Snips articles from June 2006

Snips archives from June 2006

Rules that should be broken: ACCA conference in San Jose challenges the way contractors do business.
June 1, 2006... SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Marcus Buckingham, keynote speaker for the ACCA's 38th annual conference, March 28-30, closed his presentation by telling attendees that they are living their lives (and running their businesses) by myths they've learned to...

State of confusion: California's new duct requirements create headaches, concerns for HVAC contractors.(industrial regulations)(Cover story)
June 1, 2006... Pioneering regulations are nothing new for California, a state that often sets cultural and political trends. It was the first to take on automobile pollution and recently passed laws encouraging recycling of used computers and cell phones....

A shining, sheet metal success: 2006 Chicago-area event attracts 3,000.(trade shows)
June 1, 2006... OAKBROOK TERRACE, III. -- It was another busy, successful show for the Chicagoland Sheet Metal Contractors Association. Organizers said about 3,000 contractors and company representatives attended this year's show, again held at the Drury Lane...

Betting on the future: Las Vegas meeting focuses on residential market, attracting younger workers.(meetings)
June 1, 2006... LAS VEGAS -- Customer service, making sheet metal appealing to younger and minority workers, and the industry's future were the major themes at this year's Partners in Progress meeting. Hosted by the Sheet Metal Workers union and the Sheet...

Better together: combined HVAC and plumbing show boosts attendance 30 percent.(exhibitions)
June 1, 2006... TORONTO -- As trade show names go, CMX-CIPHEX isn't as easy to pronounce as Metalcon, Fabtech or the AHR Expo. But just as the name is guaranteed to fill the mouth, the HVAC and plumbing event is also sure to attract contractors from across...

Ensuring ducts do not leak may require sealing, other steps.(tech tips)
June 1, 2006... The following is taken from HVAC Duct Construction Standards: Metal and Flexible, published by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association. Ducts must be sufficiently airtight to ensure economical and quiet...

Veteran HVACR tech solves walk-in cooler leaks.(applications in the field)
June 1, 2006... CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Pierson Wholesale Florist is promising long-term business to Paul Greene after he fixed the walk-in cooler that other contractors couldn't repair. In two years, the 78-year-old family-run business had spent more than...

New Orleans church receives heating help.(applications in the field)
June 1, 2006... The 120-year-old First Emanuel Baptist Church in central New Orleans has received a new life after it was damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Two members of Modine Manufacturing Co. teamed up with ABC-TV's "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" to...

Software pulls engineer's operations together.(applications in the field)
June 1, 2006... Carmichael Engineering Ltd. designs and services various thermal and HVACR systems used in general manufacturing and the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. The wide range of clients is good for the Canada-based business, but...

PHCC responds to lead exposure regulations.(association news)
June 1, 2006... Members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Association are offering their opinions on how a new EPA lead regulation will affect their operations. The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed a rule to reduce lead...

ARI visits China, discusses counterfeit performance seals.(association news)
June 1, 2006... The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute is working with China's HVACR industry to help eliminate products with a counterfeit ARI Performance Certified seal. ARI's Chairwoman Deborah Hawkins visited Shanghai April 10 in an effort...

Insulation association adds new board members.(association news)
June 1, 2006... NAIMA has welcomed Roy Dean of Owens Corning, Gary Tomes of Guardian Building Products and Lee Houlditch from Amerrock Products LP to its board of governors. The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association also announced the...

ASHRAE moves toward 'sustainable' headquarters.(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers's headquarters)
June 1, 2006... ASHRAE is working on its goal of an environmentally responsible headquarters by selecting an architectural firm known for such work. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is studying whether to...

DuraLast moves to Memphis, Tenn.(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... DuraLast Products has completed its move from New Orleans to Memphis, Tenn. The air filters manufacturer and distributor was forced to move after its New Orleans warehouse was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Company owner Rose Rich...

Danfoss earns Scotsman Gold Award.(supplier news)
June 1, 2006... BALTIMORE -- Controls and compressors manufacturer Danfoss has been recognized with the Gold Supplier Award for 2005 from Scotsman. The award was presented March 31 in conjunction with Scotsman's supplier plant tour and golf tournament in...

February AC shipments up 14 percent.(supplier news)
June 1, 2006... ARLINGTON, Va. -- Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air source heat pumps totaled 551,459 units in February. This total is up 14 percent from the same month last year, according to the Air-Conditioning and...

ProMotion Controls celebrates 20 years.(supplier news)
June 1, 2006... MEDINA, Ohio -- ProMotion Controls Inc. marked 20 years of PC-based shape-cutting control products in 2006. To celebrate the event, ProMotion will introduce iControl enhancements and new software options. Known as Robotronic Oy in Finland,...

Knaack Manufacturing receives innovation award.(supplier news)
June 1, 2006... Knaack Manufacturing Co. was the recipient of the New Product Innovation Award during the Work Truck Show, March 1-3 in Atlanta. The award was for the new line of Weather Guard steel truck boxes, which according to the company feature...

Whirlpool refrigeration products get dye pellets.(supplier news)
June 1, 2006... WESTBURY, N.Y. -- In an effort to help find refrigerant leaks, Whirlpool Corp. will now manufacture most of its refrigeration products with an internal fluorescent dye pellet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Under-counter ice machines are the...

Luxaire rolls out new spring promotion.(sales promotions)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... NORMAN, Okla. -- Customers can choose a cash rebate, same-as-cash financing or an extended labor plan as part of Luxaire Heating and Air Conditioning's 2006 spring promotion. The promotion applies to purchases made between April 15 and June...

Emerson aims to strengthen business relationships.(contractor news)
June 1, 2006... Emerson Climate Technologies has announced that it will try to build better relationships with contractors by offering product education and support. According to the company, by communicating with mechanical contractors Emerson hopes to...

Business owner opens shop for education.(contractor news)
June 1, 2006... Service contractor Elite Electric in Port St. Lucie, Fla., will open its doors June 23-24 to other contractors to show the fundamentals of running a service business. The program is called Money Masters, and is sponsored by Nexstar, a...

Carrier honors 'Distinguished Dealers'.(contractor news)
June 1, 2006... INDIANAPOLIS -- From a field of 800 Carrier Corp. factory-authorized dealers, the company chose four to receive its 2005 Carrier Distinguished Dealer Award. The companies honored included Tradewinds Heating and Air Conditioning in...

Grunau Co. sold to Minn. firm.(acqusition of Grunau Company Inc. by APi Group)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... OAK CREEK, Wis. -- Paul Grunau, president of Grunau Co., has sold the company to APi Group Inc., a St. Paul, Minn.-based company now comprised of 29 independently managed specialty contractors. The sale was effective March 31. Terms of the...

Contractor testifies before House committee.(contractor news)
June 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Christina Schneider, CFO of Watertown, N.Y.-based Purcell Construction Corp., testified at a March 30 U.S. House hearing on changes to the Small Business Act. Schneider, a member of the Associated General Contractors of...

Learning the difference between 'leading' and 'managing'.(business management)
June 1, 2006... The terms "project management" and "project manager" both do a poor job of conveying the responsibilities inherent in the role of running a project. Instead, the terms "project leadership" and "project leader" would better describe the...

Knowing how to separate the 'good' from the 'great'.(sales & marketing)
June 1, 2006... I'm often asked what separates good salespeople from great salespeople. Besides more money and value to the company, it's knowing the competition and knowing themselves. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Such people always have a complete...

Hedging your bets when it comes to inventory.(inventory control)
June 1, 2006... Inventory is a bet. Many of you have heard me say it. Yet, I still see contractors wasting their hard-earned money on inventory "bets." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One of the contractors I work with is in the process of cleaning out all of...

Moving production overseas may look good, but watch out.(mind your business)
June 1, 2006... It's irresistible for labor-intensive businesses to be attracted to locations where workers cost less than a tenth of what they get paid here. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Add to that greatly reduced regulatory burdens compared with the...

Manufacturing plants take on ventilation.(indoor air quality)
June 1, 2006... For some manufacturing plants, indoor air quality can be a secondary issue due to design considerations and the bottom-line cost. But a new approach to clean air systems could make IAQ an affordable investment for such situations. Many...

Trane unveils air-purification system at New York event.(new equipment to maintain indoor air quality)
June 1, 2006... NEW YORK -- Trane chose a 7,500-square-foot Manhattan loft for the recent media event promoting its new whole-house air-purification system. The luxury loft, reportedly on the market for more than $11 million, was painted in clean, stark...

Environmental institute certifies air filters.(indoor air quality)
June 1, 2006... Viledon industrial air filters were recently awarded certification from the Greenguard Environmental Institute. The institute is a nonprofit organization that oversees the Greenguard certification program and establishes standards for...

Aerco International names distribution partners.(wholesaler news)
June 1, 2006... NORTHVALE, N.J. -- Aerco International Inc. has selected four distributors to supply its commercial boiler and water heating products in key U.S. markets. The manufacturer chose Barr Mechanical Sales Inc. in Libertyville, Ill., to...

Emerson wholesalers receive literature racks.(wholesaler news)
June 1, 2006... More than 320 Emerson wholesaler locations will be supplied with literature racks from the company. The racks will be stocked with 16 different pieces including brochures and catalogs that cover various Emerson Climate Technologies...

Air Products names Distributor of the Year.(wholesaler news)
June 1, 2006... PONTIAC, Mich. -- Air Products and Controls Inc. selected Ron Campton of Air Specialty Products for its inaugural HVACR Distributor of the Year Award. The award recognizes the Arizona-based company as the leading distributor of APC-brand...

February machine tool consumption up 25 percent.(wholesaler news)
June 1, 2006... Machine tool consumption in the United States for February totaled $269 million, according to the Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association. This total was up 25.3 percent from January...

HARDI announces pricing service for members.(wholesaler news)
June 1, 2006... The Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International signed an agreement making Trade Service Corp. the exclusive and official pricing service provider for members. According to HARDI, the partnership will provide...

Follansbee roof tops Solar Decathlon house.(roofing news)
June 1, 2006... The award-winning, solar-powered home built by Carnegie Mellon University students uses a metal roof from Follansbee Steel. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In September 2005, a team of college students disassembled the solar-powered house...

Association honors roofing contractors.(roofing news)
June 1, 2006... The Colorado Roofing Association honored several of its members Feb. 9 during its annual awards dinner. Arapahoe Roofing and Sheet Metal Inc. was the first place winner in the association's steep-slope category. The company won the award...

Metal finish highlights health center concourse.(roofing news)
June 1, 2006... The Fletcher Allen Health Center Renaissance Project in Burlington, Vt., created a new ambulatory care center, education and conference center, and underground parking. The new additions are highlighted by a glass and metal concourse that...

NRCA to co-sponsor China roofing exhibition.(roofing news)
June 1, 2006... ROSEMONT, Ill. -- The National Roofing Contractors Association has announced that it will be a sponsor of the fourth annual China International Exhibition on Roofing & Waterproofing Technology. The show, which features more than 230...

Firestone to open new metal-roofing plant.(Firestone Metal Products's plant expansion)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Firestone Metal Products has announced plans to expand manufacturing capabilities with a new metal-roofing plant and distribution center in the Western U.S. Site selection for the new location is under way. Scheduled to be operating...

International Code Council.(appointments)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Barbara Koffron, fire marshal for the city of Phoenix, will fill a vacated seat on the International Code Council board of directors. Koffron is a certified building official and an active member of the code council. She has also served on...

CertainTeed Corp.(ARKANSAS)
June 1, 2006... CertainTeed Corp.'s roofing granule-manufacturing facility in Glenwood, Ark., won the Saint-Gobain Diamond Safety Award for health and safety performance. This is the second time the facility has earned the designation. The award is presented...

Southern California Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Center.(new training center named Southern California Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Center)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... The Southern California Sheet Metal Joint Apprenticeship Training Center was officially opened March 3 in Los Angeles. The new center is located on North Baldwin Park Blvd. According to the Sheet Metal Contractors' National Association of Los...

Colorado Roofing Association.(COLORADO)
June 1, 2006... The Colorado Roofing Association is calling its March 31 tabletop trade show a success. The show was held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Northglenn, Colo. Over 350 people attended the event, which brought together both CRA members and nonmember...

Hart Machine Tool.(GEORGIA)
June 1, 2006... Hart Machine Tool has been named the exclusive distributor of Trumpf Inc. machine tools in Georgia. The company is located in Tuscumbia, Ala., and also represents the Trumpf line of fabricating machinery in Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and...

Lawrence Technological University.(MICHIGAN)
June 1, 2006... Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Mich., hosted an open house April 6 to introduce attendees to its new degree program. The university now offers a master's degree program in "mechatronic" engineering. The graduate program...

Gladwin Machinery and Supply Co.(Gladwin Machinery and Supply Co's open house at new facility)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Gladwin Machinery and Supply Co. was set to hold an open house May 17-18 at its new office and warehouse in Omaha, Neb. The open house invited attendees to see the company's inventory of new and used equipment, as well as the new facilities....

Powers Fasteners Inc.(NEW YORK)
June 1, 2006... After 50 years in the same building at 2 Powers Square in New Rochelle, N.Y., Powers Fasteners Inc. has moved to a new location. The new headquarters is now located at 2 Powers Lane in Brewster, N.Y., 40 miles north of the old facility. The new...

Berner International.(Berner International named Small Business Exporter of the Year)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Georgia Berner, president of Berner International, was named Small Business Exporter of the Year for western Pennsylvania. The award, presented on behalf of the U.S. Small Business Administration, recognizes a company's commitment to the...

Contractors and Unions Seal of Excellence.(WASHINGTON, D.C.)
June 1, 2006... John E. McKee has been elected chairman of the Contractors and Unions Seal of Excellence board of trustees for 2006. CAUSE is a labor-management organization of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington, Steamfitters...

Balco Services Inc.(WISCONSIN)
June 1, 2006... Jarvis Perkins of Balco Services Inc. was elected president of the Wisconsin Valley Sheet Metal Contractors Association. The association elected officers at its March 15 meeting. Rick Hayes of E.G.I Mechanical was named vice president, and Mark...

Multistack USA.(Multistack USA's headquater has been relocated)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Modular chiller maker Multistack USA has completed moving its corporate headquarters and manufacturing from West Salem, Wis., to a new 70,000-square-foot facility in Sparta, Wis. According to the company, the new facility, which sits on a...

Metal-Roofing Manual.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... The 2006 edition of the NRCA Architectural Sheet Metal and Metal Roofing Manual provides current information about architectural sheet metal and metal roofing and examines substrates, underlayments, vapor retardants, insulation and ventilation,...

Air-Handling System literature.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... The 2006 product catalog from Air Handling Systems features dust and fume collection products, as well as thousands of industrial grade fittings, spiral pipe and flexible hose. The catalog is free. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Air Handling...

Collective Bargaining Guide.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... The 2006 edition of the MCAA Collective Bargaining Guide and Legal Analysis is now available. The guide is designed to tell construction company executives and association bargaining personnel what they need to know when it comes to labor...

Pumps product guide.(books, software & lit)(Buyers guide)
June 1, 2006... Armstrong Pumps has released a new brochure that summarizes the company's recent product introductions. Some of the major product announcements include the Astro Series hot water recirculation system, new sizes of Astro Series circulations, new...

Boiler brochure.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... This new eight-page, full-color brochure features the Mills family of sectional water tube boiler/burner units from Smith Cast Iron Boilers. The publication provides explanations, schematic illustrations and photographs of the Mills boilers,...

Pocket software.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... Pocket Tech Pro with Pocket Tech Software is a portable service tool that provides HVAC technicians with information to help diagnose equipment problems. The software also helps perform required service and improves rooftop unit efficiency,...

Dust collector catalog.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... Farr Air Pollution Control has published a new CD that provides an electronic catalog of the company's dust, mist and fume collection equipment. It contains information on dust collectors for all types of applications, including the company's...

Metal panel brochure.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... A new brochure is available for Centria's new Versapanel insulated metal-composite wall and structural standing-seam roof systems. The panels are ideal for vertical applications in low and mid-rise buildings, according to the company. The...

HVAC product CD.(books, software & lit)
June 1, 2006... A new Staefa Talon product catalog CD is available from Siemens Building Technologies Inc. The CD contains product data on the network and application-level controllers, software, sensors, repeaters and migration products that comprise the...

Air-stop dampers.(new products)
June 1, 2006... This company has released a variety of new air-stop dampers, some with a gasket. The dampers are available in 4-inch through 24-inch sizes. The company's 6-inch damper is mounted with 1/4-inch diameter economy hardware. The Underwriters...

Band saw.(new products)
June 1, 2006... This company has introduced its Deep Throat Journeyman vertical band saw. The Model DT1340 has a 40-inch throat and a 13-inch table for guidance. The machine is 80 inches in height and 30 inches in length. Blade speeds are 70 to 500 surface...

No-snag lines.(new products)
June 1, 2006... Thermo-Thimble, through-the-wall line set kits are available in round and rectangular styles. The easy, no-snag way to run all your line set and wire projects through walls, officials say Ideal for new construction or retrofit work. Adjustable...

Dust collector.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The new Gold Series GS-Mini is a single-cartridge dust collector that aims to provide high performance for small applications, according to this company. The product may be used as a dedicated dust collector for one process machine or as a bin...

Screwdriver.(new products)
June 1, 2006... This company now offers a 14-in-1 multibit screwdriver. It includes 14 tools commonly used by HVAC and sheet metal workers, such as a stem-valve bit, quarter-inch socket adapter, Nos. 1 and 2 Phillips, No. 5.5 slot and eight "star" bits. The...

Flap disks.(new products)
June 1, 2006... This new line of flap disks for grinding and finishing metal are made with high-performance zirconia grain. According to the company, the disks provide longer life than standard zirconia and aluminum oxide disks, and grind cooler and last up to...

Screwdrivers.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The new Twist-a-Nut Pro line of contractor-grade screwdrivers expands on this company's original Twist-a-Nut multibit screwdriver. According to the company, the screwdrivers offer fixed steel shanks for improved control and torque, along with a...

Control valves.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The K3 and K7 three-way, pneumatic and electronically actuated control valves for commercial, HVAC and light-industrial uses are the latest offerings from this company. The K3 pneumatic control valve accepts a 3-15 air signal and features a...

Pleated panel filter.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The X-Treme pleated panel filters with new self-supported media are the latest offerings from this company. According to the company, the media offers high strength, moisture resistance and eliminates the need for an expanded metal backing. The...

Energy recovery.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The new PowerPurge is an energy-recovery option for integrated, custom air-handling units. According to company officials, when used in the units, the PowerPurge improves performance by delivering air at drier levels, while using less energy...

Press brake.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The Pro2 Series expands this company's press brake offerings, and is a synchronous twin cylinder line of press brakes. The brakes are capable of most general-purpose fabricating from precision thin gauge to heavy plate. Each model in the...

Bending rolls.(new products)
June 1, 2006... In an effort to expand its offerings in the light sheet metal and plate-bending rolls, this company has introduced four new heavy-duty models to its Americor line of three roll single pinch bending rolls. These new offerings expand the range of...

Modulating gas furnace.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The new Affinity modulating gas furnace maintains a constant temperature, while delivering quieter operation and reduced energy costs, according to the company. With 95 percent annual fuel utilization efficiency, the furnace also exceeds...

Grilles, registers, diffusers.(new products)
June 1, 2006... A new line of grilles, registers and diffusers are available from this company to compliment its vent and chimney product lines. The new line features heavy-gauge steel formed to eliminate sharp edges. The company says that the new products...

Air purification system.(new products)
June 1, 2006... The CX1000 portable air-purification system cleans up to 1,000 square feet, according to this company. Developed with the help of Sandia Laboratory and the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the CX1000 is capable of reducing harmful...

Control transformers.(new products)
June 1, 2006... This company has introduced a new line of Class 2 control transformers with multitap primary windings for use in industrial and commercial applications. These transformers are precision layered for longer service life, according to the company....

Centrifugal duct fans.(new products)
June 1, 2006... This company offers two models of centrifugal duct fans. The RIBA belt-drive models are offered in sizes from 6 inches to 15 inches and use standard 1,750-rpm motors. Belt-drive models are designed for quieter operation and lower initial cost,...

Calendar of events.(calendar)(Calendar)
June 1, 2006... JUNE 5-7 The University of Arizona will present the 2006 Industrial Ventilation Conference in Tucson, Ariz. According to organizers, the purpose of the conference is to teach effective and economical ventilation practices and design...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
June 1, 2006... 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...

States must do more to attract workers to construction careers.(editor's page)
June 1, 2006... What do you think the odds are that a Detroit Free Press editorial writer attended the recent SMACNA-Sheet Metal Workers union conference in Las Vegas? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I doubt it too, but a recent commentary on trade schools and...