Plumbing & Mechanical articles from January 2003

Plumbing & Mechanical archives from January 2003

Friendly advice. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... Jim Olsztynski asked whether he was wrong to extinguish someone's entrepreneurial fire ("My Friend Ray," November 2002). In one short answer NO! Never feel guilty about information you give to others unless you force them to follow it. They are...

Women speak up. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... I just logged on to your Web site and found Ellen Rohr's article on how to know if you're a plumber's wife ("The Plumbers' Wives Club," October 2002), and just laughed my rear-end off. I just wanted to thank Ellen for her great sense of...

He said, I said. (Letters to the Editor).(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2003... I happened to be in a home center this morning looking for some light bulbs when I came upon the plumbing department. A homeowner just happened to be looking for some advice and was asking the storeperson about pumps for his heating system. ...

Time running out for best-priced trip to ISH 2003. (Around the Industry).
January 1, 2003... 2003 Grand Tour sponsored by Viega and PM Guests will tour the ProPress XL production facility Trip includes lodging, breakfasts, dinners and ground transportation. Viega North America and Plumbing & Mechanical have teamed up to...

ISH Frankfurt 2003 grand tour: itinerary at a glance. (Around the Industry).
January 1, 2003... Sunday, March 23 Guests meet at Frankfurt airport for bus transportation to Hotel Burg Schnellenberg (www.burg-schnellenberg.de), an 800-year-old castle located in Attendorn. Attendorn is also the headquarters of Viega Germany. That...

L.A. increases incentives for water-saving devices. (Around the Industry).(Los Angeles Department of Water and Power gives ultra-low-flush toilet rebates)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), the largest municipal utility in the nation, recently approved an extension of energy efficiency programs and increased water-saving incentives to its commercial/industrial customers for...

Plumbing Construction Contractors discuss mold. (Around the Industry).(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors- National Association)
January 1, 2003... For the members of the Construction Contractors' Alliance of the PHCC, it was "A Total Industry Experience." The September 18-20 conference included hot-button topics like mold and the economy, and also featured a well-rounded panel of speakers...

Michigan permits available online. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... In December, Michigan became one of the few states in the union to authorize plumbing and mechanical contractors to obtain permits online. The service is available only for simple permits not requiring submission of construction documents for...

Roto-Rooter records third quarter revenue decline. (Briefs).(Chemed Corp. reports 2002 earnings)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Chemed Corp., parent company of RotoRooter, announced that the plumbing/drain cleaning company had third-quarter 2002 revenues of $60.2 million, compared to the $65.4 million in the same period for 2001. Income was $3.7 million in the quarter,...

ASA, AGC form alliance. (Briefs).(American Subcontractors Association and the Associated General Contractors of America )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The American Subcontractors Association and the Associated General Contractors of America formed a partnership in early November. Under the agreement, the two groups will work together on industry guidelines, documents and procedures "that...

AMPAM lowers overhead, still sees revenue loss. (Briefs).(American Plumbing and Mechanical Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... American Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. announced its third quarter and nine-month period revenues decreased $12.1 million to $139.0 million, with the most significant revenue decreases in commercial operations in Ohio and San Diego ($9 million)....

CDA celebrates 75 years of copper plumbing. (Around the Industry).(Copper Development Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The Copper Development Association, in celebration of the 75th anniversary of copper plumbing, is holding a nationwide search for historic or noteworthy copper plumbing installations from that era still in service. "No one really knows...

Union apprenticeships more effective than non-union, study says. (Around the Industry).(Capital Area Labor-Management Council study)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The Capital Area Labor-Management Council (CALM) of Central Pennsylvania recently released a study about the effectiveness of joint union-management apprenticeships over non-union training programs as part of a project to inform school students...

Bill O'Reilly to speak at K/BIS. (Briefs).(Kitchen/Bath Industry Show )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Fox TV'S Bill O'Reilly will be a featured speaker at the Kitchen/Bath Industry Show (K/BIS) on Friday, April 11, at 8:15 a.m. O'Reilly, host of "The O'Reilly Factor," will speak on the topic of politics and current events, and how they relate...

Dwyer Group spends record $4 million on TV ads. (Briefs).(Mr. Rooter)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Mr. Rooter's parent company Owyer Group Inc. will spend a record $4 million in advertising and marketing for its franchise subsidiaries. TV commercials will be aired nationally throughout the year to promote brand awareness to consumers. ...

CICPAC partners with Intuit. (Briefs).(Construction Industry CPAs/Consultants Association)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Intuit Inc., a provider of business and financial management solutions, is partnering with the Construction Industry CPAs/Consultants Association to recruit high-quality, independent financial experts into the construction industry's business...

Danfoss supports UN corporate citizenship initiative. (Vendor & Supplier News).(United Nation's Global Compact initiative)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Danfoss Inc. announced that Danfoss A/S President and Chief Executive Officer Jorgen M. Clausen sent a letter to the United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan in support of the UN's Global Compact initiative. The Global Compact calls on...

Elkay names new rep firm. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Elkay Sales Inc., MidContinent Marketing)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Elkay Sales Inc. named MidContinent Marketing as its exclusive representative for Elkay products in northern Illinois and northwest Indiana. In related news, the former rep firm known as Broderick & Associates of Southern Illinois changed...

Herb Kohler named Entrepreneur of the Year. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Ernst and Young L.L.P.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Ernst & Young named Herbert V. Kohler Jr., CEO of the Kohler Co., as its 2002 National Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year. An independent panel of judges selected him from the other 434 award recipients. National and regional award...

Charles Machine Works exec to head manufacturers' group. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Association of Equipment Manufacturers elects David Woods)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The Association of Equipment Manufacturers elected Charles Machine Works' CEO David Woods as its chairman for 2003.

Bootz names new sales & marketing VP. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Bootz Plumbingware Co. appoints Paul M. Kwiat)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Bootz Plumbingware Co. of Evansville, Ind., named Paul M. Kwiat as its new vice president for marketing and sales. Kwiat recently served in the same capacity for the Louisville Ladder Group of Louisville, Ky.

Peerless appoints new sales manager. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Mike Kaufmann)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Peerless Heater Co. appointed Mike Kaufmann as its new regional sales manager for the mid-Atlantic and southeastern portion of the country. Kaufmann served most recently as the eastern regional sales manager for Bock Water Heaters.

Plastic trends expands sales division. (Vendor & Supplier News).(appointments)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Plastic Trends, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Group Technologies, named three new vice presidents to its expanded sales division. Jim Porteous is the vice president of sales for the Waterworks Division. Rick Hanger is vice president of...

Myson redesigns, expands Web site. (Vendor & Supplier News).(www.mysoninc.com)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Radiator and towel warmer manufacturer Myson redesigned and expanded its Web site, www.mysoninc.com. The updated site offers complete information about the company's products, including product brochures, technical specifications, pricing and...

Briggs launches new internet site. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Briggs Plumbing Products)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Briggs Plumbing Products recently launched its new Web site www.briggsplumbing.com. The new site has a trade professional's section and a log-in page for sales reps to access information about products and special offers. Other features include...

Spirotherm updates Web site. (Vendor & Supplier News).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Spirotherm Inc., specializing in air elimination and dirt separation for hydronic-heating applications, updated its Web site, www.spirotherm.com, with new features. The site now has new installation photos, submittal data sheets, product...

A.O. Smith awards scholarships. (Vendor & Supplier News).(A.O. Smith Water Products Co. sponsors Professional Contractor Association program)
January 1, 2003... A.O. Smith Water Products Co. has awarded scholarships of $2,000 to 10 undergraduate students. This is the third year that the company has sponsored the scholarship program for its Professional Contractor Association. Scholarship...

Takagi Industrial Co. (Vendor & Supplier News).(USA office expands)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Caption: Takagi Industrial Co. USA recently celebrated seven years in business and opened a new larger office building in Irvine, Calif. Takagi manufactures tankless water heaters and, more recently, bidets. Following its seventh anniversary...

Michael T. Yonker elected to EMCOR Board. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... EMCOR Group Inc. announced the election of Michael T. Yanker to the Company's Board of Directors. Yonker, who has an engineering and industrial products experience, is filling a position on the Board that was previously held by Kevin C. Toner,...

Ron Newman selected HVAC Contractor of the Year. (Briefs).(Lakes Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Ron Newman, Lakes Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Inc. of Spirit Lake, Iowa, was named HVAC Contractor of the Year at the recent annual convention of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors- National Association. The award is presented to the...

Peugeot named to PHCC Educational Foundation Board. (Briefs).(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Roger Peugeot, owner of Overland Park, Kan.-based Roger the Plumber, was named a contractor founder of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors- National Association's Educational Foundation Board of Governors. The board consists of...

Elkay achieves ISO 9001 at all facilities. (Briefs).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... The Elkay Division of Elkay Mfg. Co. has achieved ISO 9001 certification at all of its manufacturing facilities following an intensive two-year effort by the company. Certification includes the division's seven domestic plants and distribution...

After price, what's left? Namely, two issues: quality and service. What are some important questions to ask regarding these issues? (Guest Editorial).
January 1, 2003... All f us are in the business of buying pro ducts--either for ourselves or our company--whether they are consumer or commercial. As purchasers, we are better informed about the products we buy than ever before. We know what we want and how much...

Learn about electricity and controls: water and electricity can mix. Don't leave this important element of your work to others. (Hydronic Controls).
January 1, 2003... My father was an electrician, my grandfather was an electrician--but I was a girl. That means I had to learn electricity like most folks in our business--as an adult, on my own and with lots of unanswered questions. I mention my family of...

The four legs of financial security: most contractors teeter on only one or two when it comes to retirement. (Business Tips).
January 1, 2003... Nothing breaks my heart more than to see old plumbers doing backbreaking work at a time when they should be devoting their days to enjoying the grandkids and favorite pastimes. The physical work of plumbing is a young mans occupation, and even...

10 Traits of hydronic heating professionals: put these all together and you have a person we'd all enjoy working along side. (Hydronics Workshop).
January 1, 2003... Each fall, Plumbing & Mechanical columnists await Editor Steve Smith's theme for the coming January issue. If you've ever met Steve, you're sure to remember him as an astute observer of the plumbing and mechanical industry. You'll also likely...

Another way of backflow prevention: shutting off water for backflow work? Performing all the work in the field? Think again.(a case study from Backflow Prevention Device Tester)
January 1, 2003... Thing again. As the names suggests, Desert Island, an upscale Rancho Mirage, Calif., condominium development, is an oasis in the sun with plentiful water, lush green grass and palms waving in the breeze. The three high-rise condo...

Turn estimating software into a project management tool: you spend a lot of time and money creating your estimate, and that data is valuable well beyond estimating.
January 1, 2003... Many companies use their estimating software for one thing only--to create a bottom line estimate of the cost of a project. But that's like building a five-story building and then using only the first floor. Why should project managers spend...

A new design for gas water heaters: flammable vapor ignition resistant gas water heaters will be in the marketplace soon.
January 1, 2003... This summer marks the beginning of a new standard--and a new design--for gas water heaters. ANSI Z21.l0.l-2001, which covers all gas-fired residential water heaters of 75,000 Btus or less manufactured in the United States, requires that the...

Media Malaise: contractor sting or light-hearted personality profile, it always pays to be prepared when a reporter comes with questions.
January 1, 2003... Growing a company is most every contractor's dream. Of course "success is measured differently, but by and L large, success in contracting has often been gauged through sales volume (larger), revenues and profits (steadier), and public...

Getting the most from the Yellow Pages: consumers routinely reach for the Yellow Pages to call a plumber 'right now.' You can keep those calls coming afterward.
January 1, 2003... Full page? Half page. Double truck? No, maybe a "tip-on" on the front cover? Back cover? Full page with one color. What about position? How do I know where my ad will be in the next book? What works? How do I know? Most plumbing companies...

Wetheads frolic at Wetstock: it was peace, love and a harmony of ideas at this premiere event.(hydronic heating convention)
January 1, 2003... Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison didn't show up -- because they're dead. And you had to be dead not to come away from "Wetstock" invigorated in the art of hydronic heating. Some 200 hydronic heating aficionados gathered in...

The three tests: how can you tell if you have a job that's a struggle vs. a career that's inspiring?
January 1, 2003... How many of you wake up each morning excited at the prospect of going to work? Are you working at a job or at a career? For me, I learned the difference between the two when I was only 12 years old. It happened the day I was assigned to...

Building in South Africa with Habitat for Humanity: 2002 Jimmy Carter Work Project.
January 1, 2003... Being involved in the construction industry, we make our living furnishing others in need of shelter and comfort. Even those of us involved in commercial or industrial construction perform most of our work in support of activities that all boil...

Al's top 10 things a contractor can do in 2003: a yearly list of ideas essential to succeeding in business. (Managing Your Business).
January 1, 2003... For me, January was a welcomed month of the year. I was in the heating business and from Labor Day 'till New Year's Day it was a flat-out pedal-to-the-metal existence. No time to think and barely time to breathe. But after New Year's Day, the...

What you need to do: ten important items to do if you want to live successfully. (Plumbing Primer).
January 1, 2003... It took a fellow Hoosier, David Letterman, to make the "Top Ten" list famous Keeping with our editor's theme of the month, I developed my list of things you need to do. Not could do, or should do, these are definitely things you need to do. ...

Service management systems: keeping on the leading edge of software is taxing, but essential. (In the Field).
January 1, 2003... Call me an old fogey, but I remember when we ran service businesses by paper and pencil-- no software. Although, I don't see how we ever kept track of the data we needed to make business run, in some ways those days seem easier and carefree--no...

Do it now! Top 10 priority 2003 resolutions: a brand new year gives you a justifiable reason to try something new. (Practical Management).
January 1, 2003... During the recent ISH North America show in Toronto, Plumbing & Mechanical's Editorial Director Jim Olsztynski and I had breakfast with several contractors and some of the PM staff. Six of the contractors had attended my seminars in previous...

Stadler-Viega features one system for heating and plumbing. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Stadler-Viega features to one system to interchangeably install and service radiant heating systems, baseboard connections, snowmelting systems and plumbing systems. With this simple system, complete jobsite flexibility with a minimum of...

Gen-Ear water leak detection system saves big bucks for school. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(General Pipe Cleaners)
January 1, 2003... An ominous leak beneath the building. Water mysteriously surfacing in the parking lot. And potentially costly demolition and repair costs. What's a school to do? If you're the Anna, Texas, Middle School, you call local professionals...

Forefront mobile service eliminates billing delays, improves technician productivity. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Does this sound familiar? Your technicians in the field complete paper work orders and turn them into the office in batches -- often several days after the service was complete. Next, your staff enters the work order data into your software,...

Spirovent eliminates frequent bleeding and purging of hydronic systems. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... For more than a decade, Spirotherm Inc. has worked with innovative contractors and the top wholesalers in North America to provide customers with air-free hydronic systems. Spirotherm is the U.S. subsidiary of The Netherlands-based Spiro...

Eastman introduces newly designed supply line along with 500 new products. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Nov. 1 marked the introduction of the new Eastman[R] full-line catalog along with its much-anticipated, newly designed Steel-Flex[TM] supply lines. The new design is a result of working closely with professional plumbers and listening to their...

State continues a tradition of commercial quality and innovation. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Since 1978, the State Sandblaster[R] commercial water heater has offered plumbing professionals a patented design in the Self-Cleaning[TM] TurboForce Ring[TM] that helps prolong tank life and maintain the unit's thermal efficiency by reducing...

Estimation, a TradePower solution. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Since 1973, Estimation has provided estimating, purchasing and e-business solutions for the plumbing and mechanical, HVAC, and electrical trades. Estimation's computerized solutions enable thousands of contractors to automate the bidding...

Experience Accubid's software solutions first-hand. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Founded in 1983 by former contractor Giovanni Marcelli, Accubid Systems began as one man's dream and evolved into the premiere software solutions company for today's contractor. Giovanni's vision continues to drive Accubid's various product...

Elkay debuts first child ADA coolers and fountains. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Elkay innovation again steps to the forefront with a new line of water coolers and drinking fountains specifically designed for children ages 12 and under, following criteria outlined by the ADA and Texas Accessibility Standards. ...

Elkay introduces new top mount sink installation system. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Elkay Manufacturing Co.)
January 1, 2003... Elkay Manufacturing Co. puts a new perspective on sink installation from the top down -- with its new Quick-Clip[TM] installation system for many Lustertone[TM] drop-in sinks. Quick-Clip offers an alternative to traditional sink...

Snow and icy sidewalks no match for Raypak snow-melting system. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Performance Engineering Group)
January 1, 2003... Visitors to Frankenmuth, Mich., are likely to notice two things: the town's distinct Bavarian heritage and its inclement winters. So it's no surprise that the choice for a recent "brown-fields" redevelopment project was a new shopping mall,...

The Endura Grease Interceptor brings Grease collection into the 21st century. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Canplas Inc.)
January 1, 2003... As one of the industry's leading manufacturers of thermoplastic fittings, drains and specialty products, Canplas has been providing solutions to the plumbing industry for over 35 years. The introduction of the Endura[R] Grease Interceptor is...

Wirsbo pro series controls: designed for today's hydronic heating systems. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... From small radiant heating projects to more advanced systems -- and everything in between -- Uponor Wirsbo offers the pro Series suite of reset controls to meet all your radiant heating needs. The intuitive controls maximize comfort and...

Vanguard flexible PEX piping systems offer installation speed, reliability and savings. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Vanguard Piping Systems Inc.)
January 1, 2003... Vanguard Piping Systems Inc. supplies installer-friendly components and complete systems for residential and light commercial plumbing, as well as for radiant heating. Vanguard continues to extend the application and acceptance of flexible...

Another Woodford plumbing innovation. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... Always on the move. Always looking for a better way. That's the creed at Woodford Manufacturing. It's what has made them No. 1 in many plumbing categories. And, the new Model 22 Series hot and cold outside faucets represents the forward...

AirLink QuietCool from Heatlink. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Heatlink USA Inc. introduces AirLink QuietCool, a pressurized duct air-conditioning system in sizes 1.5 to 5 tons with ETL certification. Proven blower and coil technology delivers industry-leading performance in capacity, efficiency and adapts...

Anvil -- more of what you need. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Anvil International Inc.)
January 1, 2003... Anvil International is the largest and most complete manufacturer of fittings and hangers in the world, with seven ISO 9000 manufacturing facilities that produce quality flow control products unmatched by any other single manufacturer. These...

Why pressure-assist really is better. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Sloan Valve Co.; Flushmate)
January 1, 2003... Consistency in performance is the sign of a professional. As a technology, pressure-assist toilets demonstrate such consistency and have become the choice of homeowners, commercial building owners and the contractors who serve these customers...

Wardflex introduces 1 1/2-and 2-inch tubing for commercial markets. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Ward Manufacturing Inc.)
January 1, 2003... Ward Mfg. of Blossburg, Pa., has introduced 1 1/2- and 2-inch tubing for the commercial market. These larger sizes are for the larger demand of commercial applications, such as hotels, restaurants and assisted living facilities, as well as for...

'The trusted Goulds Pumps name'. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(ITT Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2003... More than 150 years ago in Seneca Falls, N.Y., Seabury S. Gould cast the world's first all-metal pump. This was a major step in building a business that would grow into one of the largest pump manufacturers in the world, with more than 5,000...

Vitodens 200 boiler features new technology for lower energy consumption and safe operation. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Viessmann Manufacturing Co.)
January 1, 2003... Who says there is nothing (really) new under the sun? How much new technology can one design into a new boiler? Just look at the new Vitodens 200 boiler from Viessmann. At the heart of this boiler is a SA240-316Ti stainless-steel,...

Weil-McLain introduces the new Ultra Boiler. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Weil-McLain recently introduced the new Ultra Boiler with PhD technology. The Ultra is currently available in two models, the Ultra 155 and Ultra 230. The Ultra is a condensing high-efficiency gas boiler that offers: Ultra Intelligence:...

ProPress System: the faster, flameless way to join copper tube. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Ridge Tool Co.)
January 1, 2003... ProPress[TM] is rapidly becoming the preferred way to join copper tubing. It's fast, safe and saves contractors money. Since its launch in 1999, thousands of installers across North America, large and small, have embraced the system to install...

Put the PHCC advantage to work for you. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association)
January 1, 2003... There are so many good business reasons to join forces with PHCC. For many contractors, PHCC membership means they have a powerful voice for change at the local, state and federal levels. For others, it's the opportunity to discuss common...

Bradford White on the rise. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... As a result of Bradford White's acquisition of Aero Environmental Ltd., of Mississauga, Ontario, Canada's largest manufacturer of oil-fired heating products for domestic and commercial applications, and Bradford White's commitment to product...

New Ballcock offers quick and easy installations. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Brass-Craft Manufacturing Co.)
January 1, 2003... Brass Craft is committed to providing professional plumbing contractors with high quality, long lasting and high performance products that its customers want. As a result, Brass Craft has introduced its new Height-Adjustable, Anti-Siphon...

Re-Engineered Briggs Vacuity 4200 ranked as top buy. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Briggs Plumbing Products)
January 1, 2003... Briggs award-winning Vacuity[R] WhisperVac[R] flushing system has raised the performance bar for low-flush toilets with a new and improved design. Long known for its outstanding value and efficient flushing technology, Briggs has reengineered...

Cambridge-Lee Industries stands for excellence in copper tube. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Company Profile)
January 1, 2003... Cambridge-Lee Industries has completed the second phase of its $15 million capital improvement project that began last year, and has once again received international recognition for its high-quality production methods and products. "Phase...

Our New Year's greeting to contractors: new ball valves, frequent buyer rebates. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Three decades after pioneering the classic American-made, commercial-grade ball valve, Conbraco is rolling out a new version specifically suited to today's contractor market. The new Apollo[R] 77C Series full-port bronze ball valve offers a...

Controlled Energy Corporation: North America's leading source for tankless water heaters. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Located in Waitsfield, Vermont, Controlled Energy Corporation (CEC) has established itself as the source for tankless and point-of-use water heaters in North America. Pierre and Mary Moffroid created the company in 1979 to bring the superior...

Two invigorating Jetted Shower options from Delta. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Delta Faucet Co.)
January 1, 2003... At Delta[R], we are taking the lead in product design and always looking for ways to enhance our current products to better meet your demands. That's why the ever-innovating team at Delta has created a category of shower options for the 21st...

A hallmark for innovation, quality and dependability for 75 years. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(ECR International Inc.)
January 1, 2003... As a leading manufacturer in the heating industry, ECR International, along with its Dunkirk and Utica Boiler brands, has always measured success by its ability to look ahead, innovate and adapt to an ever-changing market place. This year, as...

Aquacenter Valved Manifold complements Wirsbo all-plastic plumbing system. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Uponor Wirsbo)
January 1, 2003... For the plumbing professional, Uponor Wirsbo offers the Aquacenter[R] Valved Manifold--made from advanced engineered plastic (EP). And when you package it with Wirsbo's EP fittings and AquaPEX(r) tubing, you offer customers a clean and healthy...

Drilling holes -- fast and easy. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(Dynatech Inc.)
January 1, 2003... Dynatech has made drilling holes in brick, block and concrete an easy, fast and inexpensive operation. With four different types of drilling systems, Dynatech has one that will fit your needs perfectly. Regular Dry Drilling: Regular dry...

Mustee's new CareGiver easy-access showers, including shower tub. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).(E.L. Mustee and Sons Inc.)
January 1, 2003... CareGiver[TM] easy-access showers--expertly designed and durably crafted by E.L. Mustee, the respected name in quality plumbing products since 1932. Their special features and compliances specifically suit them for seniors living independently...

Fluidmaster Inc.: world leader in toilet repair. (Two-Thousand Three Manufacturers Spotlight).
January 1, 2003... Forty-five years ago, Fluidmaster Inc. was an unknown newcomer -- a maverick contender competing with a long-established roster of plumbing manufacturers. Today Fluidmaster is the undisputed leader of the toilet repair category, holding a...