Snips articles from May 2008

Snips archives from May 2008

Correction.(Correction notice)
May 1, 2008... On page 8 of the April issue, the name of sheet metal machinery manufacturer Advance Cutting Systems was misspelled.

Tool & instrument product guide.(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2008... THE TOOLS OF THE TRADE Sometimes the right tool makes all the difference. That is why SNIPS brings you its third annual tool and test instrument product guide. The purpose of the guide is to help contractors find the right tool or test...

The color of money: show emphasizes sustainable building in down market.(Builders' Show)
May 1, 2008... ORLANDO, Fla. -- If you hold it, will they show up? That was the question the National Association of Home Builders found itself asking as it prepared to hold the 2008 International Builders' Show here. ********** The show had been at...

Heating, cooling and counter-terrorism: convention attendees get lessons on public and business security.
May 1, 2008... PALM DESERT, Calif. -- Phrases like "al-Qaida" and "check fraud" probably don't come up too often at most HVAC-related conventions, but they were uttered several times at the Mechanical Contractors of America's 2008 event. ********** ...

Surviving the slowdown: residential contractors confront business challenges in a sliding economy.
May 1, 2008... Brett Lascko considers himself fortunate. As the owner of Lascko Plumbing and Mechanical in Muskegon, Mich., business is not good, he said, but could be far worse, especially in a state that has had one of the highest home foreclosure rates in...

International Roofing Expo: show attendees, organizers stay positive in down construction market.
May 1, 2008... Las Vegas -- The construction industry, along with the national economy, might be showing some weakness, but International roofing Expo organizers are staying optimistic. Although attendance was flat compared with 2007--a record year, officials...

Frictionless chiller helps school earn LEED rating.(applications in the field)
May 1, 2008... In the Harford County public schools, northeast of Baltimore, money for capital improvements is hard to get. So when the Maryland district needed a new administration building, the school board didn't approve the project until school...

Efficiency.(applications in the field)
May 1, 2008... "The McQuay chiller is by far the most efficient piece of equipment in the entire building," said Bradley Salemie, lead HVAC engineer with Spears/Votta and Associates Inc. in Baltimore. The key to the chiller's efficiency is the...

The benefits.(applications in the field)
May 1, 2008... Though the school system's bottom line benefits greatly from the frictionless chiller's efficiency, most building occupants never think about the chiller, which turns out to be yet another benefit of frictionless design. "It's the quietest...

Going for gold.(applications in the field)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Even with its many benefits, the frictionless chiller could not win a LEED-gold certification by itself. In the case of this building, an airflow sensor and a motor-operated damper are installed in a mechanical room on each floor. Only the...

Welding foundation appoints new board member.(association news)
May 1, 2008... Rick Richardson, owner of Sky Cylinder Testing in Evansville, Ind., was appointed to the American Welding Society Foundation board. He will serve a three-year term. Richardson's welding career encompasses 30 years of executive leadership...

ASHRAE, BOMA to work toward common goals.(association news)(Building Owners and Managers Association International)(American Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... ASHRAE and the Building Owners and Managers Association International have agreed to work together to achieve goals that will benefit both organizations. BOMA and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning...

RIMA names 2008 platinum members.(association news)
May 1, 2008... The Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association has named its platinum-level members for 2008. The association says this designation goes to companies that are committed to the highest standards of ethics and professionalism, and...

EZ Trap merges with SlimDuct, Airtec.(supplier news)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Edison, N.J.-based EZ Trap Inc. has merged with SlimDuct Inc. and Airtec Products Corp. The combined company will be known as Airtec Products Corp. The former EZ Trap facility in Edison has been closed and consolidated into the Airtec...

Tomkins buys India duct maker.(supplier news)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... London-based Tompkins PLC has purchased a controlling interest in Rolastar Private Ltd., a duct accessories manufacturer from Mumbai, India. Terms were not disclosed. Tomkins officials said the market potential for India's HVAC industry is...

Johnson Controls looks for 'Future Hires'.(supplier news)
May 1, 2008... The new Future Hires program from Johnson Controls guarantees jobs for select students. Students must be enrolled in a first-year associate degree program that participates in the company's CareerConnect. Through its CareerConnect...

DeWalt, Ford Motor partner for tracking system.(supplier news)
May 1, 2008... Tools manufacturer DeWalt is collaborating with the Ford Motor Co. to launch Tool Link, a tracking system that will enable contractors to monitor the tools stored in vehicles. Available on the 2009 F-150, F-Series Super Duty trucks, and...

Rheem tankless heaters top magazine list.(supplier news)
May 1, 2008... Rheem finished first place in a recent reader survey conducted by Home Builder Executive magazine. The survey sought to assess "builders' partnership" levels with key vendors in various major product categories, including tankless water...

Coleman meeting introduces new products, technologies.(meetings & conventions)
May 1, 2008... Coleman Heating and Air Conditioning, along with US Air Conditioning Distributors Inc., held a series of dealer meetings in Arizona in mid December. Select Coleman dealers, as well as Coleman and US Air sales and marketing representatives,...

ASHRAE's new certification to debut at annual meeting.(meetings & conventions)
May 1, 2008... Registration is now open for ASHRAE's high-performance building design professional certification. The first exam will take place June 25 at ASHRAE's annual meeting in Salt Lake City. Exams at testing centers around the world will...

SPIDA stresses group growth, new manual at event.(meetings & conventions)
May 1, 2008... Despite a worsening national economy that has seen some spiral-duct makers struggle, "It was a good year for SPIDA," association President Brad Thomas told members at the group's Jan. 21 meeting. The Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association,...

Beckwood press appoints manufacturing manager, engineer.(people in the news)
May 1, 2008... Beckwood Press Co. announced the addition of Josh Schroeder as manufacturing manager. Schroeder brings over 15 years experience in industrial manufacturing. He has completed certification programs in project management, industrial buying,...

Beckwood Press.(people in the news)(Travis Tilley has appointed )(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Beckwood Press also added Travis Tilley to its structural engineering team. He brings over six years of experience in industrial engineering and holds associates degrees in applied electrical technology, and industrial electronics and...

Emerson Climate Technologies.(people in the news)
May 1, 2008... Emerson Climate Technologies appointed John R. Ward to vice president of product planning for the air-conditioning division. Ward will specifically focus on the major residential scroll platforms and new product programs, and will be...

Johnson Controls Unitary Products.(people in the news)
May 1, 2008... Andy Rowland has been named vice president of sales and marketing for Johnson Controls Unitary Products. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rowland will be responsible for the sales and marketing efforts of the division in North America. These...

ABB Inc.(people in the news)(Aaron Aleithe has appointed)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Aaron Aleithe was named vice president and general manager of low-voltage drives at ABB Inc. The low-voltage drives business unit is based in New Berlin, Wis. Aleithe fills the position Rick Hepperla held before his recent promotion to division...

Watch the flow of cash through your business.(contractor cents)
May 1, 2008... Cash is the lifeblood of any business. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It becomes even more critical if you suspect that your financial statements are wrong, you aren't getting your financial statements in a timely manner or if you start...

Lenox promotion seeks 'Extra Mile Heroes'.(internet news)
May 1, 2008... Lenox is using its Web site to find users and suppliers of industrial tools who "go the extra mile." The power tool manufacturer has teamed up with NASCAR driver Jeff Burton to launch the Lenox Extra Mile Heroes program. Winners could...

ASHRAE site offers free design guides.(internet news)(American Society of Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigerating Engineers)
May 1, 2008... To encourage energy-efficient design, ASHRAE and its partnering organizations are making available the Advanced Energy Design Guide series free online. Electronic versions of the newest book in the series, Advanced Energy Design Guides for...

Trane product removes flu virus, says study.(indoor air quality)
May 1, 2008... Research at the Harvard School of Public Health has shown that Trane's CleanEffects whole-house air-filtration system is capable of removing more than 99 percent of the common flu virus from the air. The Harvard research was performed in...

CertainTeed product achieves Greenguard certification.(indoor air quality)
May 1, 2008... CertainTeed Corp.'s ToughGard R duct liner has earned Greenguard indoor air quality certification. All of CertainTeed's duct liner products are now certified, company officials said. Composed of rotary-type glass fibers, ToughGard R...

Arkema joins EPA's GreenChill program.(indoor air quality)
May 1, 2008... Arkema's fluorochemicals business has joined a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that works to promote green technologies and strategies. The EPA's GreenChill Advanced Refrigeration Partnership includes refrigerant...

Residential cooling, heating shipments steady.(wholesaler news)
May 1, 2008... U.S. factory shipments of residential cooling and heating equipment for January 2008 look very similar to the totals for the same month a year ago. A small increase was reported for central air conditioners, air-source heat pumps and gas...

K-Flex adds new companies.(wholesaler news)
May 1, 2008... K-Flex USA has announced three new manufacturer's representatives. The company is a manufacturer of insulation products and accessories for the HVACR markets. C/K Sales has been appointed as a manufacturer's representatives for the...

Johnson Controls holds latest boot camp.(wholesaler news)
May 1, 2008... Several territory managers with Johnson Controls-Unitary Products recently completed boot camp. But this boot camp had nothing to do with sit-ups and push-ups. The Basic Boot Camp was a Feb. 10-15 training program to highlight resources...

Jackson Systems.(INDIANA)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Jackson Systems in Indianapolis was named one of the "Best places to work in Indiana" for 2008. "We are honored to receive this recognition," said Tom Jackson, CEO. "We work really hard to make sure we create a culture that we all want to...

Washtenaw Community College.(MICHIGAN)
May 1, 2008... Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, Mich., has applied for accreditation of its HVACR program from HVAC Excellence. A new benefit of HVAC Excellence accreditation, according to the organization, is that the Mechanical Service...

Asheville, N.C.-based Palmer Wahl Instruments Inc.(NORTH CAROLINA)
May 1, 2008... Asheville, N.C.-based Palmer Wahl Instruments Inc. received the Exceptionally Innovative Business Award for 2007. The award was presented Feb. 20 at the Grove Park Inn during the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce's "We're For Business"...

WinWholesale.(TEXAS)(WinWholesale is facilitating Winair companies )(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Distributor WinWholesale has opened up Winair companies in Gainesville and Midland, Texas. The new locations will provide HVAC contractors in the northeast and western areas of the state with a complete line of equipment, parts and accessories....

Trane.(UTAH)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Trane is expanding its rental services business by adding a new maintenance and stocking location in Salt Lake City. The new facility was scheduled to be available for service March 13. The manufacturer said the new facility will help...

Dexter & Chaney's Spectrum Construction Software.(WASHINGTON)
May 1, 2008... Dexter & Chaney's Spectrum Construction Software won a Merit Award from the Puget Sound Chapter of the Society for Technical Communications. "We're thrilled to win the award because it validates our efforts to develop the best possible...

Coleman Cable.(WISCONSIN)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... Coleman Cable plans to expand its distribution capabilities by securing a new 500,000-square-foot distribution center in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. The leased facility is located on 28 acres and contains approximately 490,000 square feet of...

The Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwest Wisconsin.(WISCONSIN)
May 1, 2008... The Mechanical Contractors Association of Northwest Wisconsin elected Jon Hengel of Hengel Brothers in La Crosse, Wis., president. The new slate of officers and board members were elected at a meeting Feb. 19. Jim Eron of Eron and...

Johnson Controls.(CANADA)
May 1, 2008... Johnson Controls has selected Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Canada to participate in a collaborative training program dedicated to training the next generation of HVAC technicians. The company's contributions to the institute...

CAD instruction.(books, software & lit)(computer-aided drafting)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... The first volume of Doctor Walt's Solid Modeling Exercises provides material for any computer-aided drafting solid-modeling course. The information provided in the three-ring binder includes 50 mechanical objects presented in full-rendered...

Marketing CDS.(books, software & lit)
May 1, 2008... "Sales & Marketing 101" is a two-CD computer training package that aims to give contractors real-world marketing principles. The training, taught by contractor Larry Taylor, president of Air Rite Air Conditioning in Fort Worth, Texas. The ACCA...

Humidity Guide.(books, software & lit)
May 1, 2008... The ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot and Humid Climates identifies and explains key issues for HVAC designers, contractors and building owners as they plan, build and operate air-conditioned buildings--in a sustainable way--in hot and humid...

Duct presentation.(books, software & lit)(Airflow in Ducts PowerPoint Presentation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... "Airflow in Ducts PowerPoint Presentation" is a CD with eight separate lesson packages covering airflow in ducts. The accompanying binder includes instructor notes for each PowerPoint slide, with items to discuss and questions and problems for...

Adhesive information.(books, software & lit)
May 1, 2008... National Adhesives has published a brochure containing detailed information on its high-performance adhesives for filter assembly. The "Adhesives for Filter Assembly" brochure is intended to provide information to help manufacturers produce...

Grilles brochure.(books, software & lit)(Brief article)
May 1, 2008... This new brochure from Greenheck highlights the company's line of architectural grilles that can serve as sight or solar screens or as detailed accents on exterior walls. Greenheck offers 10 standard aluminum grille models, ranging from simple...

Software package.(books, software & lit)
May 1, 2008... With 41 states requiring load calculations for commercial permit applications, Wrightsoft says that light commercial and industrial contractors can save time and ensure accuracy with its Right-Suite Universal software package. This latest...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
May 1, 2008... MAY April 30-May 2 The Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International will hold its inaugural Congressional Fly-In lobbying event in conjunction with its midyear business conference. The event will feature...

Wholesalers & Mfr. Reps. Directory.(Directory)
May 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...

Copper shows no signs of losing appeal for thieves.(editor's page)
May 1, 2008... I must admit I hadn't thought much about copper thefts in recent months, with all my trade show travel and the nation's economy slowing work for many contractors. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SNIPS has written several times about the issue,...

Losing work to newcomers in California.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
May 1, 2008... I was reading your column in the March SNIPS ("Taking the temperature of the industry in 2008," Editor's Page) and it prompted me to write to you about one of the impacts the latest economic slowdown is having on our commercial business. ...

Results of snipsmag.com March poll.
May 1, 2008... The recent International Builders Show in Orlando, Fla., had a heavy focus on so-called green building. Which phrase best sums up your opinion of green or sustainable building as it relates to the HVAC and sheet metal industries: It's the...