Snips articles from September 2006

Snips archives from September 2006

A 'Bear' of a project: football training center roof presents engineering challenges.(Walter Payton Center in Lake Forest Hills, Illinois)(Cover story)
September 1, 2006... When he made his initial visit to the Walter Payton Center, Paul Mitoraj joked that his first reaction was to "turn around and go back home." Now that his work on the project is completed, Mitoraj, project manager for Alsip, Ill.-based Nelson...

Double vision: more contractors use technology to design in 3-D.
September 1, 2006... As mechanical rooms, labs, hospitals and other such projects become more complex, the technology used in designing, constructing and maintaining them has grown. Few question the value of 3-D technology. Its only downside is a perceived learning...

Room to roam: 9 tips for using space efficiently in work vehicles.
September 1, 2006... Organization is key to saving time--and money. The jobsite is especially important for workers in an industry like sheet metal, which must often transport materials and tools. With constant traffic in and out of work vehicles, it is easy for...

Cladding to insulate city cooling system.(applications in the field)
September 1, 2006... Toronto, a lakefront Canadian city that often experiences stifling summer heat, is using water from nearby Lake Ontario for its cooling needs. Water from the lake is drawn into a filtration plant where it is cleaned before being sent into...

Munters equipment protects artwork after Hurricane Rita.(applications in the field)
September 1, 2006... When Hurricane Rita tore through southeast Texas last fall, it threatened the Stark Museum's valuable collection of American Western art and artifacts worth more than $200 million. The museum, located in Orange, Texas, was built in 1974 and...

ASHRAE endorses refrigerant guide.(association news)
September 1, 2006... ATLANTA -- As part of its commitment to environmental "sustainability," the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers is supporting ARI's guide for responsible refrigerant use. Developed by the...

Welding society awards scholarships.(association news)
September 1, 2006... The American Welding Society recently announced the recipients of its annual scholarship program. The scholarships are awarded through the society's charitable foundation, and go to students in a welding program at an accredited four-year...

Students enter metal construction competition.(association news)
September 1, 2006... While some students spend their summer playing at the beach, a group of architecture and design pupils were designing a beach house and waterfront amphitheatre. The project was part of the Metal Construction Association's student design...

ARI welcomes new members.(association news)
September 1, 2006... Midea Air-Conditioning Equipment Co., EWC Controls, Smardt Inc. and Haier American Trading are the four newest members of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. GM Midea Air-Conditioning Equipment Co. in the Shunde district of...

Johnson Controls, Carrier sell Scroll Technologies to Danfoss.(supplier news)
September 1, 2006... MILWAUKEE -- Johnson Controls and Carrier Corp. have agreed to sell Scroll Technologies to Danfoss. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Scroll Technologies was a joint venture between Johnson Controls and Carrier Corp., with both...

Heat pump shipments up 23 percent in May.(supplier news)
September 1, 2006... Heat pump shipments in the United States totaled 208,592, up 22.9 percent from the same month last year, according to ARI. The Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute also reports that combined U.S. factory shipments of central air...

Lincoln Electric sponsors Indianapolis 500 winner.(supplier news)
September 1, 2006... Lincoln Electric Co. was part of the winner's circle at the Indianapolis 500 May 28. Sam Hornish Jr. was the winner of this year's race, and Lincoln Electric is the exclusive provider of welding equipment and products to Hornish and his...

Workhorse relaunches FasTrack program.(supplier news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... UNION CITY, Ind. -- Workhorse Custom Chassis has relaunched its FasTrack program, which provides integrated walk-in trucks under the Workhorse badge. Since 2000, Workhorse sold standard models of walk-in trucks with one invoice and...

Hypertherm honored for volunteer service.(supplier news)
September 1, 2006... Hypertherm Inc. was recently recognized for its mission to promote the development and well-being of children and families in Hanover, N.H. The plasma-cutting system manufacturer was honored during the National Conference on Volunteering...

Emerson expands manufacturing of Copeland scrolls.(supplier news)
September 1, 2006... Emerson Climate Technologies has broken ground on a Copeland Scroll compressor assembly facility in Reynosa, Mexico. Company officials say the investment represents Emerson's commitment to meet growing demand for energy-efficient...

Chicagoland council names award winners.(contractor news)(Chicagoland Better Heating-Cooling Council)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The Chicagoland Better Heating-Cooling Council named Don Howley as its Educator of the Year for 2005-2006. Howley of Affiliated Steam Equipment Inc. earned the distinction for his two-part "Basic Steam School," which the Chicagoland...

Contractor named Trade Partner of the Year.(contractor news)
September 1, 2006... Corona, Calif.-based Executive Plumbing, Heating & Air was awarded the Trade Partner of the Year from Shea Homes and Pulte Homes. Both homebuilding companies give the honor to the subcontractor who is best in the categories of safety,...

Construction employment 'tepid,' says AGC.(contractor news)
September 1, 2006... The Associated General Contractors are calling construction employment "tepid," after the release of a new Bureau of Labor Statistics report. According to the report released in July, construction employment has remained essentially...

Emcor division earns safety award.(contractor news)
September 1, 2006... SMYRNA, Ga. -- Emcor Service Aircond Corp. received a Safety Award of Merit from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America. The company was named to the ACCA's Safety Masters Club and placed first in the category of over 200,000 hours...

Florida company makes Rheem Top 10 for fourth straight year.(contractor news)
September 1, 2006... Weather Control A/C Inc. in Fort Myers, Fla., was named the top Rheem contractor for the fourth year in a row. Neese-Jones Heating & Air Conditioning Inc. was recognized as the top Ruud contractor for the year. Rheem Manufacturing and...

PHCC offers Web site design services to members.(internet news)
September 1, 2006... Through a partnership with Market Hardware, PHCC is now offering its members Internet design and hosting services. Members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association will have access to an online package that includes...

ASHRAE code info available online.(internet news)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(www.ashrae.org/standards)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... In an effort to streamline the process of standards development, ASHRAE is publishing supplements containing all recent addenda to code-intended standards. These addenda can be found on the ASHRAE Web site, www.ashrae.org/standards. ...

Miller Electric launches industry 'blog'.(internet news)
September 1, 2006... Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. has created a corporate welding "blog," an online diary where visitors can share their ideas and opinions on the manufacturing industry. The Miller blog is called Viewpoints, and can be found by visiting...

Coil coating association providing online tutorials.(internet news)
September 1, 2006... The National Coil Coating Association is offering five animated tutorials at its Web site, www.coilcoatinginstitute.org. According to the association, the tutorials are designed to educate manufacturers that paint or coat metal products...

Centria site offers technical research.(internet news)
September 1, 2006... The new Centria Web site is providing education through its Centria Institute. The goal of the Centria Institute is to provide information for architects, contractors and owners. The institute concentrates its efforts in the areas of...

Students win SkillsUSA sheet metal competition.(meetings & conventions)
September 1, 2006... Six students were honored for their work in the sheet metal championship portion of the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference. SkillsUSA is the national organization for students in trade, industrial, technical and health...

Company offers hands-on sales school.(meetings & conventions)
September 1, 2006... Twenty distributors from across the country attended ABB Inc.'s HVAC sales training school June 5-7 in New Berlin, Wis. According to company officials, the course provided attendees with a curriculum that would help them better understand...

Easy Street schedules software training.(meetings & conventions)
September 1, 2006... Easy Street Inc. will offer its fourth semiannual Total Office Manager training class Oct. 24-26 at the Radisson Hotel in Lenexa, Kan. The course will cover all aspects of the company's accounting, dispatching and management software. ...

Metalcon sessions include building performance.(meetings & conventions)
September 1, 2006... Metalcon International will offer several educational sessions at its 2006 show, including building performance and framing with cold-formed steel. Organizers believe these two sessions will be among the most popular when the 2006 trade...

Association to host Oil Heat Retreat.(meetings & conventions)
September 1, 2006... This year's Oil Heat Retreat will feature education, entertainment and an exhibit of antique oil trucks. The retreat is hosted by the National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers and will take place Sept. 21-24 in Lancaster, Pa. ...

California SMACNA chapter honors members.(meetings & conventions)
September 1, 2006... The California chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association honored its "hometown heroes" and safety winners at its annual convention. The 40th annual event was held April 19-22 at the Quail Lodge in...

Data-Basics schedules meeting.(meetings & conventions)
September 1, 2006... Data-Basics will focus on maximizing the power of its Sam Pro Enterprise software at its 2006 User's Group Meeting and Seminar, Sept. 10-12 in Cleveland. The annual event is open to all companies currently using a Data-Basics software...

Sid Harvey's names New England territory managers.(people in the news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... HVACR wholesaler and distributor Sid Harvey's appointed Chris LaPlante and Bob Moody as territory managers. LaPlante has worked for the distributor since 1991 in a variety of positions, including sales representative and branch manager. In his...

Johnstone Supply.(people in the news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Johnstone Supply has promoted Jim Adcox to vice president of membership. Adcox's core responsibility will be to act as the corporate liaison to the Johnstone Supply members, each of whom are independent owners belonging to the Johnstone...

U.S. Postal Service.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... John Kelly has joined Profit Strategies as a database manager. Kelly, who is retired from the U.S. Postal Service, will manage a database containing thousands of HVAC and plumbing repair tasks, as well as parts and equipment used by contractors...

Quest Technologies Inc.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... Heidi Tunak, team leader sales coordinator for Quest Technologies Inc., was selected as the Employee Stock Ownership Plan Employee of the Year. Tunak was selected by the Wisconsin Chapter of the ESOP Association. According to Quest Technology,...

HVACR and plumbing industries.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... Quality Service Contractors has hired Lawrence Snow as its new business management coach. Snow is a 31-year veteran of the HVACR and plumbing industries. As business coach, he will provide a variety of services, including strategic planning....

Professional training and development organization Nexstar.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... Professional training and development organization Nexstar has made staff changes to help members take advantage of available resources. Filling the new role of new member development coach will be Scott Pearson. Pearson has been on the Nexstar...

Nexstar staff.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... Susan Tigner has joined the Nexstar staff as strategic partners manager. Tigner will work to enhance the preferred-vendor program. Her background includes 25 years of experience in marketing, communications, contract management and...

Emcor Service Midwest.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... Thom Sellars has been named vice president and general manager of Emcor Service Midwest. In his new position, Sellars is responsible for enhancing the company's capabilities in the marketplace, including developing Emcor Services Midwest's...

Emcor Group Inc.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... "Thom brings unique experience and an exceedingly strong client orientation to our Midwest Mobile Services operations," said Tony Guzzi, president and CEO of Emcor Group Inc. "One of Thom's strengths is his expertise in working with clients to...

Farr Air Pollution Control.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... John Dauber was promoted to North American sales manager at Farr Air Pollution Control. Dauber brings 15 years of related experience to this new post. He joined Farr APC in 1998 as regional sales manager. Previously, he held a range of sales...

A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... A.O. Smith Electrical Products Co. named Sarah C. Sutton vice president of global finance. In her new position, Sutton will be responsible for establishing and monitoring financial and accounting policies, procedures and reporting for A.O....

ABB Automation Products.(people in the news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Daniel Beaudet was named vice president of quality systems for ABB Automation Products. Beaudet will be responsible for the continued development of systems for drives operations, which manufactures and ships drives to customers throughout...

WennSoft.(people in the news)
September 1, 2006... WennSoft announced the addition of Gordon McBride to the company's operations team in the role of general manager for construction and specialty technical trends. McBride brings more than 20 years of sales experience in the construction...

Easy Street Inc.(people in the news)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Jenna Weir and Mark Cooley are the latest additions to Easy Street Inc.'s technical support team. Cooley received his degree in computer science from Oklahoma Junior College and comes to Easy Street with 15 years of experience in...

Samples and demonstrations often make the deal.(sales & marketing)
September 1, 2006... You should always use samples or demonstrations whenever possible. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It is far more effective to let people see and feel the items you are trying to sell them. Remember that the closer you get to having buyers' six...

No matter the season, keep your marketing efforts going.(contractor cents)
September 1, 2006... Now that the summer busy season is ending, it's time to review some simple marketing ideas that will ensure that you stay active year-round. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Remember that marketing doesn't have to cost a lot. The cheapest form...

The pride of a clean city--or construction site.(mind your business)
September 1, 2006... A few years ago, during a trip to Germany, litter made the deepest impression. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Discarded trash lined both sides of a two-lane country road for some 60 kilometers as our tour bus headed to a factory in the little...

Armacell products feature anti-microbial protection.(indoor air quality)
September 1, 2006... Insulation manufacturer Armacell LLC has begun manufacturing closed-cell elastomeric foam products with built-in mold-resistant, anti-microbial protection. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The product, known as AP Armaflex, has the mold fighters...

Air quality associations join forces.(indoor air quality)
September 1, 2006... Three indoor air quality associations announced they are now working together, using the resources of almost 6,000 industry professionals. The Indoor Air Quality Association, the American Indoor Air Quality Council and the Indoor...

Ultraviolet air disinfection reduces asthma, says study.(indoor air quality)
September 1, 2006... A recent study of asthmatic children reveals that an ultraviolet air-disinfection system in a home's ventilation ducts may reduce asthma attacks. The study, conducted by Dr. Jonathan Bernstein, was published in the May issue of the Journal...

Manufacturing technology up 18 percent in 2006.(wholesaler news)
September 1, 2006... U.S. manufacturing technology consumption totaled $255 million in April. This total, from the Association for Manufacturing Technology and the American Machine Tool Distributors' Association, was down 27.7 percent from March, but up 6.8...

Grainger to expand Detroit operations.(wholesaler news)(W.w. Grainger Inc.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Grainger announced it would expand its operations by opening a new 24,000-square-foot branch in Auburn Hills, Mich. In addition to the new facility in Auburn Hills, Grainger plans to open a new location in the western Detroit suburbs within...

Distributors mark five years of sales growth, report says.(wholesaler news)
September 1, 2006... Distributors continued five consecutive years of sales growth with an 11.5 percent increase in sales last year, according to the HARDI 2006 profit report. The Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International's annual...

Jackson Systems expands headquarters.(wholesaler news)(Jackson Systems L.L.C.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... HVAC manufacturer and wholesaler Jackson Systems wrapped up construction at its Indianapolis headquarters in July. The 20,000-square-foot expansion will increase office space, warehouse and training facilities. Company officials say...

Coleman promotes display trailer to distributors.(wholesaler news)
September 1, 2006... The Coleman mini display trailer is the latest marketing tool the company is offering to distributors. The 8-foot by 12-foot trailer attaches to the back of any sport-utility vehicle or light-pickup truck, and showcases the brand's latest...

Kinetic Systems.(ARIZONA)(David Cooper wins contest)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... David Cooper of Kinetic Systems was the winner of a free weekend at the Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., for guessing the date of Phoenix's first 100-degree day. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning...

SMACNA's Orange Empire chapter.(CALIFORNIA)(Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National Association)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... Representatives of SMACNA's Orange Empire chapter visited with Lou Correa, Orange County supervisor and candidate for state Senate. Mark Tardif of Tardif Sheet Metal and Julie Muller from the Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors'...

Colorado Roofing Association.(COLORADO)
September 1, 2006... The Colorado Roofing Association was scheduled to hold its membership luncheon July 28 at the Denver Merchandise Mart. Mark Gaulin, the National Roofing Contractors Association's new president, was to be on hand to update attendees on the...

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association.(ILLINOIS)
September 1, 2006... The Northeastern Illinois chapter of the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association has moved its office. The new office is located at 2703 Van Buren St. in Bellwood, Ill. The association can still be reached at (866)...

Mechanical Contractors Association.(INDIANA)
September 1, 2006... The Mechanical Contractors Association of America held its 2006 Pre-Fabrication Seminar May 11-12 in Fort Wayne, Ind. Eighty contractors attended the two-day event, which focused on pre-fabrication and design. The seminar was also hosted by...

HVAC Excellence.(KENTUCKY)
September 1, 2006... Bowling Green Technical College in Bowling Green, Ky., has been accredited for its program by HVAC Excellence. HVAC Excellence is a not-for-profit organization that seeks to certify HVAC technicians who attended approved schools. According...

Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association.(NORTH CAROLINA)
September 1, 2006... The Carolinas Roofing & Sheet Metal Contractors Association welcomed approximately 200 attendees to its 63rd annual meeting, June 22-25 at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C. Attendees included roofing contractors, suppliers and sustaining...

San Juan, Puerto Rico.(PUERTO RICO)(training center for sheet metal workers inaugurated)(Brief article)
September 1, 2006... The residents of San Juan, Puerto Rico, celebrated the opening of its first Sheet Metal Workers union-Sheet Metal and Air-Conditioning Contractors' National Association training center on June 22. The opening of the union Local 41 center in...

Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Empire Machinery & Tools.(CANADA)
September 1, 2006... Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Empire Machinery & Tools will be at booth No. 2841 during "Canadian Manufacturing Week," Sept. 26-28. Canadian Manufacturing Week is held as part of Weld Expo Canada and Metal Finishing Expo Canada. The event features...

Damper details.(books, software & lit)
September 1, 2006... Standard Metal Products Manufacturing has released a new catalog featuring its line of dampers, louvers and access doors. The catalog provides specification for each product, including blade length on dampers, stock size and pricing. Available...

Fabrication catalog.(books, software & lit)
September 1, 2006... A new catalog from Canada's Empire Machinery & Tools Ltd. is now available. The catalog covers the company's broad range of sheet metal machines and tools as well as metal-fabricating equipment. The catalog is free. To order a copy, call (800)...

Business tools.(books, software & lit)
September 1, 2006... Easy Street Inc. has introduced its "Contractor Success" catalog for spring 2006. The catalog provides information on the company's business tools, including software for flat-rate pricing, local calculations, labor-rate calculations and more....

Duct catalog.(books, software & lit)
September 1, 2006... This catalog from Air Flow Co. Inc. provides product specifications on the company's snap-lock pipe, adjustable elbows, spin collars, flexible duct, access door, and spiral duct and fittings. The company also offers a number of diffusers,...

HVAC in Spanish.(books, software & lit)
September 1, 2006... A new 88-page, pocket-size guide from Lama Books translates commonly used HVAC and refrigeration terms from English to Spanish and Spanish to English. According to the publisher, as workplace fatalities increase for Spanish-speaking workers,...

Energy-savings document.(books, software & lit)
September 1, 2006... This company has released new building study comparisons that document the 36 percent to 68 percent energy savings associated with the use of its Blow-Thru space-heating technology and patented gas burner. The blow-through technology allows for...

Welding helmets.(new products)
September 1, 2006... This company has released two new welding helmets with a camouflage and joker design. The helmets are available in Miller Electric's Elite series of auto-darkening helmets. Miller's camouflage helmet features the Hardwoods Brown,...

Duct liner.(new products)
September 1, 2006... This company's LinaTex Textile duct liner has been improved. The company reports that by fortifying the black, high-density glass mat airstream surface of the duct liner, the product has increased durability and resistance to fiber erosion when...

Ultrasonic tool.(new products)
September 1, 2006... The Marksman ultrasonic diagnostic tool converts and amplifies ultrasonic sound into audible "natural" sound. According to the company, service technicians can easily hear sounds that signify problems, such as compressed air leaks, electrical...

Punching machine.(new products)
September 1, 2006... The Trumatic 1000 R is a new compact punching machine from this company. The machine is designed as an entry-level punching machine. According to the company, the product is a cost-effective way for beginners to enter the field of CNC sheet...

Shear.(new products)
September 1, 2006... This company has introduced a new heavy-duty version of its Boss Shear modified to handle 16-gauge steel. The new model cuts with yield strength in the 40,000-pounds-per-square-inch range and runs 48-inch wide coils at the same...

Centrifugal Fan.(new products)
September 1, 2006... The TID In-line Centrifugal Fan is available in diameters from 12 inches through 24 inches, with capacities ranging to 4,000 cfm. The fan uses a TEK backward-curved airfoil impeller for performance and sound characteristics. Other features...

Calendar of events.(Calendar)
September 1, 2006... SEPTEMBER [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 18-20 A course on geothermal heat pump system design will be offered by the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Madison, Wis. Attendees will learn about design of water-loop heat pump systems,...

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

Snips gets in gear as contractors' busy summer season ends.(editor's page)
September 1, 2006... I can't believe summer is almost over--unofficially, at least. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While the calendar still says it's summer for another three weeks or so, many people consider Labor Day the season's end, since school will be back...

Educators unaware of opportunities industry offers.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2006... Articles in the June issue of Snips, including your editorial, emphasized the critical need for attracting young people into the HVAC industry. This has long been a concern of mine as well. Part of the problem is that most teachers and...