Industrial Distribution articles from February 2003

Industrial Distribution archives from February 2003

The case for eBusiness standards. (Commentary).
February 1, 2003... The low rate of EDI compliance by small distributors impedes significant gains in supply chain efficiency, writes Don Webb, president of Prelude Systems, Inc. Webb says XML standards rather than traditional EDI e-commerce offer the greatest...

2003 big 50 distributors. (Nomination Form).
February 1, 2003... As ID narrows our ranking of top industrial distributors this year, once again we invite you to nominate your company online. You can view the guidelines and access a nomination form on our homepage, www.ind-dist.com. All entries must be...

2003 Technology Directory. (Online Resource).
February 1, 2003... Click on the 2003 Technology Directory button from our homepage for a one-stop guide to 130 vendors of distribution and warehouse management software, electronic catalog resources, consultants and other special services. The online directory is...

Made in the USA. (Your View).
February 1, 2003... What do you think of the importance of the "Made in the U.S.A." stamp on hand tools? In this month's Construction Target Market Report, Richard Wright, chairman of Wright Tool Co., argues that American-made makes a real difference. He says...

Looking ahead.
February 1, 2003... Still struggling to get your company's costs in line? Try focusing on rightsizing, rather than downsizing. In our March issue, we'll offer tips on making your company more efficient, without taking a toll on your employees. Also in March,...

Precision Industries. (Company News).(opens distribution center)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Precision Industries, distributor of bearings/power transmission products and fluid power components, opened an 80,000 square-foot master distribution center in Omaha, Neb. The center holds $15 million in inventory, representing over 1,000...

Norma Products (U.S.). (Company News).(distribution agreement with Suministros y Distribuidores Automotrices, S.A. de C.V.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Clamps and connecting systems manufacturer Norma Products (U.S.) strengthened its network of stocking distributors by adding Suministros y Distribuidores Automotrices, s.a. de c.v. of Mexico City as a distributor for Mexico.

S.L. Fusco, Inc. (Company News).(distributor alliances)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Distributor alliance IBC added S.L. Fusco, Inc. of Rancho Dominguez, Calif., and Kendeco Tool Crib of St. Cloud, Minn., to its group of industrial supply distributors located throughout North America. IBC also added Thompson Industrial Supply...

Military and Commercial Fasteners Corp. (Acquisitions and Mergers).(acquired Omega Thread Rolling)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... York, Pa.-based Military and Commercial Fasteners Corp., a hardware distributor and manufacturer, acquired Omega Thread Rolling of Plainville, Conn.

Best Access Systems. (Acquisitions and Mergers).(acquired by The Stanley Works)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The Stanley Works completed its acquisition of Best Lock Corp. dba Best Access Systems

Airgas, Inc. (Acquisitions and Mergers).(acquires Welding Metals Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Airgas, Inc. acquired Welding Metals, Inc., a Detroit-based distributor of gases and welding supplies

Eaton Corp. (Acquisitions and Mergers).(acquires part of Commonwealth Spraque Capacitor)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Eaton Corp. acquired the power systems business of Commonwealth Sprague Capacitor

sia Abrasives. (Acquisitions and Mergers).(acquires Coated Abrasive Products Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Swiss manufacturer sia Abrasives acquired Coated Abrasive Products Co., dba CAPCO Abrasives, of Anoka, Minn.

Endries International. (Acquisitions and Mergers).(acquires Interstate-Fisher Division)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Wisconsin-based Endries International purchased Interstate-Fastener Division from Interstate Welding Sales Corp.

S.B. Simpson Group. (Acquisitions and Mergers).(acquires Mark Industrial Ltd.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Canada's S.B. Simpson Group acquired Mark Industrial Ltd. of Burlington, Ontario.

Mine Safety Appliances Co. (Awards).(awards Airgas Inc.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Mine Safety Appliances Co. awarded Airgas Inc. a 2002 Pinnacle President's Award. The award honors the distributor that has generated the greatest sales volume growth based on sales volume and percentage increase of MSA safety products

Applied Industrial Technologies. (Awards).(ISO 9001 registration)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Applied Industrial Technologies announced ISO 9001 registration of the company's Cleveland corporate headquarters, six distribution centers and 70 service center locations throughout the United States

Ansul Corp. (Awards).(alliance with Orr Safety Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Ansul Corp. named Orr Safety Corp. Double Diamond Alliance Partner for the 2002 Fiscal Year

The Timken Co. (Awards).(licensed by Landoll Corp.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The Timken Co. was recognized as a certified supplier by the Landoll Corp.

TW Metals. (Awards).(award from Pratt and Whitney)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... TW Metals received Pratt and Whitney Canada's Most Improved Supplier award.

Power Tool Institute. (Web site).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... www.powertoolinstitute.com Dedicated to promoting power tool safety, this site recommends safe practices for using portable and stationary power tools on the job or at home. The site includes hands-on safety education, teacher's guides and...

Texas A&M University's Thomas and Joan Read Center for Distribution Research and Education. (Web site).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... http://madcenter.tamu.edu Texas A&M's Read Center offers professional development courses, programs and seminars for manufacturing and distribution professionals. The site provides information on its various programs, as well as on the...

Entrepreneur.com. (Web site).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... www.entrepreneur.com This portal provides information for start-ups or existing entrepreneurial companies. Articles from Entrepreneur magazine offer tips and advice and resource centers help you access tools and services to run your...

Around & about.(Jim Gramling of Bostwick-Braun Co.)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... It's not every day an employee celebrates 60 years with the same company. But the milestone arrived for Jim Gramling in December when he marked his Diamond Anniversary with The Bostwick-Braun Co. Gramling is a catalog helper in the...

Improving your vision.(business vision, mission statement)(Editorial)
February 1, 2003... A number of years ago I was sifting in the office of the president of a Midwest cutting tool distributorship, interviewing him for an upcoming article. As I talked to him, I read from his published mission statement, which emphasized the...

M&A activity to rise in 2003: but consolidation will not reach the high levels of the late 1990s. (News).
February 1, 2003... NEWTON, MASS. -- The biggest distribution story in the 1990s was the number of mergers and acquisitions that swept through the industrial marketplace. Every day, it seemed, one company was buying another. Valuations were high and were getting...

NAHAD convention set for April 5-9. (News).(National Association of Hose and Accessories Distributors)
February 1, 2003... ORLANDO, FLA. -- The general malaise in the industrial economy signaled change for distributors of all kinds. Hose and accessories distributors meeting here in April face sales problems with their unique customer base, as well as problems...

PMI is up, but signals still mixed. (News).
February 1, 2003... NEWTON, MASS. -- One word continues to describe the economy and its outlook for 2003 -- "mixed." Add the word "cautious," and you have the opinion of industry professionals that 2003 holds a mixed bag of economic news for most sectors. A...

Letters.(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... Responses to ID's December 2002 feature, National Contract Hangover In praise of National Contract Hangover I wanted to thank [Mr. Mikkelsen] for writing the article [National Contract Hangover] for INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION.... In my...

Software Solutions is now Aperum[TM]. (News).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... DULUTH, GA. -- Distribution software provider Software Solutions is now Aperum[TM]. The company changed its name in January as part of a strategy to improve brand identity and reinforce its position as a market leader, the firm said. ...

Machine tool distributors meet in California. (News).(American Machine Tool Distributors Association)
February 1, 2003... CARLSBAD, CALIF. - When members of the American Machine Tool Distributors Assn. meet here in April, they will address the problems of a market that has declined for more than two years. Machine tool sales figures have fallen repeatedly, month...

FPDA establishes strategic objectives. (Fluid Power Distributors Association).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The Fluid Power Distributors Assn. adopted a three-part strategic plan to guide its board and committees for 2003-2004. The association plans to enhance membership, address product technology evolution and enrich distributor/supplier...

ISSA hosts training sessions. (Fluid Power Distributors Association).
February 1, 2003... The International Sanitary Supply Assn. will host several educational sessions and courses this year. R. John Monoky will present Effective Sales Management, Feb. 20-21 at the Westin Los Angeles Airport Hotel, Los Angeles, Calif. John...

IDA announces spring workshops. (Fluid Power Distributors Association).(Industrial Distribution Association)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
February 1, 2003... The Industrial Distribution Assn. will partner with sales and management consultant Jim Pancero to present 13 regional spring sales workshops, Growing Your Sales in a Changing Economic Environment -- Are You Good Enough To Get Better? Each...

PTDA offers electronic stock checking. (Power Transmission Distributors Association).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. released an Internet-based tool recently, the inventory request & response format, which is a computer standard that allows distributors to verify inventory at suppliers' locations in real time. Created...

NIBA names new officers. .(National Industrial Belting Association)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... NIBA-The Belting Assn. named officers for 2003. They are: president, Charlie Vickers, McLeod Belting; first vice president, Bruce Dieleman, Sparks Belting Co.; second vice president, Ted Lushch, Jerry Bros. Industries; and treasurer, Tom...

SMMA offers courses.(Small Motor and Motion Association)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... SMMA-The Motor and Motion Assn. has Motor & Motion College courses for presentation at corporate facilities. Courses include: basic motor theory, operation and application; fundamentals of electric motor design; feedback devices; motor...

Economic relief expected in 2003. (Power Transmission Outlook).
February 1, 2003... When the Power Transmission Distributors Assn. polled members for its 2003 Member Forecast Survey in late 2002, the results were almost predictable, based on the overall economy, manufacturing recession and customers' unwillingness to make...

Tooling U gains momentum. (Technology Update).
February 1, 2003... CLEVELAND -- The folks at Tooling University are betting that interest in online training will only grow this year. With the economy making business more challenging, distributors and manufacturers should arm their employees with knowledge,...

Portal opens for 'mid-market' CRM users. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... DALLAS -- A new Web site by Clear Technologies aids small to mid-sized companies looking to improve their productivity and reduce costs. The Web site, located at www.c2crm.com, features a range of information sought by mid-market...

Simplify your equipment, inventory management. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... MILWAUKEE -- HK Systems, Inc. released its latest Equipment Management System (EMS[TM]) V8.1 material handling automation software for production logistics. HK Systems calls the flexible Windows-based product the industry's most...

Prelude Systems, i2 Trade Service form alliance. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... SAN DIEGO -- Distribution business systems provider Prelude Systems and i2 Trade Service formed an alliance to merge their strengths in content and business-to-business applications. i2 Trade Service specializes in content management for...

Unaltered success: for many customers, there is no alternative when it comes to the unparalleled service offered by Alter & Sons. (Cover Profile).(Company Profile)
February 1, 2003... It's one thing to celebrate 100 years in business. It's quite another to reach that rare milestone in the height of a recession, an achievement attained last year by Alter & Sons. Sales are down slightly for the year at the construction...

10 ways to motivate your sales team: try using these tips to keep your salespeople on track during tough economic times. (Sales).
February 1, 2003... Tom Reilly knows times are tough for industrial distributors. As president of Tom Reilly Training in St. Louis, he's heard it all over the last two years - from the distributor concerned about losing new salespeople who couldn't make enough...

Who do you trust? Industrial representative firms are carrying more of the burden -- and responsibility -- for end-user loyalty. (Manufacturer's Reps).
February 1, 2003... Industrial representatives are increasingly the front-line party in sales transactions, spending more time solving end-users' problems in their plants than ever before. They are charged with getting technical information and new-product...

The distributor customer contract: contract negotiation is a multi-functional relationship and process-building tool. (Management).
February 1, 2003... In this uncertain business environment, written contracts with a distributor's large customers are effective multifunctional tools that build a firm relationship, drive consistent internal contracting processes, manage risk and serve as...

Growing into the role: though businesses need to grow and expand, it must be at the right pace. (Distributor Profile).
February 1, 2003... When INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION visited Acme Construction Supply Co., Inc. in August 2002, the discussion focused on the company's efforts to increase efficiency through its centralized corporate model. Acme was looking to cut costs through...

Cordless tool sales hold steady. (Power Tools Outlook).
February 1, 2003... Residential building powered the construction market in 2002, continuing the trend of a year before, according to distributors Commercial building numbers remained well below their heyday of three years ago. Power tool sales last year are best...

Dealing with adversity: here's a look at what some construction houses are doing to capture market share or increase revenue. (Building Market Share).
February 1, 2003... It's no secret that 2002 was another extremely tough year for construction distributors. Despite historically low interest rates that kept the housing market afloat, the market suffered as a whole. There's no guarantee that things will improve...

Made in USA means quality: when it comes to hand tools, skilled tradesmen and high quality standards make a difference. (Quality Standards).
February 1, 2003... The best way to make sure you're buying a high-quality hand tool is to buy a brand that you've come to know and trust. But brand names aren't the only indicators of superior quality. When faced with unfamiliar brands, look for the phrase, "Made...

What is a fair price? (Strictly for Sales).
February 1, 2003... Your attitude about pricing has more influence on the sale than you may think When it comes to price objections, your attitude and beliefs are greater obstacles than a low-ball price competitor. After training more than 100,000...

Aperum. The clear choice in distribution software. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... Software Solutions, Inc., the original pioneer in the middle-market distribution software industry, is now Aperum[TM]. Since 1979, we have set the standards for quality and innovation that have allowed thousands of distributors to implement...

Dimasys: focused exclusively on distribution software. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... Dimasys has established a history of innovation and market leadership in the distribution software marketplace. Since the introduction of Touchstone/2000 in 1992, Dimasys has continually pioneered revolutionary product delivery mechanisms and...

DISC: distributors' trusted business solutions partner. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... What are you looking for in a business solutions partner? How about: the 20+ years of experience DISC[R] has as the trusted provider of software and services to industrial distributors? We know your industry inside and out, so we can work with...

Gillani iDistribute[TM] integrated software for distributors/wholesalers. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... Gillani, Inc. is a pioneer in the development of synchronized supply chain management applications that facilitate the collaborative and coordinated execution of the order capture and fulfillment process. We are one of the leading providers of...

Get more. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... In July of 2002, Intuit acquired Eclipse, Inc. as part of their "Right for My Business" strategy. Our new name is Intuit Eclipse. Eclipse Distribution Management System was developed using advanced design fundamentals that clearly separate...

Enterprise commerce management. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... NxTrend has always been committed to providing solutions that give our customers a clear return on investment both now and for the future of that investment. Today there are many companies who offer standard ERP packages for a wide range...

Advanced technology for the distribution industry. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... Prelude Systems, Inc.,[TM] has provided advanced software solutions for distributors since 1979. The Advanced Distribution System[R] increases profit margins by improving customer service, maximizing effective utilization of financial and...

Prophet 21: powering the distribution industry for the digital age. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... For more than 36 years, Prophet 21 has been a leader in providing durable goods distributors with innovative adaptive technology solutions essential for running their businesses. A true business partner, Prophet 21 provides its more than 2,000...

Selltis--team selling software for industrial distributors and manufacturers. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... Selitis is a leading provider of customer relationship management (CRM), sales force automation (SFA) and partner relationship management (PRM) solutions specifically designed for the industrial sales community. Selltis was founded by a team of...

Tribute Inc.--software designed to be used. (Technology Vendor Profiles 2003: Advertorial).
February 1, 2003... "The right product for your needs." That's it in a nutshell. Tribute Inc. knows your business and has used this knowledge to create two flexible software products to meet your needs and bolster your profits. Whether you want a graphical,...

The answer to shrinking margins: technology helps sell solutions, not just products. (On the Web).
February 1, 2003... Arguably, order management and customer service are more complex in distribution than in any other industry. These complexities drive costs into the processes not only for distributors, but customers and suppliers as well. Distributors who want...

Pressure sensitive. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Pressure sensitive adhesives line offers products for appliance industries including gaskets and seals, insulation bonding, shelf supports and sound dampening; MACtac[R] line includes MACbond high-tack, double-coated PSA; MAC film rubber and...

Long reach. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Long reach breaker designed to remove tough ceramic tile, thin-set and other mortars and difficult materials; 5-ft. angled handle, adjustable lower grip; vibration-isolated handle; 2-in. stroke, 2-in, bore; 20 SCFM air at 90 psi; 1-, 2-, and...

Cordless 18V. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Cordless 18V metal cutting saw DW934K-2 cuts 2-in. I.D. conduit and pipe in 1 pass; 6.75-in, blade with 2.375-in. cut capacity; designed for electricians, pipe fitters, HVAC, roofers, etc.; ideal for cutting threaded rod; all-metal upper and...

Rhino Wheelwash. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Rhino Wheelwash truck tire and wheel portable cleaning system designed for short-term cleaning of trucks leaving quarries, power plants, landfills and construction sites where cleaning is mandated; keeps wheels free of mud and other...

NG Series. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... NG Series engineered plastic protective netting available in 11 sizes; cartons or spools; protects machined, painted and coated parts in shipping; prevents scratches, chipping and abrasions; fits diameters .250 - 9 in.; packaged 40 - 3000 ft....

Spiral-cut. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... Spiral-cut cable wrap comes in 3 fire-resistant materials that meet specific flammability requirements; bundles and protects cables in enclosed spaces where fire is possible; Heli-Tube[R] wrap is available in non-flammable Teflon[R],...

Virtually iron-free. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... Virtually iron-free line of grinding wheels are ideal for food processing facilities and nuclear plants; Sigma Green wheels have zirconia/ceramic grain that contains 0.035% iron; bonded to help prevent corrosion; use on stainless steel,...

Millhog[R]. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... MILLHOG[R] rolling motor and tube expander kits designed to accurately control tube expansion and create tight mechanical seals; can be customized for fabrication and maintenance of boilers and condensers; choice of rolling motor types; tube...

Vertical carousel. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... Vertical carousel roll-out drawers with dividers provide maximum use of space; cuts walk time and search time; improves order processing; ergonomic benefits include less stooping; one carousel replaces 80 sections of standard shelving....

Wide-face. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... Wide-face crimped wire wheel brushes have dense face; can be mounted in gangs or individually; low flexibility wire provides fast cutting action and long life; uniform brushing action; ideal for deburring, edge blending, flash removal for...

Compact. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... Compact screw-micrometer type paper thickness gage accurately measures sheet, card and paper; .001 in. increments; fits 1 finger; free-floating 7/16 in. lapped anvils; built-in ratchet provides uniform measuring pressure; precision measuring to...

High-flex cable. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... High-flex cable guarantees performance to 10 million cycles of continuous flex; flexlife 10[degrees] is used in factory automation for automotive, food, pharmaceuticals, electronics and semi-conductor industries; survives continuous flexing,...

Multi-ply liners. (Hot Lines).
February 1, 2003... Multi-ply liners designed for intermediate bulk containers include form-fit cube shape and pillow-style; full range of sizes; fittings include 2- or 3-in, integrated valve and aseptic, FDA, USDA- approved materials; tested to ISTA and ASTM...

Locker specifiers. (Sales Aids).
February 1, 2003... LOCKER SPECIFIERS' guide illustrates locker styling for schools, businesses, industry and institutions; lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship; line includes standard, heavy-duty, all-welded and specialty lockers. Lyon...

Line of high-torque. (Sales Aids).
February 1, 2003... LINE OF HIGH-TORQUE wrench sets for professional electricians and tradespeople provide superior torque and lasting performance; new line is detailed in product catalog; wrenches available in 3 sets of combination box/open-end; all combination...

EZ Touch[R]. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... EZ Touch[R] FANSPRAY nozzle has fan-shaped spray pattern; change from vertical to horizontal with a turn of the nozzle; Krylon[R] Industrial Tough Coat[R] acrylic alkyd enamels have 10 times the gloss retention of other paints; high solids...

Pocket-sized. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Pocket-sized, 3-fold slide chart provides a complete, convenient guide to selecting, installing and troubleshooting Clipper[R] wire hook conveyor belt splices for optimum service in light-duty applications; initial slide panel features notches...

GC1610 cemented carbide. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... GC161O cemented carbide for PluraTech solid carbide endmills eliminates costly polishing and electrical discharge machining in shops finishing hardened steel dies and molds; provides up to 5 times longer tool life compared with common solid...

Product guide. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Product guide features complete line of safety relief valves; includes Figure 31 ASME Section I bronze and cast iron valves for steam boilers with pressures up to 250 psi, Figure 41 ASME Section VIII bronze and cast iron valves for saturated...

Multi-purpose. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Multi-purpose "quad dolly" transports 5-gal. pails, 30- or 55-gal. steel drums or LP tanks; available in 3 models, with hard rubber casters or cast iron casters; can transport loads weighing up to 1,200 lbs.; high-polished zinc finish for...

AeroTemp. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... AeroTemp steam-conditioning valve provides pressure and temperature control in 1 unit; combines steam PRV and spray water atomization technology; zero leakage; metal-to-metal seat; from 2-in, inlet sizes; up to 32-in, outlet sizes; pressure...

Disposable cleaning. (Products for Profit).
February 1, 2003... Disposable cleaning cloths add strength to battle grime and contaminants on metals; Mold & Metal Wipes for industrial plants are saturated with cleaning agent that removes mold release, oils, grease, silicone and more; low VOC emissions; no...