PA, announced that the AMAROK Drywall Cooperative (Chandler, AZ) became the AMAROK Division of A-D, focusing on drywall and drywall-related products, effective July 1. Jeff Jenkins, former...

Kessler Sales & Distribution.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... Kessler Sales & Distribution (KSD) relocated its corporate offices and New Jersey distribution center to Woodbridge, NJ. It now occupies a 300,000-sq.-ft. facility, formerly owned by Gerber Plumbing Fixtures, that sits on 25 acres. KSD had...

Noritz America Corp.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Noritz America Corp. announced its participation in the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association's Partners for Professionalism program. Noritz will recognize PHCC members with an icon next to their names and boost their ranking levels...

A.I. McDermott Co.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... A.I. McDermott Co. (Oshkosh, WI) was appointed the authorized stocking Grundfos Pumps submersible motor distributor for Wisconsin. This will enable McDermott to supply needed motors for large residential, commercial, municipal, irrigation and...

Gustave A. Larson Co.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... Gustave A. Larson Co. was named a member of this year's President's Club by Lennox Hearth Products. Randy Wyngard of the Pewaukee, WI-based wholesaler accepted the award, which recognizes the top distributors for their achievements in sales,...

Vertex Distribution.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Vertex Distribution relocated its corporate headquarters to a renovated 180,000-sq.-ff. facility in Attleboro, MA. The company left its Pawtucket, RI, home of 126 years and also closed its facility in Taunton, MA, merging its two New England...

WaterFurnace Renewable Energy.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... WaterFurnace Renewable Energy was selected by the Cleantech Group LLC to join its Cleantech Index of public cleantech companies, effective June 30, 2008.

The ASA Education Foundation.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... The ASA Education Foundation has released the second edition of its "Essentials of Profitable Wholesale Distribution" certificate course. The new 190-page edition is nearly twice the size of the original publication and includes updated...

IAPMO.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... IAPMO: The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials announced that Stephen Johnson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, will deliver the keynote address at its World Plumbing Council Emerging...

Viega.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Viega announced that two participants have already achieved Platinum status, the highest level attainable, in its first Training Rewards Program introduced earlier this year. Vinnie Bertrand of The Heat Doctor, Ocean Park, WA, and Mike...

Chicago Faucets.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... Chicago Faucets' 2008 catalog, featuring its line of commercial products and components, is now available on CD. This new interactive CD presents the products in six major categories: manual, electronic, food service, laboratory, components and...

Computer Business Systems Inc.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
August 1, 2008... Computer Business Systems Inc. launched the new Acu-Track software Web site, which features the more comprehensive Acu-Track II version. Viewers can download a brochure, request a free Web demo and obtain an overview of each tool's most popular...

Aaron & Co.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Aaron & Co. (Piscataway, NJ) invited customers to donate their unused ceil phones to Cell Phones for Soldiers, a registered 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. The group collects cash donations and old cell phones. The cell phones are recycled...

Security Supply hosts training day.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... Associates from its 11 branches participated in Security Supply Corp.'s sixth annual Employee Training Day in May. Representatives from Continental Gas Pipe, ECR International, Myers Pumps, Protech, Rectorseal, Saniflo, Sioux Chief, Sloan, A.O....

Trane uses "cloud house" ads to drive sales.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... Wholesalers and dealers may see a boost in inquiries and sales in response to a national ad campaign by Trane featuring a "cloud house." The print and television ads depict a house of blue sky and fluffy white clouds dropped into a number of...

Coleman offers summer/fall promotion.(Industry News)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Coleman brand of residential and light-commercial HVAC equipment is offering consumers either a cash-back rebate of up to $1,500 or a free, 10-year parts and labor extended warranty on qualifying equipment. The...

Harvel Plastics.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE ...)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Harvel Plastics, a U.S. manufacturer of PVC and CPVC industrial piping, duct systems and other thermoplastic extrusions, appointed Patrick Foose chief operating officer. Formerly he had been serving the company as...

Tyco Flow Control.(EXPANSIONS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Tyco Flew Control opened a 42,000-sq.-ft. service and repair center in Pasadena, TX, on July 15. The new facility will provide all service and repair operations previously performed at the Pasadena distribution center. This expansion allows TFC...

AIV LP.(EXPANSIONS ...)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... AIV LP, one of the leading master distributors of industrial and petrochemical valves in the country, is expanding again. In a continued effort to inject inventory and great service directly into the regions where they are most needed, AIV has...

Emerson.(ACQUISITIONS ...)(Emerson has acquired TopWorx)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Emerson announced it has acquired TopWorx. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. TopWorx becomes part of Emerson Process Management, expanding Emerson's valve instrument offering and extending the reach of Emerson's PlantWeb digital plant...

Bonney Forge.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)(Bonney Forge Corp. announced the certification of its cast steel valve)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... Bonney Forge announced the certification of its cast steel valve product line to the testing, inspection, and quality assurance requirements outlined in the American Petroleum Institute's Process Valve Qualification Procedure RP-591. This...

Landmark ITC ruling imposes hefty duties on Chinese pipe.(Pipe, Valves & Fittings News)
August 1, 2008... The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) in June imposed hefty countervailing duties ranging from around 30% to more than 600% on Chinese exports of standard and structural steel pipe. The ITC decision marks the first time that a CVD, or...

Obituary ...(down the PIPE: COMPANY / ASSOCIATION / TRENDS / PEOPLE
August 1, 2008... Doyce Gaskin, president of Mueller Co., has passed away after a brief illness. He was named president of Mueller Co., in November of last year after a career with the company that began in 1975. He was named vice president, manufacturing, for...

RIDGID honors students in design competition.(Pipe, Valves & Fittings News)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... RIDGID announced the winners of the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Design Competition it sponsored to recognize student design and conceptualization of an innovative, compact and lightweight pipe tubing pressing method. The contest...

Lesson from a food store.(PVF TALK)
August 1, 2008... Recently, I was listening to a business radio station while driving to a client--and the reporter did an overview of an extremely successful food store in New York City called Zabar's. For those of you not familiar with Zabar's, it is pretty...

Floor troughs.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [1] Advance Tabco's 14 gauge, 304 stainless steel floor troughs are available with either 14 gauge stainless steel or fiberglass grating. This subway-style grating is constructed from 3/16-inch by 1-inch bars and is...

Towel warmers.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [2] Amba electric towel warmers are suitable for both domestic and commercial use. Easy to retro-fit with a minimum of skill required, They are resistant to corrosion and offer energy-saving potential by saving...

Column showers.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [3] Bradley column showers can be configured to fit any application--from two to six user stations, Options offered include standard and juvenile heights, a choice of balancing, mixing or metering valves, as well as...

Suspension System.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [4] The 4x2 Suspension System from DuctSox is said to be the HVAC industry's only hanger system for larger fabric ductwork diameters in open architecture ceilings that simulates an aesthetic inflated appearance even...

Cast Iron Swing Check Valves.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [5] Marco-Norca's rugged, full waterway 120W Cast Iron Swing Check Valves and 120WC Lever & Weight Cast Iron Swing Check Valves conform to AWWA C508 and are built to handle demanding wastewater/sewage and potable...

Decrimping tool.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [6] Available from Clean-Fit Products, a division of the Mill-Rose Co., the RINGCRUSHER decrimping tool features a new heavy-duty design with round anvil that cuts crimp rings on 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-inch copper, brass and poly alloy/plastic...

High-Efficiency Toilet Systems.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [7] Sloan Valve Co.'s new High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) Systems, which package 1.28 gpf Flushometers with vitreous china fixtures, combine the performance of both the toilet and the flush valve to ensure true, water-efficient systems, Specifiers...

Universal Seal series pumps.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [8] Viking Pump Inc. has expanded the range of its Universal Seal series pumps to 365 [M.sup.3]/hr (1,600 GPM) with the release of the "RS" size, This series of internal gear pumps can develop pressures to 14 BAR (200 PSI). They handle...

Ball valves.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [9] Watts introduces the Series FBV-3-Press, 2-piece, full port, brass ball valves for use in ProPress piping systems, Its integral press fitting tailpieces are designed to be quickly and easily pressed into ProPress piping systems and are...

PEX Tubing.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
August 1, 2008... [10] The new Performa PEX Tubing is 30% more flexible than any of Zurn's other products, making it substantially easier to handle and less time-consuming to install, It has an integral oxygen barrier and complies with ASTM F-876/F-877. Performa...

Robert-James: sales: stainless PVF specialists: massive inventory and an instinct for buying right make them one of the country's top distributors of stainless PVF.(Company overview)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You can't sell out of an empty wagon. That expression used to be the industry's mantra decades ago when distributors were apt to sink every spare dollar into inventory. The business has since evolved more along the...

Universal design green issues: ASA showroom managers have an affinity for "WaterSense" products.(ASA SHOWROOM MANAGERS COUNCIL MEETING)(American Supply Association)(Conference news)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Is "universal design" an effective marketing term or would "comfort design" be more acceptable to a wider audience? Will cities of the future have no sewers but find ways to recycle human waste safely? These...

Hydronics according to Grundfos: an interview with the pump manufacturer's top North American executives.(Interview)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No matter what business you're in, it's important to recognize and capitalize on opportunities when they arise. In my business, a grand opportunity presented itself at the 2008 Convention & Trade Show of the National...

Big dividends during the dog days of summer.(LETTER FROM ASA PRESIDENT)
August 1, 2008... Dear Industry Colleagues, This issue of Supply House Times is a little thicker than usual--there's an excellent reason why. Included in this issue is a catalog from ASA, in which you will find training and educational programs available...

Network' 08: sustainability. Responsibility. Profitability. ASA IPD provides opportunities for PVF companies.(NEWS: the voice of the industry)
August 1, 2008... ASA's Industrial Piping Division (IPD) will continue its tradition of offering educational programs and networking opportunities for distributors and manufacturers who serve the industrial and mechanical PVF market. On Thursday, October 2,...

ASA 2008 operating performance report now available.(NEWS: the voice of the industry)(American Supply Association)(Report)(Brief article)
August 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In this economy, it's imperative for a distributor to know how its competitors are performing and how its own company stats compare to the overall industry averages. ASA makes this information available for purchase...

A conversation with the ASA Education Foundation ... Let's talk margin/mark-up. Same difference, right?(NEWS: the voice of the industry)(american supply associations)
August 1, 2008... If you agree with that, you might want to polish up your resume and start looking for another line of work. If you know the obvious problem with that statement, can you say with reasonable comfort that everyone who works for your company does...

I train ... do you?(NEWS: the voice of the industry)
August 1, 2008... NAME: Frank Finkel TITLE: President COMPANY: Davis & Warshow YEARS WITH COMPANY: 40 SIZE OF COMPANY (locations): 10 wholesale GEOGRAPHIC TERRITORY: Metro New York NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: 290 WHO IN OUR COMPANY IS...

A compensation strategy.(SHOWROOM STRATEGIES)
August 1, 2008... At every Business Management workshop I present, one of the topics that receives the most interest is compensation. The same is true when I do consulting--owners and employees want to know what programs work the best. So in this article I'd...

New technology--telephones: set up your own company Wi-Fi system to reduce your monthly costs.(THE AIR SIDE)
August 1, 2008... The most amazing thing to me is how fast technology is changing in the field of communications. Why, my personal method of communication with friends and family has changed far greater that I would ever have imagined just 10 years ago. No, I...

Ten key factors: that maximize sales success: systematically and consistently increase the number of customers who choose you to be their #1 supplier.(GET IT TOGETHER)
August 1, 2008... Sales representatives are successful today because they gain the majority of their targeted customers' business. They manage the relationship and continuously build relationship equity. That doesn't mean they operate with the old "lone wolf"...

VAI celebrates 30 years: an IBM Premier Business Partner, VAI develops enterprise software solutions for the distribution, manufacturing, retail and service industries.(Vendor Milestone)(Company overview)
August 1, 2008... Vormittag Associates Inc. (VAI) has grown from a regional software development firm to its current position as a prominent industry leader with a growing global client base and expanding operations. "When I launched VAI in 1978, I...

Backtracking on disposals.(IN CLOSING)(Garbage disposals ban)(Editorial)(Report)
August 1, 2008... We hold these truths to be self-evident--wrote founding father Thomas Jefferson more than two centuries ago, pointing to the Creator's enabling of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. His soaring rhetoric led to the formation of the...