Supply House Times articles from March 2009

Supply House Times archives from March 2009

The importance of sales training.(letters home)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2009... Congratulations to Jim Olsztynski on his "In Closing" column in the January 2009 issue of Supply House Times ("A Good Time To Invest In Training" page 144). As you know, I am a HUGE proponent of training people in our industry. I truly...

B.I.G. book update.
March 1, 2009... The following companies were not listed in the 2009 B.I.G. Book published in the January 2009 issue of Supply House Times, but they are included in the online edition at www.supplyht.com: Amba Towel Warmers (404-350-9738) ...

Leaky pipes.(down the PIPE)(Cartoon)
March 1, 2009... HOW'S THAT "EIGHT GLASSES OF WATER A DAY" THING WORKING FOR YOU, BILL? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

PACE Supply to expand and diversify.(Industry News)(PACE Supply Corp.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2009... At a time when many wholesalers are consolidating and cutting jobs, employee-owned PACE Supply Corp., based in Santa Rosa, CA, announced plans for three new branches to open in March and April in Santa Clara, Oakland and San Francisco, ranging...

Torrington Supply and A.O. Smith co-host collections seminar.(down the PIPE)
March 1, 2009... The Torrington Supply Co. (Waterbury, CT) and water heater manufacturer A.O. Smith co-sponsored a seminar on collections management for contractors, builders, remodelers, plumbers and electrical engineers. Brian McBride, sales manager for...

Green Manufacturing Summit hosted by Bradley.(down the PIPE)(Bradley Corp.)(Conference news)(Brief article)
March 1, 2009... Nearly 200 Milwaukee-area architects, engineers, and business and community leaders attended the second annual Green Manufacturing Summit in February, presented by Bradley Corp., in partnership with Wisconsin's Focus on Energy and the Milwaukee...

Obituary.(down the PIPE)(Obituary)(Brief article)
March 1, 2009... Don Beauvals, 71, who had co-owned ABC Plumbing of Pueblo and Colorado Springs for 33 years until he retired in 2002, died Feb. 6. Beauvais and his brother, Phil Beauvais; purchased ABC Plumbing and Electric Supplies in 1975. Don Beauvais was...

The Radiant Panel Association.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... The Radiant Panel Association named Jeff Brennecke, board member and a past three-time president, interim board liaison, Larry Drake, executive director for the past 15 years, leaves April 30.

Longley Supply Co.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Longley Supply Co. (Wilmington, NC) promoted Murray Korn to vice president.

George T. Sanders Co.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... George T. Sanders Co. Wheat Ridge, CO) promoted Derek Bell to vice president of sales and marketing,

American Supply Association.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... American Supply Association said Jim Fuller of Coburn Supply Co. (Beaumont, TX) will serve as chairman of the ASA Warehouse & Operations Council.

Noritz America Corp.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Noritz America Corp. named as its president Hisashi Uryu, former president of Noritz's Hong Kong Division.

Prier Products.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Prier Products promoted Nicholas R Manning, formerly vice president of sales and marketing, to president.

Component Hardware Group.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Component Hardware Group named John J. (Jack) Vresics, former president and CEO of Technical Concepts, as its interim CEO.

Spartan Tool LLC.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Spartan Tool LLC named Keith Nesky to the newly created position of vice president of sales, North America.

Munters Moisture Control Services.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Munters Moisture Control Services appointed Nancy Leo national accounts manager.

Caroma.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Caroma appointed Eddie Wilcut as national water conservation manager.

Harvel Plastics.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE)
March 1, 2009... Harvel Plastics named sales veteran Gary Boushell as national sales manager for its PVC and CPVC plumbing products division.

Ferguson.(EXPANSION AND ACQUISITIONS ...)
March 1, 2009... Ferguson (Newport News, VA) opened an 18,000-sq.-ft. showroom in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Mestek.(EXPANSION AND ACQUISITIONS ...)
March 1, 2009... Mestek is opening a manufacturing plant adjacent to its existing facilities in Boyertown, PA, to handle specialty machining and final boiler assembly for all of its cast iron boiler divisions.

JACLO.(REP UPDATE ...)
March 1, 2009... JACLO named K&A Sales its 2008 Rep Agency of the Year. Amorello Sales, Nov-Ell Sales and Martin L. Kornstein attained membership in the $1 Million Club and The Weinstein Group, GTS Sales, and Heritage Marketing of Texas achieved status in the...

Danfoss.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
March 1, 2009... Danfoss won both the AHR EXPO Innovation Award in the cooling category and the Product of the Year award for its Apexx VSH Series variable speed scroll compressors for commercial air conditioning.

Danco Inc.(INDUSTRY NEWS ...)
March 1, 2009... Danco Inc., a manufacturer of plumbing repair and replacement parts, is transitioning its business activities from its Boothwyn, PA, satellite office to its Irving, TX, headquarters.

Insituform Technologies.(ACQUISITION/EXPANSIONS ...)
March 1, 2009... Insituform Technologies (Chesterfield, MO) announced definitive agreements to acquire the assets of The Bayou Companies (TBC) for $125 million and Corrpro Companies in a merger transaction worth approximately $91 million. The company expects...

SPX Corp.(ACQUISITION/EXPANSIONS ...)(Sartell Valves Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2009... SPX Corp. announced that it has sold the remaining portion of its DeZurik product line to Sartell Valves Inc., a Minnesota-based water and wastewater treatment company. Formerly part of SPX's flow technology segment, this DeZurik product line...

Steel demand continues to slide.(Pipe, Valves & Fitting News)
March 1, 2009... Researchers at the British global metals tracking firm MEPS expressed surprise at the speed of collapse in steel demand throughout the world. Prior to the fourth quarter of 2008, MEPS researchers predicted a slowdown in the rate of growth in...

Tyco Flow Control.(ACQUISITION/EXPANSIONS ...)
March 1, 2009... Tyco Flow Control announced its purchase of a 118,000-sq.-ft. facility in Mansfield, MA, as part of a more than $20 million investment plan to relocate its existing operations in Wrentham, MA, to a new, modern facility in support of its Valves...

McJunkin Red Man Corp.(ACQUISITION/EXPANSIONS ...)
March 1, 2009... McJunkin Red Man Corp. announced the opening of new executive offices at 2 Houston Center in Houston. President and CEO Andrew Lane and other senior executives will divide their time among the Houston office and other headquarter facilities in...

United States Steel Corp.(ACQUISITION/EXPANSIONS ...)
March 1, 2009... United States Steel Corp. announced that it plans to relocate the administrative offices of its U. S. Steel Tubular Products subsidiary from Dallas to the company's corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh. The relocation will take place gradually...

United States Steel Corp.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE ...)
March 1, 2009... United States Steel Corp. announced that Joseph Alvarado, vice president-tubular operations and president of the company's U. S. Steel Tubular Products subsidiary, retired from the company on Feb. 28, 2009. No replacement has been named yet.

Industrial Control Distributor's LLC.(PEOPLE ON THE MOVE ...)
March 1, 2009... Industrial Control Distributor's LLC, a distributor of HVAC, process instrumentation and valves, has hired Michael Giordano as an account manager in the New England Region. He brings more than 20 years of sales experience in the industrial...

China disputes steel pipe dumping charges.(down the PIPE)
March 1, 2009... China reportedly has appealed to a World Trade Organization dispute panel protesting against U.S. curbs on imports of certain steel pipe and other products. WTO agreed on Jan. 20 to rule on the dispute, although no decision is expected until...

Benchmarking PVF distributors.(PVF TALK)
March 1, 2009... I was recently asked if I knew of any benchmarking studies on customer service in the PVF industry. The answer was no, although the annual ASA Operating Performance Report (OPR) does provide financial benchmarks for its PVF and plumbing...

The sun shines on American Industrial's new HQ: this PVF distributor capitalized on solar incentives to go green.(SOLAR ARRAY)(Cover story)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In one sense this story has its beginning way back in 1914. That's when Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) operated an extensive trolley system throughout 10 counties in New Jersey. One of those lines ran from...

Submersible solids-handling pump.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
March 1, 2009... [1] Yeomans' new Model 412.53SV submersible solids-handling pump utilizes a single-vane impeller that is trimmable to meet the specific duty rating necessary for each application. The impeller will also pass full three-inch spherical solids to...

Large-capacity gas tankless water heaters.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
March 1, 2009... [2] Bosch's latest large-capacity gas tankless water heaters, the 920 ES series, are engineered to be high-output, energy efficient, reliable, and environmentally kind. The ultra-high efficiency 920 ES series, at 225,000 BTU/hr., consists of...

Push-to-fit fittings and valves.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
March 1, 2009... [3] JMF now offers a full line of push-to-fit fittings and valves that connect to copper, CPVC or PEX tubing without the use of tools, glues or soldering. These fittings are certified for permanent use, but offer the advantage of easy removal...

Inline testing system.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
March 1, 2009... [4] Sioux Chief's InFlow Inline Testing System now comes in cast iron, as well as PVC and ABS, and is ideal for testing in commercial applications. It reduces cost, saves labor, eliminates the need for inflatable test devices, the fitting stays...

Electric snowmelting mats and cables.(PRODUCT PREVIEW)
March 1, 2009... [5] HeatWeave introduces its electric snowmelting line of both mats and cables called ProMelt. All mats and cables have a single point connection and the mats are available in both two feet and three feet widths. There are many control options...

Interview with WIT's president.(WIT and Co.)(Interview)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Colin Perry, president of Rampart Supply, Colorado Springs, CO, began his two-year term as president of buying group WIT & Co. Ltd. in September 2008. Rampart Supply, which serves Colorado Springs and the Denver...

The power of one ... and more.(LETTER FROM ASA PRESIDENT)(Personal account)
March 1, 2009... Dear Industry Colleagues, When I first heard the case being made for Washington, D.C., as the host city for ASA's 2009 national convention, I was highly skeptical. After all, I was never really a huge political guy. Don't get me wrong, I...

President Obama invited to speak at NetworkASA 2009: POWER: roundtable sessions and "how-to" workshops solidify agenda.(NEWS: the voice of the industry)(American Supply Association)(Conference news)
March 1, 2009... ASA has invited President Obama, Vice President Biden and Chief of Staff Rahm Emanual to address the attendees at NetworkASA 2009, ASA's annual convention. "With Washington, D.C., the host city for NetworkASA 2009: POWER, it provides...

Industry manufacturers show support for NetworkASA 2009.(NEWS: the voice of the industry)(American Supply Association)(Brief article)
March 1, 2009... ASA recently announced Bradford White as the first Platinum Sponsor of NetworkASA 2009 and that InSinkErator joined Kohler as a Silver Sponsor. "Bradford White and InSinkErator are leaders in the industry who are dedicated to the growth and...

New "warehouse essentials" to debut in April: designed for entry level employees.(a Conversation with the ASA EDUCATION FOUNDATION)(American Supply Association Education Foundation)
March 1, 2009... If you have ever wondered about the best way to prevent mistakes in your warehouse--some of which can be very costly indeed-- or how to instill a sense of teamwork among your employees there, wonder no more. A brand new addition to the...

Joint legislative fly-in scheduled for April 29 & 30, 2009: ASA partners with PHCC and ACCA in Washington, D.C.(American Supply Association)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)(Air Conditioning Contractors of America)(Brief article)
March 1, 2009... ASA urges distributors and manufacturers who do business in the PHCPIPVF industry to participate in the Joint Legislative Fly-In, scheduled for April 29 & 30, 2009 in Washington, D.C. The Legislative Fly-In provides a unique opportunity to...

ASA welcomes new members.
March 1, 2009... * HomePortfolio, Inc. Newton, MA www.homeportfolio.com * Sales Management Plus (SMP) Newport Beach, CA www.gosmp.com * Williams Wholesale Supply Cookeville, TN For information on joining ASA, contact Amy...

ASA website tip of the month.(Take Action)
March 1, 2009... Use the Advocacy section of www.asa.net to contact local, state and federal representatives on legislative issues. Step 1: Go to www.asa.net Step 2: Select the Advocacy tab at the top of the Home page Step 3: Click on the...

Change is inevitable--how well do you manage it?(SHOWROOM STRATEGIES)(Column)
March 1, 2009... For most of the many articles I've written for this wonderful publication I have waited up to the deadline (the first of each month) to look for inspiration to put words to paper. Yes, I still write them by hand! But I have hit upon a new means...

The 2009 AHR industry exposition.(THE AIR SIDE)(Personal account)
March 1, 2009... I wouldn't miss attending the annual HVACR Expos (I've attended them all since 1984), because I really want to know what is going on and what the new trends and technologies are. However, despite earlier claims that it might be the largest...

Creating solutions to economic challenges.(GET IT TOGETHER)(Strategist LLC )(Interview)
March 1, 2009... In times of economic uncertainty, businesses tend to reexamine their relationship with customers, vendors, employees and their own internal culture. Those that embrace best practices make the necessary adjustments and take advantage of economic...

Dreaming of customer service.(THE INSIDE DESK: An insider's view of the PHCP supply business.)
March 1, 2009... In the middle of the night I'm jolted awake by a startling thought: A customer had come into Met Pipe and I was unable to help him. For the first few months that I was part of the counter staff, dreams like those were pretty common. I'd spend...

Stainless steel fittings.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Outokumpu Stainless Tubular Products offers the widest range of stainless steel butt weld fittings in the industry from our light wall fittings manufacturer--established more than 50 years ago--to our current...

The finest tankless electric water heaters available.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stiebel Eltron offers the finest tankless electric water heaters available. Its Tempra DHC-E outperforms bulky hot water tanks and reduces hot water pipe runs. It offers the best warranty in the industry. For more...

www.metropac.com--buy online and save.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... Metropac offers 3% 30-day payment terms on all orders placed online at www.metropac.com. Metropac's intuitive Web order entry system is a fast, convenient way for you to save even more on a wide range of commercial and residential HVAC/R...

Anvil Gruvlok[R] CTS Copper System.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... Anvil International introduces its Gruvlok CTS Copper System, a grooved copper system that requires only a wrench for assembly on grooved end pipe, eliminating conventional soldering and brazing. The system allows installers of large diameter...

Electro Industries Industrial Boiler.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our new Industrial Boiler is a very compact and effective solution to retrofitting old, inefficient fossil fuel boilers, or for use in new installations. This boiler includes digital electronic temperature control,...

Pro-Pal Valves For Professionals.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Webstone has created a line of valves that separate the professional installation from the DIY look by offering these innovative valves to the professional contractor only. They simplify installations, create an...

Baxi Luna HT modulating, condensing wallhung boiler.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Low-NOx, 98% efficient Baxi Luna HT wallhung boilers all bear ASME H-Stamp, and are gas/propane field convertible using QAA73 controller, which with outdoor sensor can also achieve optimal performance. Luna HT 380...

Sentinel cleans and protects hydronic heating systems.(Information Showcase)
March 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sentinel chemical water treatment products improve boiler system efficiency; reduce gas consumption and carbon dioxide production. Sentinel cleaning and inhibitor concentrates eliminate the risk of premature wear of...

R.I.P. Expo stores.(IN CLOSING)
March 1, 2009... Our industry's reaction to Home Depot's shutdown of all of its Expo stores amounted to a collective yawn. They closed a bunch of them in 2005, and although the remaining stores were supposedly profitable at least until last year's economic...