Snips articles from February 2007

Snips archives from February 2007

Industrial-strength contracting: Chicago company uses training, technology to succeed.(Tal-Mar Custom Metal Fabricators Inc.)(Interview)(Company overview)
February 1, 2007... Jim Cesak is exceptionally proud of his company. He'd rather talk about it than himself. Tal-Mar Custom Metal Fabricators Inc. in Crestwood, III., a suburb south of Chicago, is not your typical sheet metal shop. Started eight years ago by six...

Making its mark: new location gives boost to metal-fabrication convention.(American Welding Society's FabTech International Conference and Exposition)(Conference notes)
February 1, 2007... ATLANTA--A new location for Fabtech didn't lessen the noise from machinery--and for attendees, that's good--and it didn't lessen the crowds, either. More than 21,000 attended the Oct. 31-Nov. 2 event, which, for the first time, was held in...

An education in humidity control: system keeps classrooms cool while chillers replaced.
February 1, 2007... In the summer, school is the last thing on many pupils' minds. But for school officials and teachers, there is still work to be done. It's the time when teachers prepare for fall and maintenance crews can tackle construction projects such as...

Geothermal system helps Ohio school save energy.(applications in the field)
February 1, 2007... Nicknamed "The Big Green" years ago for the color of their sports team uniforms, Ohio's Ottoville Local School District can boast of another big, "green" achievement. The new Ottoville School's K-12 building, which opened in September...

Digging deep.(applications in the field)(Ottoville School gets finance from local community)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Currently, Ottoville School has a student body of 590 in kindergarten through 12th grade, with a capacity for 850 students. When the small community in northwest Ohio voted to fund 17 percent of the new school's cost via a bond, their...

Life-cycle analysis.(applications in the field)
February 1, 2007... Despite the energy-saving advantages of such a system, it was no; one of the four HVAC systems originally recommended by the Ohio School Facilities Commission. "We conducted a life-cycle cost analysis, and the results convinced the...

A new standard.(applications in the field)(Ottoville schools use HVAC systems)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Ottoville officials did more than mitigate energy cost increases with, the new, larger school. Since opening, the school's energy-efficient HVAC system has been recommended by the commission as an example for other schools looking for...

Famous children's hospital receives HVAC upgrades.(applications in the field)
February 1, 2007... The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., is world-renowned for its treatment of children with cancer. Founded by the late comedian Danny Thomas, St. Jude is dedicated to research and clinical care. The specialized...

Code council moves into 'green' building.(association news)
February 1, 2007... The International Code Council will move its world headquarters to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified building in Washington, D.C. "Our new world headquarters will be just two blocks from the U.S. Capitol Building,"...

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute president announces resignation.(association news)
February 1, 2007... The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute has accepted the resignation of its president, William G. "Woody" Sutton. The resignation is effective at the end of February. "On behalf of the ARI board of directors, I commend Woody for...

ARTI releases report on heat exchangers.(association news)
February 1, 2007... The air-conditioning industry may be able to cool using a new refrigerant and increase efficiency, but not increase the system's size, according to new research from the ARTI. The newly released Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology...

PHCC lobbies to kill tax legislation.(association news)
February 1, 2007... The PHCC reports that it successfully helped stop a last-minute congressional effort to accelerate a 3 percent tax withholding requirement. The bill would have affected businesses involved in local, state or federal government projects,...

Energy Department adopts industry testing standards.(association news)
February 1, 2007... The U.S. Department of Energy has adopted ARI standards as procedures in evaluating the energy-efficiency of some commercial cooling and refrigeration products. The decision was announced Dec. 8. "While manufacturers have voluntarily...

Copeland compressors gain in refrigeration market.(supplier news)
February 1, 2007... Emerson Climate Technologies is reporting that its Copeland Scroll compressors are gaining in popularity and use in refrigeration applications. The company says that many food-service operations are opting for refrigeration equipment...

Hypertherm announces $11.8 million in profit sharing.(supplier news)(Financial report)
February 1, 2007... Hypertherm Inc. is reporting $11.8 million in employee profit sharing, a company record. More than 700 employees are eligible for profit sharing in an amount equivalent to 35 percent of each employee's base salary. Richard W. Couch...

Braeburn honored for thermostat market growth.(Braeburn Systems LLC)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Braeburn Systems LLC received the 2006 Frost & Sullivan Award for Growth Strategy Leadership in the North American thermostats market. Between 2001 and 2006, Braeburn saw a compound annual growth rate of 105 percent, when the overall market...

Bryant earns magazine 'Best Buy' rating.(supplier news)
February 1, 2007... Bryant Heating & Cooling Systems received a Consumers Digest Best Buy Award for its Evolution Plus 90i gas furnace and its Evolution 288A heat pump. "This distinction is a true testament to our entire organization, whose 'Whatever it...

New contractors join MSCA Star program.(contractor news)
February 1, 2007... Eleven new contractors have qualified for Star status from the Mechanical Service Contractors of America. MSCA Star is a national qualification program that honors companies who meet or exceed operating and training standards set by the...

Construction costs cooled in November, says AGC.(Associated General Contractors of America)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Construction materials costs took a plunge in November, while other producer prices rose, according to the AGC. "The next 12 months are still likely to show higher costs for construction than for the economy as a whole," said Ken Simonson,...

Chicagoland contractors elect new president.(contractor news)
February 1, 2007... The Chicagoland Sheet Metal Contractors Association has elected Jack Baer of Air Comfort Corp. as the association's new president. Baer replaces Bill Niehoff Jr., who resigned from both the CSMCA board and as chairman of the Chicagoland...

Contractor named balancing bureau president.(contractor news)(National Environmental Balancing Bureau)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... John G. "Jack" Cappell of Comfort Controls in Beltsville, Md., was elected president of the National Environmental Balancing Bureau. Cappell was named president at the 2006 NEBB annual convention Nov. 9-11 at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort...

ProMotion Controls expands Web site.(internet news)
February 1, 2007... ProMotion Controls Inc. has expanded its Web site in response to the company's growing customer base in North, Central and South America. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The company's new Web site acts as an information portal and an...

Lincoln Electric offers free software.(internet news)
February 1, 2007... The new Web site from Lincoln Electric Co., www.PowerWaveSoftware.com, is offering free software upgrades. The site is a resource for fabricators who rely on Lincoln's welding equipment featuring Waveform Control Technology. The new...

Kaliburn launches new corporate Web site.(internet news)
February 1, 2007... Plasma cutting systems manufacturer Kaliburn recently redesigned its Web site to mirror the company's new corporate brand identity. Known for 20 years as InnerLogic, the company recently changed its name to Kaliburn. The new Web site can be...

ASHRAE offers online energy guidelines course.(internet news)
February 1, 2007... A new online learning course from ASHRAE is aiming to help users design buildings that are in compliance with the society's energy-efficiency standard. "The Fundamentals of Standard 90.1" is the newest offering in the American Society of...

Fenner Drives develops product Web site.(internet news)
February 1, 2007... Drive components manufacturer Fenner Drives has developed a new Web site to help HVAC contractors with the company's PowerTwist Plus V-Belts. By visiting www.HVACVbelts.com, industry professionals can find information about the PowerTwist...

Danfoss concludes energy symposium series with event in Washington.(meetings & conventions)(Conference notes)
February 1, 2007... Danfoss closed its 2006 EnVisioneering Symposium series Dec. 4 at the Sofitel Hotel in Washington, D.C. The event welcomed top officials from the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. State Department and New York State Energy Research &...

Mexico Metalform expo doubles in size.(meetings & conventions)
February 1, 2007... Nearly 2,000 people attended Metalform Mexico, a metal stamping, tool and die, metal forming and fabricating exposition and conference in Mexico. The event, held November 7-9, at Centro Banamex in Mexico City, featured 110 companies...

Midwest Builders Show offers 'survival guide'.(meetings & conventions)
February 1, 2007... The fifth annual Midwest Builders Show is offering a new "survival guide" educational "track" for its 2007 show, with the slogan. "The future is what you make it." The new track will feature sessions on issues facing builders in a cooling...

Nomaco K-Flex appoints new product manager.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... Nomaco promoted Bill Ronca to product manager of air handling systems. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Company officials say this newly created role will provide customers with specialized technical assistance for the company's duct liner and...

NKF.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... "In his new role, Bill will be the product champion for NKF materials used in duct lining and duct-covering applications," said Lee Walter, vice president of sales for Nomaco K-Flex. "As such, he will be a technical resource for our air...

Esab Welding & Cutting Products.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... Esab Welding & Cutting Products announced that Nick Culich has been named vice president and general manager of consumables. He will be based at Esab's filler-metal manufacturing plant in Hanover, Pa. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Culich's...

Kaukauna.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... Jim Lippold has joined Kaukauna, Wis.-based Bassett Mechanical as an HVAC project manager. In this position, Lippold will oversee construction projects to ensure that project objectives are accomplished on time and on budget. "Jim's...

The M.K. Morse Co.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... The M.K. Morse Co. named Peter Heenan vice president of marketing. Heenan will be responsible for growing market share and positioning the Morse brand in the cutting tool industry. Heenan has been with Morse since February 2003. In his new...

FlowCon.(Flowcon International Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Flow controls manufacturer FlowCon named Howard Rozendal as its director of marketing and sales for North America. Rozendal held similar positions with Hays Fluid Controls in Dallas, and Safeair-Dowco in Cicero, Ill., prior to joining...

Sanyo Fisher Service Co.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... Sanyo Fisher Service Co. appointed Gary Nettinger as vice president of the HVAC service and training group in Kennesaw, Ga. Nettinger will be responsible for leading Sanyo HVAC's service, parts, warranty and training for Sanyo's current...

Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... An active member of the Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute, Nettinger served as ductless section chairman from 1998-2002. He is also a working group member of the International Standards Organization.

J. F. Ahern Co.(Steve Nadolski, appointed)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... J. F. Ahern Co. appointed Steve Nadolski as HVAC assistant project manager. In his position, Nadolski will assist with project booking and cost breakdown, schedule preparation, major equipment and subcontractor purchase negotiations, shop...

Centennial Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical.(people in the news)
February 1, 2007... Professional training and development organization Nexstar made changes to its governing board of directors. After seven years of service, Arnie Shaw, owner of Centennial Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is...

Obituary.(Phillip Haynes)(Obituary)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Phillip Haynes, 78, an early pioneer in the machine tool business in New England and throughout North America died Nov. 23, 2006, in Essex, Conn. Born and raised in Wilmington, Ohio, Mr. Haynes attended Miami University in Ohio, and later...

Manufacturing technology consumption up 28 percent.(wholesaler news)
February 1, 2007... U.S. manufacturing technology consumption in October totaled $3.68.6 million. This total, according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association, was down 9.9 percent from...

Emerson named Embraco distributor.(wholesaler news)
February 1, 2007... Embraco, a Whirlpool business, has appointed Emerson Climate Technologies as the company's North American distributor. "I am confident that by doing business with Emerson Climate Technologies our customers will be better served. Both...

3 students awarded Grainger scholarships.(wholesaler news)
February 1, 2007... Facility maintenance supplier Grainger awarded three remaining 2006 scholarships to technical education students in Illinois, Ohio and Maryland. This completes the company's first year of its Tools for Tomorrow scholarship program. ...

Johnstone Supply to offer Super Seal refrigerant.(wholesaler news)
February 1, 2007... After two years of test marketing, Portland, Ore.-based Johnstone Supply has agreed to carry the Super Seal line of refrigeration sealants. The sealant, manufactured by Cliplight Manufacturing, will be featured in Johnstone's 2007-2008...

Direct Air Systems to represent ABB products.(wholesaler news)
February 1, 2007... Cleveland-based Direct Air Systems Inc. has been named an exclusive representative for ABB Commercial HVAC drive products throughout the Columbus, Ohio, market. ABB products include AC and DC variable speed drives from fractional to 500...

Arizona System Analysis Professionals.(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Arizona System Analysis Professionals is the newest member of the Arizona Chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association. The Queen Creek, Ariz.-based company is owner-operated and provides testing,...

The Lincoln Electric Co.(GEORGIA)
February 1, 2007... The Lincoln Electric Co. has opened a new regional distribution and training center in Atlanta. The new facility combines sales, distribution, training and demonstration of arc-welding products. The 100,000-square-foot center allows...

Hypertherm, Inc.(NEW HAMPSHIRE)
February 1, 2007... For the seventh time, Business New Hampshire magazine selected Hanover, N.H-based Hypertherm, Inc. as one of the "10 Best Companies to Work For." Hypertherm ranked second on the Top 10 list. Hypertherm said it made the list due to its...

Gettysburg Railroad Station.(PENNSYLVANIA)
February 1, 2007... The Gettysburg Railroad Station in Gettysburg, Pa., is now open to the public after receiving a new look, including a new roof. The station reopened to tourists Nov. 18, 143 years to the day after Lincoln arrived there to deliver the...

Ductmate Industries.(Ductmate Industries Inc.)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... Ductmate Industries donated more than $12,000 to the local Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program and the Pittsburgh division of the Make-A-Wish Foundation during the 2006 holiday season. Charleroi, Pa.-based Ductmate has been...

Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute.(TEXAS)
February 1, 2007... The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute visited Houston-based Goodman Manufacturing and Allstyle Coil Oct. 30. ARI staff spent the day touring the facilities of each company. The visit was part of a series by ARI to members'...

Air Conditioning Contractors of America-National Capital.(VIRGINIA)
February 1, 2007... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America-National Capital chapter participated in the Heat the Country project in October. The program repairs and services heating equipment for elderly, disabled or low-income homeowners in Virginia,...

HVAC product catalog.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... Engel Industries has published a catalog providing information on its HVAC products. The full-color catalog includes details on the company's current line of roll formers, including Pittsburgh roll formers, snap-lock roll formers, the...

Manufacturing info.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... Iowa Precision has published a brochure detailing the features of its Pro-Fabriduct machine. The machine integrates 18 processes into one automated duct-fabrication line. The brochure details the processes, which includes beading, hydraulically...

Duct-construction standards.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... This publication from Duro Dyne Corp. provides readers with product information and duct construction standards. Specifications are provided on numerous duct products, including flanges, corners and cleats, and access doors. Tools and...

Business software.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... Wintac Pro 2007 is an enhanced version of Intac International's Wintac software. The software combines the features of service management software, CRM software, contact management software and accounting software. The latest version introduces...

Liquid Cooling Guidelines.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... Heat loads generated by information-technology equipment can present significant problems for data centers. Too-hot equipment can cause equipment to fail and inefficient cooling system operation. One possible solution, liquid cooling, is...

HVAC Analysis.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... Airside System Analysis is the title of a new book by Norm Christopherson, a York senior training specialist for Johnson Controls. The 130-page manual begins with a detailed explanation of the technical terms that are directly related to...

Welding catalog.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... Free copies are now available for Miller Electric Manufacturing Co.'s new 2007 full-line catalog. The full-color, 88-page catalog provides specifications on Miller MIG welders, TIG welders, stick welders, plasma cutters, welding generators,...

Ductless cooling catalog.(books, software & lit)
February 1, 2007... Mitsubishi Electric HVAC Advanced Products Division released the latest edition of its Mr. Slim split-ductless cooling and heating systems catalog. The catalog includes new product information and updated application photography. The literature...

Cutting system.(new products)
February 1, 2007... The Spirit275a cutting system is a 275-amp system that offers production cutting of steel up to 1 1/4-inch thick with a maximum capacity of 2 inches. The system can be used with an automatic gas console, which automatically sets process...

Portable air purifier.(new products)
February 1, 2007... The new Photox 100W is a portable, indoor air-purification system that can be wall-mounted or placed on a table. Based on photocatalytic oxidation technology, the Photox 100W is designed to destroy noxious odors and toxic vapors and inactivate...

Snap-lock pipe.(new products)
February 1, 2007... This company has created a self-sealing snap-lock pipe called GreenSeam for the environmentally conscious "green" building industry. GreenSeam was developed for high-efficiency systems made to conform to the Leadership in Energy and...

Pressure transducer.(new products)
February 1, 2007... The M5100 pressure transducer is designed for use in industrial applications that require high long-term stability despite harsh environmental conditions. Typical applications include advanced HVAC controllers, refrigeration systems, pumps,...

Propane air heater.(new products)
February 1, 2007... These Pro-Tough propane force air heaters from Desa are equipped with a high-capacity fan to circulate directional heat. The newest model from this company integrates an adjustable-height footing to angle heat upwards for specific spot heating....

Plasma cutting system.(new products)
February 1, 2007... This company has unveiled its new compact plasma cutting system, the Powermax30. The device is designed for on-the-job use with a variety of features. These include a tapered torch engineered to provide improved arc visibility and flexibility...

Nut driver.(new products)
February 1, 2007... The original "Jiffy" chuck from this company has undergone improvements. The manufacturing process has been upgraded to meet ISO: 9000 quality-control standards. This upgrade provides a new industrial tool-grade finish, ensuring "wobble-free"...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
February 1, 2007... FEBRUARY 7-10 The International Builders' Show will come to the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. Over 1,800 suppliers representing 300 construction categories will be on hand to show their products. Ted Koppel, former...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(manufacturers representatives)(Directory)
February 1, 2007... 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...

Readers send in their memories of Nick Carter.(editor's page)(Editorial)
February 1, 2007... I was originally going to write this column with a New Year focus, but decided that could wait. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After the e-mails and letters started to come in on the death of longtime SNIPS editor and publisher Edward C....

Eager to learn.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... I can still so clearly remember how Nick Carter wore his Snips scissors lapel pin so faithfully and loyally during the years I knew him. I first met Nick around 1975 when I worked along with Mort Hauserman in the public relations...

Nick made reader feel like he 'belonged'.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... I'm sorry to hear that Nick Carter passed away. He was a good man, and always had a warm handshake and a smile on his face. When I was a young man, just breaking in to the industry in Chicago, Nick Carter didn't let my young age or youthful...

He was 'part of special group'.(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... My father introduced me to Edward "Nick" Carter over 30 years ago while on a flight to attend an American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers show. He was pleasantly reassuring and kind to me. Bob Murphy snapped...