Supply House Times articles from September 2006

Supply House Times archives from September 2006

Holohan's column on NLP brings back memories.(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... Dan Holohan's NLP article ("Which Do You Like Best?" Supply HOUSE TIMES, July 2006, page 140) brought a smile to my face. Long ago when I was in the contracting business I went to a seminar on NLP sponsored by a manufacturer. It was a...

Adams "Change" column rings true.(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... After reading Joan Adams' article in SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES' May 2006 issue (page 36, "Change") I passed it along to my associates here in Orlando. We are following through with a lot of change in ourselves, our branch and our industry. It started...

Rare breed of rep responds to Olsztynski's editorial.(LETTERS)(Editorial)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... I am one of the "rare" one-man manufacturers rep agencies. My survival was assured when in May 1999 I was honored to receive a contract to represent General Pipe Cleaners. My creed--to do my absolute best for my principals and customers--gave...

Supply House Times Web site news.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... You may have noticed something different on SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES Web site: to access most of our editorial content, our readers are now required to register themselves--for free--on the site. It takes big bucks to invest in more and faster...

HeatLink Group announces change.(expansion)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... HeatLink Group, a Canadian manufacturer of radiant heating and potable water products, announced a change in its U.S. operations. Customers will have access to the products directly from the manufacturer under the new name HeatLink Group Inc....

Ferguson acquires two more wholesalers.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... On Aug. 1, the very same day that Chip Hornsby officially assumed his new position as group chief executive at Wolseley plc, Reading, England, following the retirement of Charlie Banks, Ferguson acquired substantially all of the assets of...

Lee Brass.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... Lee Brass was an exhibitor at the Southern Wholesalers Association convention held in Hilton Head, SC, in June. Pictured, left to right: Reiber Heath, chief financial officer; David Smith, operations manager; and Bruce L. Jameson, president...

Obituaries.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)(Obituary)
September 1, 2006... * Bale L. Reese 82, founder of businesses including Standard Plumbing Supply Co., Standard Plastics Co., Standard Transportation and Standard Pipe Nipple Manufacturing Co., died of natural causes Aug. 14 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was active...

HeatLink USA changes name to ComfortPro Systems.(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... HeatLink USA LLC changed its name to ComfortPro Systems in order to describe the company's new direction as a one-stop shop for several essential product categories, including radiant, plumbing, cooling, preinsulated PEX pipe and extended...

BNP Media announces launch of Site Prep magazine.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... BNP Media, publisher of SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES, said it will launch Site Prep in January 2007. The magazine, to be published six times annually, will be written for professionals involved with construction site preparation, including...

Residential building permit activity: regional & local market survey June 2006.(Statistical table)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... A SUPPLY HOUSE TIMES Exclusive Residential Building Permit Activity Regional & Local Market Survey JUNE 2006 Residential Local Markets Region Permits ...

Northeastern supply.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... Northeastern Supply (Baltimore) announced the opening of its newest location in Prince Frederick, MD. The company distributes plumbing, heating, air conditioning, water systems, hardware and lighting products from its central distribution...

IAPMO and ICC discuss joining of codes.(International Code Council, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Based on the discussion at a July meeting in Denver involving the International Code Council and the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, IAPMO may maintain ownership and development of the Plumbing Code, with the...

Tri Palm International.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Tri Palm International, manufacturer of Oasis and Sunroc pressure, bottled water and point-of-use coolers, hosted 45 sales reps from its 35 U.S. and seven Canadian agencies at a three-day sales meeting and...

Murray Supply Co.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Murray Supply Co. (Winston-Salem, NC) hired Tom Gasper to serve as manager at its Charlotte, NC, branch. Previously, he spent 12 years with Aaron & Co.

Ferguson.(Ferguson Enterprises Inc. promotes Henry Wood and AI Whitehurst, Chip Devine appointed)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Ferguson (Newport News, VA) appointed AI Whitehurst to director of residential business and promoted Henry Wood to national manager, residential Greensboro, NC, since 2004. Also, Chip Devine has been appointed area manager for Florida. Most...

The Home Depot reports sales, earnings up in second quarter.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... The Home Depot[R] reported net earnings of $1.86 billion for the second quarter ended July 30, up 9.8% compared with fiscal 2005. Excluding a one-time tax charge assessed in Quebec, its net earnings rose 13.4%. Sales increased 16.7% to $26...

Best by Broan.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people ... government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: Best by Broan hosted a training camp for about 120 distributors and dealers from across North America in Milwaukee, WI, in June. Attendees received training on ventilation basics, professional and built-in...

Affiliated Distributors.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Affiliated Distributors (King of Prussia, PA) hired Kim Wanamaker as director of marketing. He has spent seven years in the Zahn is now national accounts manager and Kiener is marketing coordinator. KSD is a national distribution firm that...

Kessler Sales & Distribution.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Kessler Sales & Distribution announced that Alan Zahn and Rob Kiener joined the company. wholesalers and kitchen and bath shops. For more information, visit www.ksdusa.com.

LA-CO Industries, Inc./Markal Co.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... LA-CO Industries, Inc./Markal Co. named Tony Blaskoski director of sales across all business units including plumbing, industrial and agricultural in the United States and Canada.

A. O. Smith Water Products Co.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... A. O. Smith Water Products Co. named Paul R. Dana vice president-global product engineering. He had been the plant manager at the company's Productos de Agua operations in Juarez, Mexico, since 1998.

MJSI.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... MJSI hired Doug Saunders as its director of product development and engineering. The company manufactures the HydroClean[TM] water fill valve.

Watts Water Technologies.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Watts Water Technologies named Bob Bilodeau national marketing manager-Watts wholesale marketing. He will have marketing and product management responsibilities for Watts branded water pressure reducing valves, water hammer arrestors, trap...

Uponor.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Uponor announced that Anders Tollsten is replacing Jim Bjork as Uponor North America's executive vice president. Currently Tollsten is the executive vice president of the Uponor Nordic region.

Perfection Corp.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Perfection Corp. appointed Daryl Wells quality assurance manager. The company manufactures gas and water distribution products and fabricated steel pipe and plastic tubing products.

Grinnell Mechanical Products.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Grinnell Mechanical Products a division of Tyco Fire & Building Products, promoted Brian C. Ragone to national sales director for the North American mechanical market.

Ferguson.(Expansion ...)
September 1, 2006... Ferguson (Newport News, VA) opened its fast service Xpress store in Virginia Beach. Dan Dickerson is store manager at the 3,900-sq.-ft, store in the Hilltop North shopping center.

Masters Supply.(Expansion ...)
September 1, 2006... Masters Supply (Louisville, KY) announced plans to open its fifth location in Shelbyville, KY. Its other locations are in Elizabethtown, Lexington and Danville, KY. Its Creative Kitchen and Bath division operates luxury showrooms in Louisville...

Alsons.(new hand showers launched)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Alsons introduced the IN21TION[TM] hand shower/showerhead shower system. It combines a traditional hand-held shower with five spray settings and fixed showerhead with an extra-wide spray so the user can choose between a hand-held shower, a...

Technical Concepts.(partnership)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Technical Concepts said it has joined forces with several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with its Radius technology, which makes faucets, soap dispensers and toilets "touch-free." For automated faucets, the mechanical and electrical...

Ferguson to open destination showroom in Annapolis.(Ferguson Enterprises Inc.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Newport News, VA-based Ferguson announced plans to open a 12,000-sq.-ft. showroom in Annapolis Technology Park shopping plaza that will feature fully functional displays for appliances, designer lighting, plumbing fixtures, cabinetry and...

New management structure for Elkay Plumbing Products.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
September 1, 2006... As part of a management restructuring, Elkay's Plumbing Products division, which manages the company's residential and commercial sinks, faucets, water coolers and related accessories, is dividing the sales department into two regions, each...

Basco shower enclosures announces product updates.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
September 1, 2006... Basco has introduced 3/8-inch Celesta frameless sliding enclosures that feature metal towel bars and are offered in clear, Symmetry, Rain, Venetian, Cobblestone and Arctic Frost glass options. Also, the company has extended the warranty oil...

Everpure LLC.(As Seen At K/BIS Part 3)
September 1, 2006... EVERPURE LLC, which recently became part of the Water Technologies Group of Pentair, introduced the Bathroom Water Filtration System, Model SPA-400. It uses carbon-impregnated non-cellulose filtration media to rid water of unwanted lead,...

Fluidmaster.(launch of toilet repair parts )(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Fluidmaster unveiled its PRO Series[TM] line of 14 toilet repair parts designed strictly for the plumbing professional. The line includes fill valves with improved flow dynamics for a more quiet performance; heavy duty and adjustable flappers,...

Saniflo.(water pumping system launched)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Saniflo introduced the Sanishower gray water pumping system, a fully automatic product that is designed to discharge wastewater from a shower, bathtub, bar or bathroom sink. It measures six inches tall by 13 inches wide, 6-1/2 inches deep. It...

U.S. luxury market continues to boom.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
September 1, 2006... The aggregate results of the 25-plus leading global luxury marketers in 2005 showed average revenue growth of 10.9%, following average growth of 14.5% in 2004, according to a study on the luxury market by Unity Marketing. The total luxury...

Myson.(As Seen At K/BIS Part 3)
September 1, 2006... Myson offers the hydronic Aquavision[TM] TV towel warmer collection. It includes a 17-inch by 12-inch flatscreen TV that can be hidden by a mirror, along with the towel warmer. Four different wall-mounted styles are available. They have a five...

InSinkErator.(new disposers launched)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... InSinkErator has added five new disposers with MultiGrind[TM] and SoundSeal[TM] technology to its Evolution PRO Series[TM] line of disposers. MultiGrind features two stages of grinding, while MultiGrind Plus offers a third stage. SoundSeal...

Bobrick acquires GAMCO.(NEWS: BATH & KITCHEN)
September 1, 2006... Bobrick Washroom Equipment acquired the assets of General Accessory Manufacturing Co. (GAMCO), which manufactures stainless steel and specialty washroom accessory products used in nonresidential buildings, from The Liberty Hardware Group of the...

VitrA.(New Logo ...)
September 1, 2006... VitrA introduced a logo that reflects its character as a supplier of creative and aesthetic designs and technology. Use of the new logo will expand to every area of VitrA's marketing and sales process, from packaging to outdoor signs and Web...

Grohe.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... GROHE named James R. Griffin president and chief executive officer of the company's U.S.-based subsidiary, which serves the United States, Canada, Central America and South America. Most recently he was president and general manager of...

Matco-Norca.(Products ...)
September 1, 2006... The new Napoli faucet line has an elegant design and contemporary look. It features both ceramic and washerless cartridges with solid brass handles and brass waterways. Circle 200 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Advance Tabco.(Products ...)
September 1, 2006... Undermount sink bowls are available in a wide selection for commercial and residential use. Choose from a complete line of bar sinks, "Farmer Sinks" and the largest kitchen sink in the industry: 28 inches by 20 inches by 12 inches, the company...

BLANCO.(As Seen At K/BIS Part 3)
September 1, 2006... BLANCO describes its 22 models of STEELART stainless steel sinks as featuring "modern geometry." The BLANCOPRECISION 10 has rounded 10 mm seams, while the BLANCOPRECISION has crisp, zero radius seams. The sinks complement professional-style...

ShowHouse[TM] by Moen.(As Seen At K/BIS Part 3)
September 1, 2006... ShowHouse[TM] by Moen unveiled the Vivid powder room faucet, a standard widespread two-handle faucet with a matching chrome faucet base that channels water into a bell-shaped water fountain and serves as a podium for the specially coated...

Houzer.(Products ...)
September 1, 2006... The new "Urban Inspiration" catalog showcases the company's new line of hand-crafted sinks. The company says its Contempo Series Zero Radius sinks are among the quietest sinks available due to its MegaShield full-wrapping insulation, while the...

Danze.(Products ...)
September 1, 2006... The Anu pull-out faucet features a single-control valve located near its base. The pullout spout rises high above the sink and adjusts from a steady stream to a powerful spray. The faucets are available in chrome, stainless steel and oil rub...

Harvel[R] Plastics.(NEWS: Companies ... associations ... people .. government ... trends)
September 1, 2006... Harvel[R] Plastics introduced HydroKing[TM] CPVC plumbing pipe. The copper-tube-size (1/2-inch to 2 inch) piping excels in hot and cold water applications and is corrosion-resistant, the company said. The pipe is manufactured in strict...

The Weinstein Group LLC.(Rep Update)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Weinstein Group LLC has been operating as a manufacturers rip company since February 2002. Among the manufacturers it represents are: Ad Notam (Mirror Image), Alape, Aquaware America, Barclay Products Ltd., Clearwater America, Dornbracht...

Canfield Technologies.(Rep Update)(McCain Sales Co., Mullen Corp., Nichols Hamilton & Associates)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Canfield Technologies has hired the following rep firms: Martin L. Kornstein, Roslyn Heights, NY, to cover northern New Jersey, Connecticut, metro New York and southern New York State; McCain Sales Co., Birmingham, AL, for Alabama, the Florida...

NS Group acquires Oilfield Service firm.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)
September 1, 2006... NS Group, Inc. has purchased the business and assets of Fishing Tools Specialty (FTS), a connection, accessory and field service business headquartered in Odessa, TX. The total purchase price was $120.9 million and was funded from existing cash...

Flowserve opens China manufacturing facility.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)
September 1, 2006... Flowserve Corp. has opened a new pump, valve and seal manufacturing facility in Suzhou, China, about 100 km outside of Shanghai. The facility will support the company's existing China operations in Beijing, Shanghai, Dalian and Shenzhen by...

Bonney forge buys Italian valve maker.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)
September 1, 2006... Bonney Forge Valve licensee BFE, headquartered in Italy, and its partner and licensor Bonney Forge Corp. in Mount Union, PA, have announced the acquisition of Alco di Castronno--Varese, Italy. BFE will integrate the Alco assets with the...

MEPS: stainless users looking at substitutes.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)
September 1, 2006... North American and European stainless steel users increasingly are seeking substitutes for stainless steel in light of the continuing surge in nickel prices, reports MEPS, a London-based global metals research firm. According to MEPS,...

Mueller parent revamps management.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)
September 1, 2006... Walter Industries, Inc. announced the following management changes to further clarify the future leadership of Walter Industries after the planned spin-off of Mueller Water Products, which is expected to take place before the end of 2006. ...

Spirax Sarco buys bio-pharm company.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)
September 1, 2006... Spirax Sarco, Inc. (SSI) has acquired majority interest in UltraPure Group Ltd., Inc., a Florida-based company that manufactures pure steam generators and water stills for the bio-pharmaceutical industry. The company has been renamed Spirax...

Industrial hot spots.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)(industrial construction spending in Great Lakes region)(expansion of ethanol production)(biotechnology industries' facilities)
September 1, 2006... The following information was gleaned from recent reports by Industrial Info Resources (www.industrialinfo.com), based in Sugar Land, TX. * Second-quarter industrial construction spending in the Great Lakes region more then doubled from...

ITC upholds welded stainless duties.(International Trade Commission)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... ITC upholds welded stainless duties. The U.S. International Trade Commission decided to keep in place existing antidumping duty orders on certain welded stainless steel pipe from Korea and Taiwan. All six Commissioners voted in the affirmative....

Affiliated Distributors.
September 1, 2006... Affiliated Distributors gave awards to four PVF affiliate companies for their outstanding commitment to A-D and its supplier partners. Greatest Overall Growth went to Bakersfield Pipe & Supply of Bakersfield, CA; Industrial & Construction...

A fire broke out at Metso Automation's valve assembly hall.
September 1, 2006... A fire broke out at Metso Automation's valve assembly hall in Helsinki, Finland, on July 29. The fire was put out within two hours and no one was injured. Production in the hall is interrupted for two months and heavy valves assembly has been...

Parker Hannifin Corp.
September 1, 2006... Parker Hannifin Corp. reported an increase of 14% in total orders for the month of July compared to the same month a year ago. Its Industrial North America segment also increased 14% over the same month a year ago.

The Hydraulic Institute.
September 1, 2006... The Hydraulic Institute has launched its new Web site, www.PumpSystemsMatter.org, devoted to a national educational initiative to provide pump users with broad-based energy management and performance optimization information.

Flowserve Corp.
September 1, 2006... Flowserve Corp. has opened a Flowserve Quick Response Center in Orland, CA. The QRC is a fully equipped sales and service center for localized customer service and spare parts inventory.

PVF firms report robust second quarter.(NEWS: Pipe ... valves ... fittings)(IPSCO Inc, NS Group Inc, SPX Corp)
September 1, 2006... The red-hot industrial building boom has resulted in quite a few record second-quarter and first-half sales and earnings for several PVF firms. Here is a summary of some of the reports from public PVF companies. Crane Fluid Handling: This...

Erico's new riser clamps.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... CADDY[R] EZ RISER from Erico is a new, patent-pending riser clamp that installs without requiring hardware removal, saving installation time. The integrated hardware also prevents the loss of nuts and bolts. The clamps are available in 1/2-inch...

Apollo full-port ball valves.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Apollo[R] Valves is taking orders for its new line of three-piece, full-port ANSI Class 600 ball valves, designed to meet the latest industrial codes and standards. Designated the 83B and 86B Series, the new valves are fully rated to Class 600...

Flowserve's smallest pump ever.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... Flowserve Corp. announced the release of the Flowserve Guardian 3000 electronics cooling pump. The Guardian 3000 is Flowserve's first production pump designed for use in cooling computer processors and graphics chips in high-end consumer...

AnvilStar's new technical binder.(New Products)
September 1, 2006... AnvilStar[TM ]has just released a comprehensive technical binder which includes a broad range of UL/ULC Listed and FM Approved product data sheets, installation instructions, as well as an interactive CD and submittal package for a wide range...

Finance 101--Joan's guide to risk & return: money--what a great invention! It makes business so easy.(ADAMS ON PVFSupply)(Column)
September 1, 2006... Just imagine for a moment that barter was still the principal means for selling and acquiring goods and services. How would a seller or buyer find the perfect barter partner, someone who wants exactly what is being offered? That would be...

Taco.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
September 1, 2006... Taco CEO John Hazen White Jr. speaks at the Rhode Island March of Dimes dinner held in July. The nonprofit organization honored him with its Man of the Year Award for his support of the organization's fight against birth defects, premature...

HARDI introduces New Solutions Center.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
September 1, 2006... HARDI will debut a new Solutions Center to HVACR distributors at its 2006 Fall Conference in Palm Desert, CA, Nov. 4-7. It will showcase the offerings of its service vendor and purchasing/marketing group membership. Showcased resources...

AMS sold to management team.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
September 1, 2006... ServiceMaster announced it has sold its American Mechanical Services business--the HVAC portion of the business (13 locations across seven states) was sold to members of the senior management team on July 19, and the electrical portion (three...

F.W. Webb and Johnson Controls sign YORK[R] distributor agreement.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
September 1, 2006... F.W. Webb, a distributor of plumbing, heating, cooling and piping products in the Northeast, has signed an agreement with Johnson Controls Inc. to sell YORK[R] brand residential and light commercial HVAC equipment. F.W. Webb will supply...

Johnstone Supply tops $1 billion in annual sales.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Johnstone Supply, Portland, OR, officially topped $1 billion in total yearly sales during the 12-month period ending March 2006. Johnstone Supply has boasted over 16% in averages sales growth over the last three years. In 2006, the company...

Mestek.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
September 1, 2006... Mestek Inc.'s John E. Reed (center), chief executive officer, cuts a ribbon marking the grand opening of the company's new, 94,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center in Mississauga, Ontario, as employees look on. Also pictured...

Lochinvar[R] Pocket PC drawing at ISH-NA.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
September 1, 2006... Lochinvar's KNIGHT Heating Boiler features a SMART SYSTEM control with Pocket PC software that helps set up and program units, and trend analysis. To promote this new feature, Lochinvar is giving away 10 Hewlett Packard Pocket PC's and software...

Highest A/C shipments and air-source heat pumps in second quarter 2006.(NEWS: HYDRONICS/HVACR)
September 1, 2006... U.S. factory shipments of unitary air-conditioners and heat pumps by second quarter's end of this year totaled 4,108,831. Heat pump shipments, year-to-date ending in June, totaled 1,194,316 and were up 17% from January-June 2005. Distributor...

Siemens Building Technologies Inc.(Controls Group North America)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Siemens Building Technologies Inc. has joined the Controls Group North America (CGNA) consortium of HVACR wholesale controls distributors to provide high-quality HVAC control components and strengthen the independent wholesaler. Siemens was...

Johnstone Supply.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Johnstone Supply hired Ray Kernagis as supply chain vice president. He has more than 25 years of distribution management experience and brings an extensive background in integrating new systems technology within the distribution and operations...

Mestek.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Mestek promoted Mark Harrington to vice president of the boiler group. He is responsible for the overall sales, marketing and engineering management of the company's boiler products group, which includes RBI, Smith Cast Iron Boilers and...

Steril-Aire.(People On The Move ...)
September 1, 2006... Steril-Aire appointed John C. Scheidel, P.E., to Northeastern regional sales manager. He brings 20 years of related expertise and is responsible for sales throughout the northeastern and mid-Atlantic states.

Coleman's.(Fall Promotions ...)(Coleman Company Inc.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Coleman's 2006 fall promotion offers rebates, special financing and extended warranties. Coleman HVAC customers have a choice of a cash-back rebate up to $1,500; special 12-month, no payment/same as cash financing; or a 10-year Parts and Labor...