Supply House Times articles from February 2006

Supply House Times archives from February 2006

Opinion, I think, not fact.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... My agency may be one of the sorry showroom reps at issue here, but I was disappointed to read in Hank Darlington's recent article ("How To Make Manufacturers Reps More Valuable To Your Business," SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES, December 2005, page 71) that...

Congratulations Supply House Times and American Supply Association.(LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2006... Excellent piece of work (Editorial by Jim Olsztynski, SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES, January 2006, page 180)! You continue to reinforce the value that associations play. Trade magazines like yours provide those intangible benefits that associations...

The Home Depot acquires Hughes Supply; plans to grow wholesale business.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
February 1, 2006... The Home Depot[R] said it will acquire Orlando, FL-based wholesaler Hughes Supply for an aggregate consideration of $3.47 billion, including the payment of $46.50 per outstanding share and the assumption of $285 million in net debt. Completion...

Wolseley reports gains in sales and profits.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Sales for the Wolseley group of businesses based in Reading England for the first five months ended Dec. 31, 2005, were up about 25%, and profit rose by about 20%, compared with the same period in 2004. These increases were driven by high rates...

A Supply House Times exclusive: residential building permit activity regional & local market survey.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
February 1, 2006... A SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES Exclusive Residential Building Permit Activity Regional & Local Market Survey NOVEMBER 2005 Local Residential Permits ...

Obituaries.
February 1, 2006... >> Ren Owen, 60, vice president of business development for Sloan Valve Co., died Jan. 6 of pulmonary fibrosis. He joined Sloan Valve in 1965 at age 19 as a castings inspector at its Melrose Park, IL foundry. After serving in the U.S. Army, he...

Roth Industries.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Roth Industries said it will start producing its double-wall oil storage tanks in the United States this year to improve service levels. Its new production facility is in Watertown, NY. The finishing of the facility and the production of the...

Robertson Heating Supply Co. opens third Michigan branch.(NEWS: Grand Opening)
February 1, 2006... Robertson Heating Supply Co., Alliance, OH, has expanded with a third branch in Michigan. Its newest location, in Livonia, MI, opened in November. The plumbing and HVAC wholesaler entered the Michigan market last summer with the...

Basco.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Basco promoted Linda Garman to director of marketing communications, a new position, and hired Jeff Roy as director of customer service. Garman has been with the company for nearly 25 years and formerly was director of customer relations. Roy...

Briggs Industries.(People On The Move ...)(appointed Mauricio Lavandero )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Briggs Industries hired Mauricio Lavandero as vice president/marketing. He has more than 15 years of experience in executive management, marketing and business development and marketing consultation for both consumer and commercial durable...

Moen Inc.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Moen Inc. promoted Mike Bauer to senior director/wholesale marketing and Allen Talley to director of commercial marketing and product development; Tim Millay has joined the company as director of commercial sales; and Gary Pember was named...

Best Buy acquires California-based Kitchen and Bath retailer.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
February 1, 2006... Minneapolis-based Best Buy Co. announced in December its plans to acquire Pacific Sales Kitchen and Bath Centers Inc., a privately owned Los Angeles-based retailer of high-end home improvement products that operates 14 showrooms in Southern...

ThermaSol.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)(appointed Jim Van Landingham as national sales manager )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... ThermaSol awarded Jim Van Landingham, its national sales manager since 2003, with the "David Altman Team Member of the Year Award" at its annual holiday party in December. David Altman, who founded ThermaSol in 1958, was a hands-on worker,...

Design competition for showroom sales staff.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
February 1, 2006... Sonia America has issued a nationwide call for entry to all of its dealers to submit their own Sonia furniture design in a "You know what you should do..." competition. The rules specify the furniture is to be designed for use in the bathroom...

Lasco responds to "aging in place" trend.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The need for multi-piece (sectional) baths and showers is increasing in both commercial and residential construction due, in part, to a growing design trend known as "aging in place" or "universal design," according to Lasco Bathware. This...

The Jacuzzi Bath Division.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The Jacuzzi Bath Division named Chris Capone senior vice president of sales. He joined the company in 1984 as district sales representative. Since 1999 he has been vice president of sales. Other members of the management team include Phil...

Elkay.(Grand Openings, Expansion ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Elkay celebrated the grand opening of its 106,000-sq.-ft. Elkay West facility in Ogden, Utah, in January with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, luncheon and plant tours. The new facility is in a business and industrial park located about 40 miles...

Mansfield Plumbing Products LLC.(Grand Openings, Expansion ...)
February 1, 2006... Mansfield Plumbing Products LLC plans to open a 100,000-sq.-ft, distribution center in the greater Atlanta area in April. The company also has a 60,000-sq.-ft. distribution center in Perrysville, OH, a 200,000-sq.-ff. operation in Fontana, CA,...

The National Kitchen & Bath Association.(Association News ...)(Center for Kitchen and Bath Education and Research)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The National Kitchen & Bath Association announced that as of Jan. 1, 2006 it would no longer be providing financial or administrative support to the Center for Kitchen and Bath Education and Research. CKBER was organized under the guidance of...

Brizo[TM].(PRODUCT NEWS)
February 1, 2006... Brizo[TM] has introduced the Pascal[TM] culinary faucet with Smart Technology. The faucet combines hands-free and touch-control technology and also has a pull-down spout. The water flow is activated by either tapping the faucet or using the...

Swanstone.(PRODUCT NEWS)
February 1, 2006... Swanstone has launched a line of decorative wall shower panel kits in six designs, designed to fit the three most popular shower floor sizes: 36 inches by 36 inches; 34 inches by 48 inches; and 32 inches by 60 inches. The panels are cut to...

Symmons.(PRODUCT NEWS)
February 1, 2006... Symmons introduced the Visu-Temp[R] with Clear-Vue[TM] shower and tub/shower systems with an ergonomic design and easy-to-read display. The Visu-Temp system features a solid brass, bronze and stainless steel piston-style pressure-balancing...

Delta[R].(PRODUCT NEWS)
February 1, 2006... Delta[R] unveiled a single-handle option in its C-Spout[TM] product line at the 2006 International Builders' Show in January in Orlando. The faucet features a one- or three-hole installation with an optional escutcheon. It is available in...

American Standard.(PRODUCT NEWS)
February 1, 2006... American Standard created the Lifetime whirlpool based on research indicating that consumers want whirlpool tubs that are quieter, more spacious, deep and easy to clean. Lifetime whirlpools have exclusive Comfort-Jets[R] that are easy to clean...

Keeping your customers informed about new ADA-compliant restroom fixtures.(Access Guidelines)
February 1, 2006... In selecting plumbing products and fixtures for restrooms, the contractors and project specifiers you serve must weigh myriad considerations--the nature of the business or organization, traffic volume, budget constraints, local codes and,...

Houston Mayor to address PVF Roundtable.(NEWS: Pipes ... valves ... fittings)
February 1, 2006... The Honorable Bill White, Mayor of the City of Houston, will be the guest speaker at the next meeting of the PVF Roundtable. It is scheduled for Feb. 21 at the HESS Club, 5430 Westheimer in Houston. For reservations, contact Tom Cameron at...

Edgen parent acquires Scottish metals firms.(NEWS: Pipes ... valves ... fittings)
February 1, 2006... Edgen Corp. said that Jefferies Capital Partners, its principal shareholder, has agreed to acquire Murray International Metals Ltd. ("MIM") of Edinburgh, Scotland, through a newly formed acquisition company. Upon completion of the transaction,...

Flowserve sells GSG unit.(NEWS: Pipes ... valves ... fittings)(General Services Group )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Flowserve Corp. announced that it has sold assets of its General Services Group (GSG) to Furmanite Worldwide Inc., a unit of Dallas-based Xanser Corp., for approximately $16 million in gross cash proceeds, while retaining approximately $12...

Bush declines to limit China pipe imports.(NEWS: Pipes ... valves ... fittings)
February 1, 2006... President George W. Bush overruled a majority of International Trade Commissioners when he refused Dec. 30 to act upon a petition by seven U.S. steel pipe makers to place limits on Chinese-made steel pipe imports flooding the U.S. market....

Manufacturers predict continuing expansion in 2006.(supply chain management )
February 1, 2006... Economic growth in the United States will continue in 2006 and manufacturing expectations remain at a relatively high level, say the nation's purchasing and supply management executives in their 70th Semiannual Economic Forecast. The forecast...

ITC keeps duties on stainless flanges.(NEWS: Pipes ... valves ... fittings)
February 1, 2006... Under the five-year (sunset) review process required by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) determined that revoking the existing antidumping duty orders on forged stainless steel flanges from India...

Muda II-solutions to waste: the earlier you stop an error, the less costly it is.(ADAMS on PVF Supply)
February 1, 2006... In my last article ("Stop Wasting Time, Effort, Money!" SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES, lanuary 2006, page 26) you learned about Muda, the Japanese word for waste. Since then, you have no doubt seen all sorts of Muda every day in your business--inside...

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.(Training/Education/Certification ...)
February 1, 2006... Air-Conditioning and Reration Institute (ARI) launched a new online tool enabling contractors and the general public to access important certified product performance information about their air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. ...

HVAC Excellence.(Training/Education/Certification ...)
February 1, 2006... HVAC Excellence is offering Master Specialist certification for technicians. The program requires a technician to demonstrate retained knowledge and application of that knowledge. Hands-on performance certification assists employers in hiring...

NAOHSM plans 53rd annual convention.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
February 1, 2006... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers (NAOHSM) will host its 53rd convention and trade show on May 14-18, 2006 in Hartford, CT. The theme this year is "Sports and Teamwork." * On Monday, May 15th, attendees will be able...

ICOR International hosts RSES mini-trade show.(Indianapolis chapter of Refrigeration)(Refrigeration Service Engineers Society)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The Indianapolis chapter of Refrigeration Service Engineers Society (RSES) held its 2005 "Show & Tell" mini-trade show this past December at ICOR International. The show featured 21 vendors from manufacturing, testing organizations, wholesalers...

AHR Expo.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... The 2006 AHR Expo, held in Chicago's McCormick Place from Jan. 23-25, featured "Radiant House," sponsored by SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES, BNP Media and the Radiant Panel Association. It showcased and provided the latest information on energy-efficient...

APCO handed down to third generation.(APCO, Inc)
February 1, 2006... David Nussdorfer recently sold APCO, Inc. to his sons, Michael and Jeffrey, now the third generation to purchase ownership of the company. Michael, the president of the company, is responsible for the operations of Michigan Temperature Supply,...

Rheem tankless water heaters qualify for tax break.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
February 1, 2006... The Water Heating Division of Rheem Manufacturing Co. announced that its entire line of gas-fired tankless water heaters qualifies for a federal income tax credit under the new Energy Tax Incentives Act of 2005. A provision of the bill,...

Grundfos.(Training/Education/Certification ...)
February 1, 2006... Grundfos Technical Institute will conduct HVAC product and system training sessions. The 2-1/2 day programs are designed specifically for HVAC and hydronic distributors and dealers. Topics will focus on sizing and selection, real world...

Selkirk Canada.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Selkirk Canada has made several changes to its management team. The company named Susan Cornwell to the newly created position of director of finance and promoted Glenda luliani to director of human resources. Jim Vargyas retired from his role...

Filtration Group.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Filtration Group assigned Rudolf Wepfer, Ernst Honegger and Ulric Serne to its Filtrair international sales team, headquartered in The Netherlands. Serne is the director of sales and marketing for Filtrair High Performance Products, Europe. He...

Mestek.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Mestek announced Brian D. Bernard re-joined the company as marketing manager. He is responsible for developing and implementing strategic marketing initiatives for Sterling HVAC and SpacePak. Sterling HVAC is a manufacturer and supplier of...

HVAC/R master distributor Metropac Industries can open up new sales opportunities for wholesalers.(AT THE CENTER of Attention)
February 1, 2006... As an HVAC/R Master Distributor, Metropac Industries has proved to be a valuable partner in the distribution channel by providing wholesalers with wide-ranging services and a vast inventory of hvac/r products. But some wholesalers may not be...

Watt's regulator.(NEWS: TECHNOLOGY)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Watts Regulator's new company Web site includes extensive information on Watts' full line of water safety and flow control, backflow prevention, water quality, drainage, brass and tubular, control valve, potable PEX and quick-connect products....

State of the industry report.(NEWS: TECHNOLOGY)
February 1, 2006... With the growing economy, 2006 should expect more wholesale distributors to assess the state of their existing software applications and technology, according to the results gathered by the Brown Smith Wallace Consulting Group. The economy...

VAI wins IBM Beacon Award.(NEWS: TECHNOLOGY)
February 1, 2006... IBM selected Vormittag Associates, Inc. (VAI) as the winner of its 2006 Beacon Award for most innovative "Built on IBM Express Portfolio" solution. The Express Portfolio is the cornerstone of IBM's strategy for serving the IT mid-market sector....

Pricingnet.(Web Site ...)
February 1, 2006... Pricingnet, an online, wholesale only market for industrial distributors, released Version 3.0. The new "Notify List" feature allows buyers to upload a shopping list of desired items and target prices, and automatically receive notification...

Activant Solutions.(Conferences ...)
February 1, 2006... Activant Solutions is hosting its Summit conference: "Turn Knowledge into Power," this March in Las Vegas. The company develops comprehensive enterprise software solutions to help distributors improve customer service and maximize the return of...

Infor.(Conferences ...)
February 1, 2006... Infor, a global enterprise software provider for the manufacturing and distribution industries, will hold its annual user conference, Inforum 2006, April 9-12 in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort. The theme of the four-day event is...

Hajoca.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Hajoca (Ardmore, PA) named Rick Fantham, president of Emco Corp. and a member of the Hajoca board, a senior vice president of Hajoca effective Jan. 1. He is responsible for three regions: North Central, Midwest, and Northeast. Dave Williams,...

Ferguson.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Ferguson (Newport News, VA) named Ray Alls general manager of Washington--Herndon. He joined the wholesaler in 1982 as a trainee in Radford, VA. Since 2003, he has been the regional operations manager for the Midwest region.

Wolseley.(People On The Move ...)(appointed Larry Stoddard as senior vice president )(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Wolseley (Reading, England) appointed Larry Stoddard as senior vice president of business development for Wolseley Group. Stoddard joined Ferguson, Wolseley's U.S. subsidiary, in 1981 as a management trainee. During his 25 years with the...

First Supply LLC.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... First Supply LLC (Madison, WI) hired Mark Prevost as corporate product manager/fluid handling. He has more than 22 years of experience in the plumbing wholesale industry, most recently as a manufacturers representative. He also spent five years...

Hughes Supply.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Hughes Supply (Orlando, FL) appointed Annie Diaz-Toro vice president of process excellence. A 16-year company veteran, she most recently served as vice president of operations for Hughes Supply's Water & Sewer business.

Wal-Rich Corp.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Wal-Rich Corp. (Corona, CA) named Wayne Krantz national sales manager. He has spent more than 20 years in this industry, including a stint as regional manager for Hercules Chemical Co. Most recently he was national sales manager for...

The outlook for 2006: here are four strategies to help wholesalers continue growing this year.(Company Profile)
February 1, 2006... The past few years have delivered a long-awaited turnaround for the wholesale distribution industry. The United States continues to expand at a sustainable rate. In 2005, Pembroke Consulting estimates that total sales of wholesaler-distributors...

Master distributors: fill a key niche: a Supply House Times survey examines why wholesalers patronize these firms.(DISTRIBUTOR SURVEY)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2006... WHAT IS A MASTER DISTRIBUTOR? A common definition of a master distributor in our industry's parlance is that of a distributor who sells to other distributors. But this definition suffers from a lack of precision. For one thing, almost...

Supply chain partner of the month: ASA American Supply Association.(connections)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2006... Established: 1969 The American Supply Association (ASA) was officially formed in December 1969 through the merger of two groups: The Central Supply Association (CSA) and the American Institute of Supply Associations (Al). ASA is a...

15 suggested ratios to regularly monitor.(Industry Insights, Inc.)
February 1, 2006... For almost 25 years, ASA has contracted the services of Industry Insights, Inc. to conduct its annual "Operating Performance Report" survey. The OPR report offers industry wholesalers an opportunity to measure their own performance with that of...

A brief visit to SG Supply.(NEWS: ASA: Companies ... Associations ... people ... government ...)(Company Profile)
February 1, 2006... I recently visited with Stan Dreyfuss of SG Supply in Calumet Park, IL. He is officially Director of Purchasing, but it's very clear when you get to know him that the company doesn't stand on titles, for Stan is obviously much more than that....

Keys to selling success--Part two: here are tips on how to avoid sales errors and cure a slump.(selling skills)
February 1, 2006... Hopefully you've absorbed Part One of "Keys to Selling Success" (January 2006 SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES, page 168). If you've followed my articles in the past, then you know there are several topics pertaining to showrooms that I'm passionate about....

Where are your bar codes? Update your pricing and computer structure.(WHEELER on HVACR)
February 1, 2006... At a regional meeting of supply-house owners and managers, a branch manager for a large company came over to talk with me. During our conversation, I asked what the biggest problem that he as a manager had to deal with in the business, and I...

Advance Tabco.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... The "Commercial Home Products Collection" offers a full line of stainless steel countertop sinks. Standard models come 25 to 30 inches wide with a "No-Drip Mirror Finish" front edge and are constructed of 16 Ga. 304 stainless steel, with stud...

Grundfos.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... Two configurations are available in the integrated variable speed drive E-Circulator line. Series 1000 pumps are suitable for constant temperature, flow and pressure control. Series 2000 pumps add the capability of differential pressure with...

Halsey Taylor.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... HVR Water Coolers are available as a single (model HVR8-CHILD ADA) and bi-level (model HVR8BL-CHILD ADA) barrier-free unit. Vandal-resistant features include: a chrome-plated bubbler, single-action mechanical push-buttons that require no...

Prestige.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... Triangle Tube/Phase III announced that the high efficiency Prestige condensing wall mounted boiler is ASME Section IV approved and is marked with an "H" stamp that indicates ASME compliance. The boiler features a vertical fire tube heat...

Addendum to B.I.G. Book.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
February 1, 2006... SimCo Valve Co. Inc. 151 Memorial Drive, Unit A Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Phone: 508-845-3300; Fax: 508-845-3304 E-mail: sales@simcovalve.com Web site: www.simcovalve.com Products: Ball valves; gate, globe and check valves; pneumatic and electric...

Gastite Division of Titeflex to relocate to Tennessee.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
February 1, 2006... The Gastite Division of the Titeflex Corp. will relocate its manufacturing and distribution operations from Springfield, MA to Portland, TN. Corporate headquarters will remain in New England. The Portland site will offer another 100,000 sq....

F.W. Webb Co.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
February 1, 2006... F.W. Webb Co. (Bedford, MA) announced a comprehensive, multi-year marketing partnership with the Boston Red Sox that recognizes the wholesaler as the team's official distributor of plumbing, heating, HVAC and pipe-valve-fittings supplies....

Western Suppliers Association.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Western Suppliers Association, a regional association affiliated with the American Supply Association, announced the retirement of Paul and Meg Davis effective Dec. 31. They served on the executive staff of WSA for 25 years. Don Robertson,...

Bradford White.(People On The Move ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Bradford White announced the retirement of Anthony J. Maglione, 0who joined the company in 1966 and held various positions in sales administration and international sales. For the past 29 years he had been director/international sales and...

LENOX.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... LENOX named Lee Wilkins director of marketing for its hand tools division. Since 2002 Wilkins had been vice president of marketing and product development at GKI/Bethlehem Lighting.

The Home Depot.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... The Home Depot (Atlanta) named Marvin Ellison president of its Northern Division. He succeeds Troy Rice, who left the company to pursue other opportunities. Ellison had been senior vice president--logistics.

Harvel Plastics.(People On The Move ...)
February 1, 2006... Barrel Plastics named William C. Sallee national sales manager for fire protection products. Sallee has more than 35 years of experience in the fire protection industry. For the last 19 years he has marketed overhead fire sprinkler systems and...

Farnsworth Wholesale Co.(Expansion ...)
February 1, 2006... Farnsworth Wholesale Co., Gilbert, AZ, a plumbing wholesaler, recently opened a newly built 20,O00-sq.-ft. branch location on four acres of land it purchased in Peoria, AZ, to replace a smaller facility it had been renting in the same area. The...

Venango Supply.(Expansion ...)
February 1, 2006... Venango Supply (Oil City, PA) acquired Kennedy Supply Co., new Castle, PA, a distributor of plumbing and HVAC products which has serviced the western Pennsylvania area since 1938. It will operate as the third branch of Venango Supply, which...

Mid-City Supply Co.(Award ...)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2006... Mid-City Supply Co., based in Elkhart, IN, was honored as the 2005 "Business of the Year" by the Michiana Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management. This award recognizes one area employer who has demonstrated a commitment to...

Innovative thinking in hiring, retention & training: the industry's most pressing problem will be addressed thoroughly and expertly at our conference in June.
February 1, 2006... Is there anyone reading this who doesn't rank hiring, retention and training as among the thorniest business issues? Ask the manufacturers who need engineers to help them design products and processes, and intelligent production workers capable...