Industrial Distribution articles from August 2004

Industrial Distribution archives from August 2004

Industrial distribution executive sales seminar.(ID's Contents Online)(INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... "Driving Sales Beyond" Fall Seminar, October 21, 2004, Schaumburg, IL Is your company in a sales funk? Has your sales team developed bad habits? Do your sales managers have blinders on? "Driving Sales Beyond" is a one-day program, designed...

Annual Survey results poll.(ID's Contents Online)(INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION)(online poll)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION will release its 58th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations in September. In addition to the preview of the 58th Annual Survey in this issue, we will be conducting an online poll related to some of the issues raised in...

ID's Supplier Search.(ID's Contents Online)(INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION will launch its own search engine this month, replacing our online Buyers Guide. Called INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION'S Supplier Search, this new industrial search engine will allow you to search products and suppliers from...

ID Today.(ID's Contents Online)(INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The New "ID Today" section of our home page shows you a different batch of recent INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION articles each day. Check back daily to read more features and opinions, including our popular Strictly For Sales, Tech Notes, and...

Product news.(Looking Ahead)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Don't miss next month's Product News, a special supplement to INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION featuring some of the latest and greatest new products on the market. One more Product News issue will be published later this year, in November, so watch for...

Special coverage: STAFDA and ISA.(Looking Ahead)(Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association)(Industrial Supply Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... If you'll be attending the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Assn. convention or the Industrial Supply Assn.'s Fall Business Expo, watch for ID's exclusive coverage of these industry events. We produce special issues for each show, and...

Special report: construction.(Looking Ahead)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... October: In our Construction report, distributors can learn to help their customers choose the right ladder and what they should be equipped with for better safety. A report on professional hammers will discuss hammer face and weight issues,...

Distributors remain upbeat.(Editorial)
August 1, 2004... DISTRIBUTORS HAVE A LOT to be concerned about these days, according to INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION'S 58th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations (p. 44). [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For starters, the movement of manufacturers to China and...

BSA publishes A History of Bearings.(Around and About)(Bearing Specialists Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... HAVE YOU EVER wondered where bearings came from? Well, wonder no more. The Bearing Specialists Assn. has an answer for you. BSA, which represents distributors and manufacturers of bearings, recently published A Brief History of Bearings,...

In the news.(Around and About)(Industrial Packaging Corp)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... CGW-Camel Grinding Wheels, USA, moved to a 60,000-square foot facility at 7525 North Oak Park Ave., Niles, Ill., just 3/10 of a mile from its previous location. CGW makes grinding wheels, flap discs and other grinding materials......

Acquisitions.(Around and About)(Distribution Dynamics, Inc)(S.L. Fusco, Inc)(Guardair Corp)(Nortech Corp)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Electrical and electronics products distributor Anixter International, Inc. completed the purchase of Distribution Dynamics, Inc., a privately held distributor of fasteners and small components to original equipment manufacturers, based in Eden...

Awards and honors.(Around and About)(ANSI/ISO/ASQ 9001-2000)(JCI Bronze Award)(Gillette Omni-mark Award)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Minnesota Flexible Corp. achieved ANSI/ISO/ASQ 9001-2000 certification. MFC is a fabricator of industrial hose products and fittings... Purchased Parts Group received the JCI Bronze Award from Johnson Controls, the 2003 Excellence Award from...

Customer service is not rocket science: being flexible and innovative is vital to providing first-rate service to customers.(Strictly for Sales)
August 1, 2004... IT'S 11:15 A.M. Can this cab driver drive any slower? I'm going to miss my flight. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I arrive at the ticket counter in Jacksonville at 11:30 a.m., 15 minutes before my flight leaves for St. Louis. I say to the...

Consolidations on the rise again: buyers and sellers of industrial distributorships have hit the ground running in the last several months, and experts say the end is nowhere in sight.(News)(White Cap Construction Supply)(INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION)
August 1, 2004... NEWTON, MASS. -- It's not your imagination--distributors and manufacturers really are buying each other and selling themselves more frequently these days. In just the last 12 months, news has broken on, among several other deals, Hughes...

PTDA honors Ralph Buntyn.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Ralph Buntyn, former senior vice president of marketing with Motion Industries, has been named an Honorary Life Member of the Power Transmission Distributors Assn. This designation is given to a select group of PTDA members who have...

P21 acquires Dynamic Data.(News)(Distributor Information Systems Corp)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Marking its fourth acquisition in a year, Prophet 21 recently purchased Dynamic Data Systems, Inc., an enterprise software solution provider, based in Denver. Dynamic Data is the provider of Turns, "software offering a complete business...

Speedware to buy Prelude Systems.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Consolidation in the distribution software market continued in July, with the announcement that Montreal-based Speedware Corp. would purchase Prelude Systems, a 25-year-old wholesale distribution software company based in Texas. Publicly...

ISM report shows rise in manufacturing.(News)(Institute for Supply Management)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... For the 13th consecutive month, economic activity in manufacturing grew in June 2004, according to the Institute for Supply Management's Report On Business. In addition, the nation's overall economy grew for the 32nd consecutive month,...

Applied promotes Barlett.(News)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Applied Industrial Technologies has named Todd Barlett vice president of acquisitions and global business development. He was previously Applied's vice president for global business development. In his new position, Barlett will be...

Materials handling sales surge.(News)
August 1, 2004... Materials handling activity has increased enough with the expanding economy that the equipment and facility capacity to handle, move and store both supplies and products is being strained at many manufacturing and distribution sites. This is...

The Paper Trail.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2004... I read your editorial on The Paper Trail (March 2004, p. 15) and respond in this fashion. I have been involved in sales for 30 years, and I too have seen many changes. The workday is no longer 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. I think this is the major...

Clarification.(Correction Notice)
August 1, 2004... Our June feature story, "Mastering Distribution," p. 59, incorrectly identified United America Sales, Inc. as United American Tools Sales. United American Sales is a safety wholesaler based in Wilmington, Ohio.

Distributors.(Players)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Motion Industries named Wayne Law executive vice president, purchasing and distribution... Avnet Electronics Marketing Americas promoted Phil Gallagher to president... W.W. Grainger named James A. Garman senior vice president of human...

Manufacturers.(Players)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Titan Industries appointed Web Mitchell as territory sales manager for the southeast region... Commonwealth Industries, Inc. elected Steven J. Demetriou as president and chief executive officer... William T. Todd, II, former president of...

Software/technology.(Players)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... FKI Logistex promoted Stephen Causey to vice president, finance; promoted Stephen Legg to vice president, business development; appointed Dave Baker as president of the FKI Logistex Manufacturing Systems Division; named John Kelly president of...

Manufacturers' reps.(Players)(PIAB Vacuum Conveyors, AW Process Systems Inc., McKenna Engineering & Equipment, Frank Faiola and Associates)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... AW Process Systems, Inc. joined PIAB Vacuum Conveyors' network of manufacturing representatives... McKenna Engineering & Equipment and its subsidiary, Pump Systems, Inc. also joined PIAB Vacuum Conveyors' network of manufacturing...

NAED's new officers.(Associations)(National Association of Electrical Distributors)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The National Assn. of Electrical Distributors announced its new Board of Directors for 2004-05, to be led by newly elected chairman of the board Peter De Steiger, chief executive officer of Raymond De Steiger, Inc. in Sterling Heights, Mich....

FPDA's MC Tech Expo.(Associations)(companion technologies)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... FPDA-Serving Fluid Power and Motion Technology Distributors will conduct its second motion control products Tech Expo at the organization's 2004 Fall Conference, Oct. 16-19, in St. Louis. The goal of the Tech Expo is to showcase companion...

NAW/DREF's newly elected chairman, directors.(Associations)(Distribution Research and Education Foundation)(National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors' Distribution Research and Education Foundation announced the election of a new chairman and the addition of two members to its Board of Directors. Byron Potter, president/CEO of Dallas...

STAFDA news: Web site and convention.(Associations)(Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Association)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Assn. is helping keep members on top of the issues and candidates' positions during the election year with a new button on its Web site, "Government Relations." The button contains three...

Calendar.(Calendar)
August 1, 2004... Sept. 10-17 National Safety Council 92nd Annual Congress & Expo New Orleans (630) 285-1121 www.nsc.org Sept. 13-14 BSA Fall Leadership Meeting Rosemont, Ill. www.bsahome.org Sept. 15-18 NIBA-The...

Switching from paper to AIDC: finally leaving the paper environment can mean lower error rates.(E-Biz)(automatic identification and data capture)
August 1, 2004... PULL SHEETS, pick lists and other conventional warehouse paperwork are tangible, familiar and seem easy to use. The workforce is comfortable with them and their related processes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So when is it time to replace...

Lowering distributors' TCO.(Tech Notes)(Gillani, Inc)(iDistribute)(The Gillani Financials software)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Gillani, Inc., a provider of supply chain management software, announced the availability of iDistribute and Gillani Financials in an application service provider, all in an effort to lower a distributor's total cost of ownership. ...

ADT ensures compliance with RFID.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... ADT Security Services, Inc., introduced the Sensormatic SensorID RFID launch package, aimed at providing consumer goods manufacturers with a complete and upgradeable solution to RFID implementation. The package includes readers, antennas,...

SkyBitz talks to off-highway companies.(Tech Notes)(InSight Engine Hours Meter)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... SkyBitz, a two-way communication satellite-based asset monitoring and information management service, has applied its patented Global Locating System platform to develop the InSight Engine Hours Meter, which enables customers to monitor engine...

P21 releases B2B version 3.0.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The latest release of Prophet 21's fully integrated, Web-based store-front, B2B Seller 3.0, automatically notifies customers of accessory and complementary items before checkout, increasing sales opportunities and improving customer service....

CraneMart gives software a lift.(Tech Notes)(CraneMart International)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... CraneMart International, one of the largest integrated networks of overhead crane specialists in North America, launched its Tech Link Total Car software program, designed to enhance the long-term performance, economy and safety of overhead...

Best's new software version is a peach.(Tech Notes)(Peachtree Premium Accounting)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Best Software announced the availability of new versions of Peachtree Premium Accounting for manufacturing or distribution as part of the Peachtree 2005 product line. The products, targeted to small distributors and manufacturers, provide...

Taking care of business 24/7: fluid power and power transmission distributor TFE keeps the lights on, doors open and phones answered with extra long hours and any-time solutions.(Cover Story)
August 1, 2004... Situated in the back corner of an unassuming industrial park in Fort Wayne, Ind., TFE, Inc., seems like, from the front, a calm, collected and tan-colored business that may or may not do anything dynamic. Only the foolish would judge this book...

On the road ... again: many manufacturers continue to move their plants to China and other countries, resulting in a substantial loss of business for distributors.
August 1, 2004... The migration of U.S. manufacturers to China and other countries is taking its toll on industrial distributors, according to INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION'S 58th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations. Forty-five percent of the nearly 800...

Spend money to make money: trimming the budget isn't the only way to improve your bottom line.(Finance)
August 1, 2004... Ask people involved either directly or indirectly with distribution and related industries for ideas on improving a company's bottom line and there is no shortage of feedback. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Well, you can either sell more...

The future of distribution: customer self-service, strategic sourcing and fee-based business models are strategies to watch in the years ahead.(Distribution 2004)
August 1, 2004... In the third part of this three-part article on the state of industrial distribution in 2004, former editor in chief of Purchasing magazine James Morgan provides insights into the future of industrial distribution. PART 3 WHAT'S AHEAD...

Light up your business: help your customer understand the new technology behind long-lasting, lightweight and compact flashlights.(Special Report)(Product/Service Evaluation)
August 1, 2004... MOST TECHNICIANS have a tool for every conceivable task. This abundance of professional tools makes it very difficult for industrial distributors to have a working knowledge of every product their customers require. Flashlights, however, are...

Silent, but deadly: it's gas, and plant personnel should be trained to detect it. Here's a primer on how to monitor for harmful contaminants.(Special Report)
August 1, 2004... SO YOU'RE NEW TO THE FIELD of industrial gas detection, and you've got to consider the needs of your customer's workplace. Where to start? First, the basics of gas detection: why, where, what and how. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

If the glove fits ...: ... that's peace of mind for those that need comfort and dexterity working around dangerous equipment.(Special Report)
August 1, 2004... WHOEVER TOLD YOU that "a glove is a glove is a glove" is not exactly seeing the complete picture. With safety a growing focal point, glove companies continue to improve and expand product lines for specialized hand protection. ...

The fragility of the supply chain: many moveable parts are dependent upon one another for success.(Manufacturer's View)
August 1, 2004... IN THIS INDUSTRY, we often talk about the "supply chain" in general terms. But we don't often talk about how our delivery performance affects the entire supply chain. I can tell you from experience the importance of supply chain...

Ceramic balls make for better bearings: Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramics' CERBEC balls provide more enhanced performance than steel balls.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Hybrid bearings)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Products last longer and provide better performance using CERBEC ceramic balls than steel balls for many reasons, according to Saint-Gobain Advanced Ceramics. CERBEC balls offer many advantages, and it is the combination of lower thermal...

Sweeps.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Big Gripper handle)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Stellar Sweep series features the Big Gripper handle, a strong, clamp-style handle that requires no brace; and provides users with easy to identify, color-coded sweeps. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Weiler Corp., www.weilercorp.com

Machining center.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(The HSC 500 machining center)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The HSC 500 machining center is designed to machine electrodes in graphite and copper, as well as pre-hardened materials, to exacting tolerances; and features high-speed spindles, and quick accelerations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

High-precision scissor.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Xuron 440 high-precision scissor features a cutting head that produces a clean, square edge on a variety of materials, especially PVC jacketing and photo-etched parts. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Xuron Corp., www.xuron.com

Plugs and connectors.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Industrial grade straight blade plugs and connectors are designed to withstand rugged use while ensuring long-term reliability and easy installation. Cooper Wiring Devices, www.cooperwiringdevices.com

Pliers.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The design of the Iron Workers (rebar) pliers lets users slide and position their fingers for a twisting grip during challenging pulling tasks, while maintaining comfort and control. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BAHCO North America,...

Abrasive wheels.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... GOLD MaXX wheels boast a 10% faster cut rate and a 30% longer life; are made with zirconia alumina and aluminum oxide abrasive grain in a free cutting bond; and are available in 4 1/2-in. through 9-in. dia. in 1/4-in. thickness. ...

Jaw couplings.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Jawflex zero backlash jaw couplings are 3-piece couplings comprised of 2 hubs with curved jaws and an elastic element; are available in 2 hardness levels; and are considered fail safe. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ruland Manufacturing...

Acrylic enamel.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The Iron Guard direct-to-metal acrylic enamel is a high gloss, waterborne, 100% acrylic, corrosion-resistant coating that also offers low VOC, low odor; and is 100% compliant with current regulations. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Diversified...

Molded connectors.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... These molded connectors, featuring color-coded wires, are available in loop style with a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other, or with either a male or female connector on one end only. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Penetrating oil.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Cold Shock is a fast-acting, penetrating oil that super-cools bolts to -30[degrees]F, allowing the oils to seep inside threads to loosen rust, allowing the nut or bolt to be removed instantly. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] J. Walter, Inc.,...

Aluminum wrench.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The aluminum RAPIDGRIP wrench is a heavy-duty, self-adjusting pipe wrench designed for one-handed operation; is available in two sizes: 14 in. and 18 in.; and, due to its aluminum handle, is 35% lighter than comparable ductile wrenches. ...

Set-screw collars.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... These set-screw collars can be produced in English and metric sizes ranging from 1/16-in. to 14-in. I.D. with a wide range of wall thicknesses; and can incorporate multiple screws, face holes, grooves and custom finishes. [ILLUSTRATION...

Shoulder bolts.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The cylinder head shoulder bolts have a tensile strength of 500 N/mm2; are case hardened with a depth of .2-.4 mm; and feature a machined and ground shoulder. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] J.W. Winco, www.jwwinco.com

Linear drives.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Uhing rolling ring linear drives offer a free movement lever as a standard feature making it possible to slide the drive unit, with its attached load, anywhere along the shaft without having to turn on the motor. Amacoil, Inc.,...

Air-powered saw.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The APS-438 air-powered saw features a fiberglass reinforced blade that can cut tube or pipe up to 4 3/8-in. thick; is available with a quick-clamp track for a secure grip; and cuts within [+ or -] 1/8 in. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Esco...

Connector system.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... The MX150 sealed connector system is a submersible, environmentally sealed interconnection system designed to withstand harsh connections; is pre-assembled for easy use; and includes mat and interfacial seals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Adhesive/sealant.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Liquid Rivet 1152 FS adhesive/sealant is a high solids, moisture-curing formulation with high green strength and initial tack, providing high-strength elastic bonding performance. Bostik Findley, Inc., www.bostikfindley-us.com

Pneumatic fittings.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... Push-to-connect pneumatic fittings allow easily made, instant connections with no tools or other operations; are available in a range of body designs and configurations, from 1/8-in. to 1/2-in. dia.; and are offered in both poly and...

Replaceable hammer faces.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2004... BASA replaceable faces for the split-head hammers have a usage temperature of +250[degrees]F for short durations, making them ideal for higher temperature applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Garland Manufacturing,...

Be green and growing: continuing your growth through employee participation, education and inspiration.(Final Word)
August 1, 2004... IN OUR WORLD OF RAPID CHANGE, you can be sure that we can't continue to keep doing things the way they have always been done. Life ahead in our industry will only allow us the luxury of a quick glance in the rear-view mirror and a steady focus...