Snips articles from April 2008

Snips archives from April 2008

AHR does NYC: 2008 Manhattan show breaks attendance records.
April 1, 2008... NEW YORK -- "If the AHR Expo can make it here, it can make it anywhere" could be the slogan for the 2008 show, which racked up some large numbers and erased negative memories of the last time the expo hit Manhattan. Official numbers say the...

Changing gears: Virginia company's needs lead to first paring of high-speed technologies.(Cover story)
April 1, 2008... A new machine wasn't going to make ColonialWebb Contractors--already a $200 million operation--a success. But company officials said it would make them more successful. That's what led to the Richmond, Va.-based operation's decision to purchase...

Into thin air: unusual winter meeting location keeps contractors on task.
April 1, 2008... COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- With many associations, the first choice for a winter convention host city is somewhere sunny with relatively mild winters. Think Florida, California, Arizona or Texas. But for its 40th event, the Air Conditioning...

One fits all: when it comes to efficiency, size does not matter; Specific data is not readily available, but it is generally believed that the vast majority of HVAC sheet metal shops are one- to three-worker shops with each fabricating an annual volume of less than 100,000 pounds of ductwork.
April 1, 2008... When it comes to efficiency, size does not matter. The following shop equipment-efficiency items are directed to any shop operation, large or small, interested in upgrading these often-overlooked areas so commonly prone to be subtle pockets of...

Close calls: Golden State contractors experience wildfires.
April 1, 2008... When the 2007 Southern California wildfires started, Jeff Shaw and his wife were at the annual Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' Association convention in Las Vegas. Shaw's business, Desert Air in Palm Springs, Calif., was in no...

N.Y. contractor makes duct for military helicopter plant.(applications in the field)
April 1, 2008... Many people have seen the powerful--even ominous-looking--Black Hawk helicopter on television and in movies. Some children even have models in their bedrooms. Not many of us, though, can boast of a behind-the-scenes role in helping ready...

Kept busy.(applications in the field)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... With virtually all 120 employees engaged to some degree in the project, project foreman Randy Evans wanted to meet or exceed the client's demanding speed, quality and safety criteria. "In addition to 60-inch in diameter spiral pipe, we had...

Online pricing site helps Minnesota contractor.(applications in the field)
April 1, 2008... Like most contractors, Minnesota-based Yale Mechanical started out ordering ductwork by filling out forms and then faxing them to the fabricator. This was high technology in the 1980s and early 90s. But Yale began to find this system...

Duct wrap used on high school project.(applications in the field)
April 1, 2008... The new Hobart High School, slated to open in January, is being touted as a high-tech and modern educational facility. The 331,000-square-foot complex in Hobart, Ind., will include a 650-seat theater with top-notch acoustics and sound...

FMA sponsors 16-year-old racecar driver.(association news)
April 1, 2008... Brennan Palmiter, a 16-year-old race car driver with Livingood Motorsports, is getting the sponsorship of the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association and its publication Practical Welding Today. According to the association, the sponsorship...

Copper association to recognize projects.(association news)
April 1, 2008... The Copper Development Association has launched an awards program to recognize the uses and installation techniques of architectural copper and copper alloys in building projects. The North American Copper in Architecture Awards program is...

Metal Industries buys NCA Manufacturing.(supplier news)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Metal Industries Inc. acquired NCA Manufacturing Inc., a manufacturer of louvers, fire, smoke and control dampers for the HVAC industry: Terms of the sale were not disclosed. "The addition of NCA to our company greatly expands the range of...

Luvata breaks ground on copper tube facility.(supplier news)
April 1, 2008... Less than a year after announcing its intention to develop in Mexico, Luvata has broken ground on its multimillion-dollar copper-tube manufacturing plant in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon. Costing more than $40 million, the new facility will...

Esab enters product development deal.(supplier news)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... ESAB Welding & Cutting Products will manufacture and distribute friction-stir welding machines using MegaStir technology. The agreement between Esab and MegaStir gives Esab worldwide distribution rights, except in certain countries, to...

Rheem recognizes new ACCA chairman.(contractor news)
April 1, 2008... Ray Isaac, co-owner and president of Isaac Heating and Air Conditioning in Rochester, N.Y., was recently recognized by the Rheem heating and cooling division. Isaac, a Rheem Team Top Contractor, was named the new chairman of the Air...

Chapter elects first female president.(contractor news)
April 1, 2008... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America's National Capital Chapter elected Debra Risher as president for the 2008-2009 term. Risher has become the first female president of the 44-year-old trade association. "It is an honor to be...

United Association endorses training.(contractor news)
April 1, 2008... The United Association said it would use industry-training standards supported by AHRI. As part of the endorsement, the group, whose full name is the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting...

ACCA honors top contractors.(contractor news)
April 1, 2008... Hobaica Services of Phoenix won the 2008 ACCA Award for Excellence in residential contracting. The award was part of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America's awards program held during the organization's 40th annual conference, Feb....

Contractors achieve MSCA Star status.(contractor news)
April 1, 2008... GHS Mechanical Inc. in Elk Grove, Ill., and Ruthrauff Service LLC in Pittsburgh are the latest companies to achieve MSCA Star status. With the addition of these two companies, the program now has 89 Star-designated contractors. The...

PHCC sponsors work force summit in New Orleans.(meetings & conventions)
April 1, 2008... As part of its efforts to focus attention on the shortage of skilled plumbing and HVACR workers, the PHCC sponsored a work force summit Jan. 23 in New Orleans. Approximately 40 Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors members, union...

McQuay schedules training classes.(meetings & conventions)
April 1, 2008... Training to help service contractors, building engineers and maintenance personnel operate and maintain McQuay products will be held throughout 2008. The courses include classroom instruction and hands-on troubleshooting analysis. ...

Conference to explore sales, stress issues.(meetings & conventions)
April 1, 2008... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will aim to help its members lower their stress level as well as manage their sales. These are just two topics that will be addressed during courses at the NAOHSM 55th annual...

Danfoss plans 2008 EnVisioneering Series.(meetings & conventions)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Danfoss has announced dates and locations for its 2008 EnVisioneering Symposia Series. "Is the Tide Turning? The Future of Energy and Energy Efficiency Strategy" April 4 in Washington, D.C., will address whether the world has reached a...

NCCA meeting to focus on green building, business.(meetings & conventions)
April 1, 2008... The National Coil Coating Association's 2008 annual meeting April 12-15 is called "Green: The New Color of Business." The event will take place at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Ariz. The NCCA has tapped two experts on...

LonMark spreads 'green' message at AHR Expo.(meetings & conventions)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Building-automation systems maker Lonmark International used the AHR Expo in New York City Jan. 22-24 as an opportunity to deliver its "green" message. This year, LonMark International and LonMark Americas, who jointly exhibited at the...

Mitsubishi reception features new products.(meetings & conventions)
April 1, 2008... The Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division took over the Vento Trattoria restaurant Jan. 22 in New York City to showcase its City Multi VRFZ variable refrigerant-flow zoning products. Over 500 engineers, architects and...

SMACNA names executive vice president.(people in the news)(Vincent R. Sandusky has appoint as a vice president)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Vincent R. Sandusky has been appointed executive vice president for the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In his new position, Sandusky will be responsible for the...

ProMotion Controls Inc.(people in the news)
April 1, 2008... ProMotion Controls Inc. recently added Todd H. Critoph to its staff as vice president of sales and marketing. Critoph is currently responsible for spearheading the company's sales and marketing efforts in North America, Central America and...

Nordfab Ducting.(people in the news)
April 1, 2008... Nordfab Ducting is adding two new sales territories to better serve its growing dealer network. As part of the expansion, Robin Bolick has been promoted to district manager for the newly created south-central division. [ILLUSTRATION...

Is it time to play 'let's make a deal'?(contractor cents)
April 1, 2008... I recently had a conversation with a client who is in the process of determining the value for his business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company has a potential buyer. The company is doing extremely well. During the conversation...

A new and improved trend may be taking shape.(mind your business)
April 1, 2008... The consolidation craze of the 1990s was a magical moment in time for many HVAC contractors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Scores of owners were able to sell their businesses to consolidators or utility companies for millions of dollars. Many...

ProTech upgrades Web site.(internet news)(Website overview)
April 1, 2008... ProTech Systems unveiled a new and updated Web site at www.protechinfo.com. The company says its new site has improved navigation for visitors and a contemporary look and feel. "We strive to mold our company around our clients and...

Ridgid site introduces video contest.(internet news)
April 1, 2008... To celebrate the launch of its new membership site, www.TeamRidgid.com, Ridgid is holding a video contest called "How I Build My Reputation With Ridgid Tools." TeamRidgid members are invited to record and post an original one- to...

HVAC Excellence recruits instructors online.(internet news)
April 1, 2008... HVAC Excellence is offering a new service where HVACR educational programs can post positions online for instructors. The certification and accrediting organization says that the service is intended to provide a single source where...

CO safety association updates site.(internet news)
April 1, 2008... The Carbon Monoxide Safety Association has published a new and updated Web site. The association says the new site is easy to navigate and provides information on: carbon monoxide, combustion analysis, fuel pipe sizing, green awareness,...

Trade associations join HARDI for federal lobbying event.(wholesaler news)(Conference news)
April 1, 2008... HARDI has announced that three trade associations representing distributors and contractors will join the organization in Washington, D.C., for a lobbying event on Capitol Hill. The Heating, Airconditioning, Refrigeration Distributors...

Meier Supply named to 'fastest growing company' list.(wholesaler news)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Meier Supply Company was ranked No. 18 among the top 50 Central New York firms with revenue greater than $10 million. This is the second consecutive year the wholesale HVACR distributor has been named to the Fast Track 50. The Fast Track...

Manufacturing technology up 8 percent in 2007.(wholesaler news)
April 1, 2008... U.S. manufacturing technology consumption in December totaled $400.31 million, according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association. This total was up 7.5 percent from November,...

Air-conditioner, heat pump shipments down 9 percent.(wholesaler news)
April 1, 2008... Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for December totaled 330,698, a 16 percent drop compared with December 2006 totals, according to the AHRI. The Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration...

Luxaire dealer helps Make-A-Wish Foundation.(wholesaler news)
April 1, 2008... Luxaire dealer Luce, Schwab & Kase were able to help in granting the wish of a 6-year-old from Paterson, N.J., who wanted to go to Walt Disney World. Christian, whose family did not want their last name used, suffers from nephrotic...

John Sapian of Bel-Aire Mechanical Inc.(ARIZONA)
April 1, 2008... John Sapian of Bel-Aire Mechanical Inc. has been elected to serve a one-year term as president of SMACNA-Arizona. The Arizona Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association chapter also elected its 2008 board of trustees....

Sheet metal students at Honolulu Community College celebrated Valentine's Day by creating metal roses.(HAWAII)
April 1, 2008... Sheet metal students at Honolulu Community College celebrated Valentine's Day by creating metal roses. NBC affiliate KHNL recently featured the students, who created a few dozen of the roses and sold them for $4 a piece. Any money collected...

Randall Golay was re-elected to complete a two-year term as president of the Iowa chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association.(IOWA)
April 1, 2008... Randall Golay was re-elected to complete a two-year term as president of the Iowa chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association. The announcement was made during the association's 39th annual statewide...

J & J Heating and Cooling in Vestal, N.Y., was purchased by Appolo Heating Inc. in Schenectady, N.Y.(NEW YORK)
April 1, 2008... J & J Heating and Cooling in Vestal, N.Y., was purchased by Appolo Heating Inc. in Schenectady, N.Y. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Appolo is a subsidiary of Moro Corp. in Wayne, Pa., and was founded in 1967. The company sells,...

WaterFurnace International.(OKLAHOMA)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... WaterFurnace International will begin selling direct to dealers in the state of Oklahoma. The announcement coincides with the close of WaterFurnace distributor operations in the state. It will enable WaterFurnace dealers to buy directly...

A.O. Smith.(SOUTH DAKOTA)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The A.O. Smith water products plant in McBee, S.C., achieved 2 million hours without a lost-time accident. At a special ceremony held in February, Herbert L. Pirkey, corporate director for safety, health, and environment, presented the 380...

Dwyer Group.(TEXAS)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Waco, Texas-based Dwyer Group had its entire network of companies named to Entrepreneur magazine's 29th annual Franchise 500 ranking of the top franchise opportunities. The list honors franchises that offer the best opportunities for...

Boiler brochure.(books, software & lit)
April 1, 2008... This brochure provides detailed information on Lochinvar's new Knight XL commercial boiler, a modulating/condensing unit with up to 94.6 percent thermal efficiency. The boiler is available in five models with 399,000, 500,000, 600,000, 700,000...

Machinery catalog.(books, software & lit)
April 1, 2008... The Enco 2008 master catalog contains over 60,000 items, including 18,000 new products, the company's largest product expansion to date. Inclusions in the new book include branded cutting tools from Iscar, OSG, Atrax and Precision Twist Drill....

Roofing survey.(books, software & lit)
April 1, 2008... The National Roofing Contractors Association has released its 2006-07 NRCA Annual Market Survey. The survey provides data that allows roofing industry professionals to compare industry market statistics, trends and information obtained from...

Grease duct brochure.(books, software & lit)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... A new brochure from Metal-Fab introduces the new G Value factory-built grease-duct system. The publication contains details on how the new duct is designed to reduce the cost of grease duct installations, while providing an enhanced level of...

Tool catalog.(books, software & lit)
April 1, 2008... This catalog from General Tools highlights the company's line of Ultra Tech tools. The Ultra Tech tool system line features the Versa-Grip handle, an ergonomic design with four distinct grip positions. The catalog features a wide variety of...

Service software.(books, software & lit)
April 1, 2008... WennSoft has released WebTech, an extension of the company's Service Management Series, which allows technicians to access back-office information. WebTech is a platform and connectivity independent, browser-based application that allows users...

Welding handbook.(books, software & lit)
April 1, 2008... The American Welding Society has published the Brazing Handbook, Fifth Edition. This updated and expanded version of the handbook provides an organized survey on the basics of brazing processes and applications. The latest edition has been...

Pipe sander.(new products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The LRP 1503 AIR Boa pipe sander is an all-around polishing tool for handrails, pipe and tubing. It has a one-horsepower motor, with 20-cfm air consumption at 90 psi. The sanding arm snakes up to 270 degrees around the radius of the pipe. The...

High-tack adhesive.(new products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Ductmate's new ProGuard is a film with a high-tack adhesive designed to protect the inside of ductwork from dust, dirt and other particles that can lead to poor indoor air quality. ProGuard, which is designed to be placed over the opening of...

Vent kit.(new products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Two new AmeriVent Model SW special gas vent kits designed for sidewall venting of tankless water heaters and wall-mounted boilers were recently introduced. Each kit includes a two-piece wall thimble, a 90-degree elbow, a 6-inch adjustable vent...

Air-Conditioning unit.(new products)
April 1, 2008... Johnson Controls introduced a mid-tier offering of air conditioners in the 1.5- to 5-ton range that combines the performance of York Latitude air conditioners with MicroChannel technology. The units have a small footprint and are ideal for...

Touchscreen Thermostat.(new products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The ComfortSense 7000 Series Touchscreen Thermostat from Lennox allows homeowners to keep constant temperature or follow a programmed schedule. The device features a large display with white backlight and adjustable brightness. Contractors can...

Duct board.(new products)
April 1, 2008... CertainTeed Corp. has amplified its current Ultra-Duct Gold duct board by adding an industry-preferred black-mat facing, which the company claims will provide improved aesthetics for building occupants. Like its predecessor Ultra-Duct Gold,...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
April 1, 2008... APRIL 1-3 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Metalform will hold a regional exposition and conference at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, Ala. The conference will feature 350 companies showing the latest products for...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
April 1, 2008... The following is a paid directory of distributors, wholesalers and manufacturers representatives, listed by state. To have your company included in this list, please call Sally Fraser at 248-244-6240. We urge our readers to contact these...

Opinions on state of economy color behavior.(editor's page)
April 1, 2008... I'm writing this column between convention trips as Michigan heads toward the end of an especially cold and snowy winter. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Having the opportunity to visit warmer climates such as Florida, Las Vegas and California...