Snips articles from January 2007

Snips archives from January 2007

H-V-A-C in the 'big D': show returns to Texas city for first time since 2000.
January 1, 2007... It's been seven years since the AHR Expo last visited Dallas. Attendees and exhibitors will get a chance to see how the city and HVAC market has changed since then when the show arrives Jan. 29-31. ********** More than 350,000 square...

Calling all contractors: how to make your business' phone system easier on customers.
January 1, 2007... Barbara was thrilled. She finally got a new automated phone system for her HVAC business. She purchased the system to give her employees more time for their work. It seemed to her that too much of their time was taken up transferring calls to...

Saving time: quicker ways to fabricate one-piece transitions.
January 1, 2007... Making a one-piece transition pattern allows you to easily duplicate some of your most used pieces. There are many timesaving transitions you can have ready to duplicate, seam, bend and ship out. Many of your typical transitions can be...

Star gazing: good weather, celebrities bring out contractors for annual convention.(Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National Association annual convention)
January 1, 2007... PHOENIX -- There may not have been enough celebrities at SMACNA's 2006 convention to bring the paparazzi, but for a meeting of sheet metal contractors, it wasn't too shabby. Even if the tabloid journalists from Los Angeles did not attend, there...

On target: proper techniques, tools, mean more accurate temperature measurements.
January 1, 2007... The problem with measuring temperatures in an HVAC environment is that there is no single instrument for the job. Yet some HVAC technicians and teachers think the digital thermometers seen on every distributor's counter are all they need. That...

New year's 'rules': eight suggestions for improving shop efficiency in 2007.(quality management of sheet metal)
January 1, 2007... With every new year, many people think about resolutions. Resolutions can improve life for ourselves and can even improve life for those around us. Resolutions for people are often relatively simple changes to one's diet and exercise routines,...

Metalcon proves its mettle: show attracts large crowd to coastal Florida city.(Metalcon International.)(Tampa's convention center hosts the metal industry trade show)
January 1, 2007... TAMPA, Fla. -- Florida seems to be a very good location for Metalcon International. Maybe it's because the state has long been one of the hot spots for metal roofing, which seems to better handle the hurricanes that occasionally batter the...

Rising energy prices have potential to increase use of spiral duct.(A special section of snips)
January 1, 2007... As I complete my first year as president, I would like to again express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve the Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The year has been interesting for our industry, to...

Self-sealing duct used in renovation of former tobacco company buildings.(A special section of snips)
January 1, 2007... For more than a century, the jumble of factory buildings in downtown Durham, N.C., hummed with activity as an American Tobacco Co. manufacturing facility. But the company, maker of legendary cigarette brands such as Lucky Strike, left the...

New York company makes large ductwork for university center.(A special section of snips)
January 1, 2007... In the summer of 2004, Elmira, N.Y.'s Southern Tier Custom Fabricators were hired to make ductwork for the new ice rink and convocation center on the State University of New York's Oswego campus. The new venue, unlike any other in the city, was...

Texas company uses thousands of pounds of aluminum for pool project.(A special section of snips)(Spiral Pipe of Texas constructs indoor swimming pool)
January 1, 2007... "You're not going to just pull an 80-round off the shelf." That's what Spiral Pipe of Texas President Reid Boydstun said about what company officials call one of the more interesting projects in the company's 25-year history. The...

Making the right choice when picking connection systems for round duct.(A special section of snips)
January 1, 2007... It's all about connections. With today's broad range of available spiral- and round-fitting connectors for installing duct systems, how does one choose between them? Whether its slip connections--crimped, big end/small end or...

Virgina university basketball arena, contractor 'score' with project.(A special section of snips)
January 1, 2007... From early November through March, the Raleigh, N.C., area is crazy about Atlantic Coast Conference basketball. Although residents may pull for different teams, when it all comes down to tournament time, everyone in the "Triangle" area of North...

Family therapy: avoiding the 'deadly sins' of working in a business with relatives.
January 1, 2007... Just as there are unique problems in publicly held firms, there are similar challenges in family-owned-and-operated businesses. All companies have strengths, but the secret to profitability and perpetuation is a willingness to deal with each...

Contractor renovates historic California desert home.(applications in the field)
January 1, 2007... When architect Welton Becket designed a home for Robert McCulloch along the 16th fairway of the Thunderbird Country Club in Palm Springs, Calif., the structure was noticed. Built at a cost of $3.5 million, the home was featured in the May...

YMCA solves duct problems.(applications in the field)
January 1, 2007... The YMCA of Memphis and the Mid South had a duct problem. Actually, it had three: dust, moisture and corrosion. "All of our existing facilities had metal ducting and it was proving expensive," said Jim Robinson, district executive director...

Fan keeps concert crowds cool.(applications in the field)
January 1, 2007... The air-handling systems at the Orange Peel music and concert venue in Asheville, N. C., were not working efficiently when the building was filled to capacity. "Keeping 1,000 people cool became a 'Big Ass' problem," said Dan Cochran,...

HVAC systems cool restaurant kitchens.(applications in the field)
January 1, 2007... There are nearly 400 White Castle restaurants in North America. That not only means a lot of little hamburgers--called "sliders" by fans of the fast-food company--it also means a lot of kitchen exhaust. For White Castle...

PHCC names foundation board members.(PHCC Educational Foundation )(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Bill and Patty Jones, and Orville and Doreen Taecker were named contractor founders of the PHCC Educational Foundation board of governors. Composed of contractors, manufacturers and other industry partners who are major contributors to the...

ASHRAE researches humidity, energy.(association news)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... New ASHRAE research may lead to better understanding of humidity control and energy costs for unitary equipment. The research project from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is titled "Evaluating...

ARI honors five leaders.(association news)(Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute)
January 1, 2007... Former ASHRAE President Lee Burgett received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the institute. Burgett, along with five other industry...

ASHRAE partners with mechanical association.(association news)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Council of American Mechanical and Electrical Engineers)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... ASHRAE and the Council of American Mechanical and Electrical Engineers will work together to educate members on the building environment. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers will share its...

Emerson Climate Technologies employee wins leadership award.(supplier news)
January 1, 2007... Randy Nielsen, operations manager for Emerson Climate Technologies, was the recipient of the company's 2006 Robert J. Novello Leadership Award. Nielsen received the award during the company's state-of-the-business meeting Oct. 23 in...

Lincoln Electric purchases Metrode Products.(supplier news)
January 1, 2007... Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc. has acquired Metrode Products Ltd., a manufacturer of specialty consumables focused on the process and power generation industries. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. "We are very pleased to add the...

CertainTeed supplying duct wrap for Chicago Trump hotel.(supplier news)
January 1, 2007... Two CertainTeed products will be used in the new Trump International Hotel and Tower under construction in Chicago. ToughGard2 textile duct liner and SoftTouch premium duct wrap will be installed in the combination hotel-condominium...

Carrier launches new quarterly publication.(supplier news)
January 1, 2007... Carrier Corp. has published the first issue of Expert Insight, a new quarterly publication for its dealers and distributors. The magazine features product updates, dealer features, business best practices and events in the HVAC industry....

Selkirk Americas acquires Heat-fab Inc.(supplier news)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Selkirk Americas has purchased the assets of Turner Falls, Mass.-based Heat-fab Inc. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Heat-fab is a manufacturer of venting systems for use in residential and commercial situations on high-efficiency...

September shipments down 38 percent.(supplier news)
January 1, 2007... Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for September totaled 512,314, down 38 percent from the same month last year, according to ARI statistics. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration...

Panasonic forms 'green' technology company.(supplier news)
January 1, 2007... Panasonic has created the Panasonic Home and Environment Co., an independent group that will focus on "green" technology and residential energy efficiency. The company also announced that with the formation, Panasonic would launch its...

Most 10-SEER inventory in place, says survey.(supplier news)
January 1, 2007... The majority of 10-SEER air-conditioning inventory has been installed, according to a recent survey from Emerson Climate Technologies. The survey, the fifth installment in a series of market surveys on the 13 seasonal energy-efficiency...

Company uses marketing tools from manufacturer.(contractor news)
January 1, 2007... Perrysburg, Ohio-based Affordable Mechanical Heating & Cooling switched to Coleman-brand HVAC equipment, and is successfully using the company's business tools. Rick Montgomery, a 17-year-veteran of the HVAC industry, owns Affordable...

PHCC, companies award scholarships at convention.(contractor news)
January 1, 2007... The PHCC Educational Foundation and its manufacturer partners awarded more than $100,000 in scholarships during the association's annual convention, Sept. 26-30 in Chicago. The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association...

Producer prices tumble, says AGC.(contractor news)
January 1, 2007... A slide in energy costs provided producer price relief in October, the Associated General Contractors of America said. However, the association says that there is still a huge gap between construction materials prices and the low inflation...

Members honored for safety performance.(contractor news)
January 1, 2007... The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association honored several of its member companies with Safety Excellence Awards. Nearly 300 firms participated in the 2006 SMACNA program, representing 56.1 million man-hours...

Customers help to redesign 'Fan' Web site.(internet news)
January 1, 2007... When Lexington, Ky.-based Big Ass Fans overhauled its industrial fan Web site, the company looked to customers for suggestions. "The redesign is more than providing customers with an innovative outlet of information," said Kristin Voskuhl,...

ACCA offers carbon monoxide info.(internet news)
January 1, 2007... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America has compiled information to help contractors in dealing with carbon monoxide issues. The list can be found by visiting www.acca.org/carbonmonoxide.pdf. Recently, the ACCA participated with the...

PHCC launches e-mail discussion group.(internet news)
January 1, 2007... To help its members "talk" electronically with other contractors, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association has developed PHCCList, an e-mail discussion group. Members who sign up for the online discussion will be able...

Builders' Show organizers predict record attendance.(meetings & conventions)
January 1, 2007... The 2007 International Builders' Show is expecting its upcoming gathering to be the largest ever, with more than 100,000 housing professionals predicted to attend. This year's event, hosted by the National Association of Home Builders,...

ASHRAE winter meeting to offer energy session.(meetings & conventions)
January 1, 2007... ASHRAE is hoping that one of its sessions will help mechanical engineers reduce energy consumption in their buildings. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers will offer "Strategies for Low Energy,...

Plumbing, HVAC instructor workshop scheduled.(meetings & conventions)
January 1, 2007... The HVACR and Plumbing Instructor Workshop will be held March 28-30 at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, Va. This yearly event is organized and sponsored by several HVACR and plumbing industry organizations. The workshop is...

MSCA conference hosts record crowd.(meetings & conventions)
January 1, 2007... The Mechanical Service Contractors Association announced that its 21st annual educational conference welcomed 600 people, a record for the association. The event, whose slogan was "Reach for the stars," was held Oct. 15-18 at the...

PHCC member honored with service award.(meetings & conventions)(Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association)(James P. Witten receives Col. George D. Scott Award )(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... James P. "Jim" Witten was presented with the Col. George D. Scott Award during the Sept. 26-30 PHCC annual convention in Chicago. Witten, the president of WB Investments in Charlestown, Ind., was a past national secretary for the...

ACCA prepares to hold annual conference, expo.(meetings & conventions)
January 1, 2007... The Air Conditioning Contractors of America has announced the lineup for its March 6-8 convention in Orlando, Fla. The theme for the conference is "Imagination in action." The ACCA said it would include a new and revamped schedule with...

Hart & Cooley appoints new company president.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... Hart & Cooley Inc. has named Bernard Roy as its new president. Bernard will report directly to Terry O'Halloran, group president of the Air Systems Components Division. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In his new role, Roy will be responsible...

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... Steven P. Richman is the new president of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. "We are delighted to have Steven join us as president of Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.," said Horst J. Pudwill, chairman and CEO of Techtronic Industries Co., parent...

Firestone Building Products Co.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... Firestone Building Products Co. has promoted Tom Walker and Bob Delaney to new roles. Delaney, who most recently served as vice president of sales and marketing, has been named chief operating officer, reporting to Mike Gorey, president of...

Hypertherm Inc.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... Hypertherm Inc. has announced three new company appointments. Carey Chen will take over as vice president and chief financial officer. He joined the management team in early September, replacing the retiring Mike Golden. Chen will be...

UV Resources.(appointment of Daniel Jones)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... UV Resources has appointed Daniel Jones to the position of vice president of marketing and operations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jones most recently served as product marketing manager for UltraViolet Devices Inc., where he worked for...

Jetcam International Holdings Ltd.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... Jetcam International Holdings Ltd. has appointed Mike Weber as managing director, reporting to CEO Ivan Stern. Weber will be responsible for sales, marketing, engineering/support and finance. Weber previously held the position of director...

Engage Machinery.(appointment of Larry Chardonnet)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Engage Machinery reports that Larry Chardonnet has joined Frank Callis as a partner in growing the sheet metal equipment company. Chardonnet brings extensive knowledge of the sheet metal industry from a variety of perspectives, company...

CPS Products.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... Joe Shukys will assume the role as president of CPS Products of Hialeah, Fla. Shukys spent 15 years of his career with the Sporlan Valve Co., now a division of Parker Hannifin. CPS Products manufactures tools for the HVACR and...

HVAC Excellence.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... HVAC Excellence has appointed Coy Gibson as director of technical education and standards. He has been involved with vocational education for over 30 years. He began his career as a trades worker prior to embarking on a career in training...

Profit Strategies.(people in the news)
January 1, 2007... Paul Baccaro has joined Profit Strategies as product development and marketing manager. In his newly created position, Baccaro will be responsible for marketing, training, new product development and Web site development. [ILLUSTRATION...

Vibration Isolation and Seismic Control Manufacturers Association.(appointment of Torbjorn Q. Helland)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The Vibration Isolation and Seismic Control Manufacturers Association has elected Torbjorn Q. Helland, P.E., as the group's new vice president. Helland is president and CEO of M.W. Sausse & Co. Inc. in Valencia, Calif. He has more than 20...

Look at where you've been to go forward in 2007.(contractor cents)(importance of planning)(Column)
January 1, 2007... For those of you who have been reading Contractor Cents for a long time, you might recognize the topic of this column. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This is the time of year that I remind readers to plan for the upcoming year. Why? Because as...

Counseling for the manufacturer, distributor relationship.(mind your business)
January 1, 2007... Web sites and distribution-oriented trade magazines are filled with articles about problems with "the manufacturer-distributor relationship." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Consultants tend to write these pieces in a tone that makes you feel...

Distributor uses sports venues to advertise products.(wholesaler news)
January 1, 2007... Climatic Comfort Products in Atlanta relies on television, radio and print advertisements to get its message out in the four states where the company distributes York HVAC products. But last year, the HVAC distributor added a live-remote...

Manufacturing technology consumption up 31 percent.(wholesaler news)
January 1, 2007... U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $407 million in September. This total was up 32 percent from August 2006 and up 43 percent from September 2005, according to the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association and the...

Direct Air Systems becomes exclusive ABB distributor.(wholesaler news)
January 1, 2007... Cleveland-based Direct Air Systems Inc. was named the exclusive representative for ABB Drives Commercial HVAC drive products throughout the Columbus, Ohio, market. "We are pleased with the opportunity to devote our experiences, supporting...

Grainger opens branch in China.(wholesaler news)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Facility maintenance products supplier Grainger has opened its first facility in China. The master branch, located in the Shanghai suburb of Minhang, will initially stock approximately 20,000 products. Grainger recently published a...

Blue metal panels used to form theater's curved exterior.(roofing news)
January 1, 2007... Panels installed at the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis pay homage to past performances as well as the history of the city. High-gloss metallic-blue metal panels wrap the curved exterior of the theater's stage. The glass-and-metal...

New training sessions highlight 2007 Roofing Expo.(roofing news)
January 1, 2007... The 2007 International Roofing Expo, March 6-8 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature several new educational programs. With 50 sessions, the conference program has seven educational "tracks" on key roofing segments, including...

Race shop features CertainTeed roofing, duct insulation.(roofing news)
January 1, 2007... A new race shop for NASCAR's Haas CNC Racing Team features both CertainTeed roof and HVAC duct insulation. The race shop, which was scheduled to go into full operation Nov. 20, will be the second for Haas CNC Racing, which has its...

Air Vent schedules 'Ask the Expert' seminars.(roofing news)
January 1, 2007... Dallas-based Air Vent Inc., a manufacturer of residential attic ventilation products, will hold its "Attic Ventilation: Ask the Expert" seminar for roofing contractors. This is the ninth consecutive year for the seminar, which will hold...

Roofing association video wins award.(roofing news)
January 1, 2007... The National Roofing Contractors Association was honored for a video that showcased the work of members in the regions affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The video, "The Storm is Passing Over," was awarded a Silver Plaque in the...

Connolly Middle School.(ARIZONA)
January 1, 2007... Connolly Middle School in Tempe, Ariz., was the recipient of the 2005 Arizona Governor's Award for Energy Efficiency. The awards are handed out each year to government facilities that show the greatest reductions in energy use through...

Air Movement and Control Association International.(CALIFORNIA)
January 1, 2007... The Air Movement and Control Association International was recently accredited by the California Energy Commission as an approved testing facility for the California Appliance Efficiency Program. AMCA has been approved to test residential...

Colorado Roofing Association.(COLORADO)
January 1, 2007... The Colorado Roofing Association will hold its 2007 trade show Jan. 25 at the Ramada Plaza and Convention Center in Northglenn, Colo. The trade show has annually been held in March, but has been moved up to January. The CRA is inviting...

Industry Fund.(ILLINOIS)
January 1, 2007... The Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Northern Illinois Industry Fund donated plumbing fixtures and piping to needy individuals in the eastern Kentucky Appalachian Mountains. The donations were made in cooperation with United...

Wagner-Meinert Inc.(INDIANA)
January 1, 2007... Wagner-Meinert Inc., an industrial and mechanical contractor in Fort Wayne, Ind., wanted to capture welding fumes more efficiently. The company also wanted to increase productivity and reduce heating costs. After an on-site demonstration...

Victaulic.(MASSACHUSETTS)
January 1, 2007... Victaulic, a producer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, has opened a new 35,000-square-foot distribution branch in Mansfield, Mass. The facility will serve as a key distribution center for markets throughout Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont,...

New England Fuel Institute.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The New England Fuel Institute in Watertown, Mass., will offer 14 courses as part of its 2007 educational program. The institute's training center will offer a variety of courses, including basic oilheat service and installation, as well as...

Metropolitan Mechanical Inspectors Association.(MICHIGAN)(Metropolitan Mechanical Inspectors Association of Southeastern Michigan)(Beaumont Silent Children of Royal Oak)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Each December, the Metropolitan Mechanical Inspectors Association of Southeastern Michigan chooses to support a charity for the holiday season. This year, the organization chose to donate to the Beaumont Silent Children of Royal Oak, Mich. ...

MFM Building Products Corp.(OHIO)
January 1, 2007... Coshocton, Ohio-based MFM Building Products Corp. has donated $500,000 to Central Ohio Technical College's Coshocton campus. The donation was made to assist with the college's creation of a new campus. MFM Building Products Corp....

Allied Supply Co.(OHIO)
January 1, 2007... Allied Supply Co. will donate $48,000 worth of controls equipment to the Pipe fitters union Local 162 and the Mechanical Contractors Association of Greater Dayton's Mechanical Equipment Services Training Program. The Honeywell equipment...

Air Conditioning Contractors of America.(TEXAS)
January 1, 2007... The Texas chapter of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America have teamed up with MEPatWork.com, an online job board for the HVACR industry. Through the partnership, MEPatWork will offer an online career center for Texas ACCA members to...

Noland Co.(VIRGINIA)
January 1, 2007... Plumbing and air-conditioning distributor Noland Co., has moved to a new location in Culpepper, Va. The Culpepper branch is a part of Noland's Fredericksburg, Va., complex of locations. Complex Manager Craig Mills said the move will offer...

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the Canada Green Building Council will work together to promote buildings.(CANADA)
January 1, 2007... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, and the Canada Green Building Council will work together to promote buildings that are healthy and environmentally responsible. The two organizations have signed...

Infrared heater brochure.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2007... This flier highlights the company's True Dual two-stage infrared heating systems for commercial and industrial buildings. The full-color brochure contains technical specifications, product features and applications. Architects, engineers and...

Welding standard.(books, software & lit)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... The American Welding Society has published a new standard on titanium welding. "Guide for Fusion Welding of Titanium and Titanium Alloys" covers best practices to allow first-time users of titanium, as well as established titanium fabricators,...

Fusion brochure.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2007... This six-page, full-color brochure features RBI's Futera Fusion product line. RBI says the gas-fired Futera Fusion condensing water heaters and boilers are up to 97.5 percent efficient and designed to meet "green" building design...

Louver catalog.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2007... A new 16-page catalog from Greenheck features the company's line of louvers, sunshades, penthouses and equipment screens. Greenheck manufactures more than 100 standard louver models. The complete louver line is represented, ranging from...

Tool guide.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2007... Freund has released a 23-page catalog detailing the company's line of sheet metal tools and roofing tools. The catalog features full-color product photos as well as specifications. The company offers a number of sheet metal tools, including...

IAQ testing catalog.(books, software & lit)
January 1, 2007... This catalog from Fluke details the company's line of HVAC and indoor air quality products. This 32-page catalog includes information on Fluke's air-composition products, as well as thermal imaging, temperature and pressure tools, and HVAC...