Industrial Distribution articles from June 2003

Industrial Distribution archives from June 2003

Hughes Supply, Inc. (Company News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Construction and industrial materials distributor Hughes Supply, Inc. opened its newest branch in San Francisco. The location will supply MRO products to apartment complexes and area hotels/motels. Hughes Supply also announced a strategic...

Chicago Hi-Speed Tool & Supply. (Company News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Chicago Hi-Speed Tool & Supply, a Chicago-based distributor of cutting tools, abrasives and MRO supplies, joined distributor alliance IBC. Fellow IBC member Brammall Supply Co. -- also a distributor of cutting tools, abrasives and MRO supplies...

Meier Transmission, Ltd. (Acquisitions).(Samson Industrial Investment Co.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Cleveland-based distributor Meier Transmission, Ltd. purchased Tulsa, Okla.-based distributor Samson Industrial...

McJunkin Corp. (Acquisitions).(CIGMA L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... McJunkin Corp., a multi-million-dollar distributor of industrial and PVF supplies, will acquire CIGMA LLC of Indianapolis, Ind. CIGMA is a supplier of gas products and integrated supply services; the deal is expected to close by the end of the...

The INDUSCO Group, Inc. (Acquisitions).(Industrial Wire Rope Corp.)(Alabama Sling Center)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The INDUSCO Group, Inc., a distributor headquartered in Baltimore, Md., acquired the Alabama Sling Center, Birmingham, Ala., and Industrial Wire Rope, Chattanooga, Tenn., from Wire Rope Corp. of America.

Around & About.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... They say the job market is tough for MBA grads this year, but don't tell that to students at the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management -- because they probably won't believe you. The Grainger Center is part of the University of...

Inventory Operations Consulting LLC. (Web Resources).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... www.inventoryaps.com This site bills itself as a starting point in a company's quest for information on inventory management and warehouse operations. It includes articles on the subject, links to inventory management, manufacturing,...

ORS Nasco. (Web Resources).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... www.orsnasco.com Hosted by wholesale distributor ORS Nasco, which sells to industrial and welding distributors throughout North America, this site lets distributors browse its product portfolio, order products, check accounts, locate...

The M.K. Morse Co. (Web Resources).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... www.mkmorse.com This site is a resource for professional contractors and saw blade users. It includes technical information on how saw blades work and how to select the right blade for the job, is linked to the Morse BladeWizard[TM] (the...

C.H. Briggs Hardware Co. (Awards).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Wholesale distributor C.H. Briggs Hardware Co. won a United Way Eagle Award for 2003...

Orr Safety Corp. (Awards).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Safety products distributor Orr Safety Corp. received the 2002 Supplier Award of Excellence from Toyota Motor Manufacturing of West Virginia, as well as the 2002 Outstanding Business Partner "Gold Award" from Toyota Manufacturing of Kentucky......

Wurth Service Supply. (Awards).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Fastener distributor Wurth Service Supply, a division of the Wurth Group, celebrates its 55th anniversary this year.

Keep the bell-bottoms in the closet. (Editorial).
June 1, 2003... The 1960s were the age of rebellion. There were chants of "Never trust anyone over 30." And "Make love, not war." While there was a zeal for an emphasis on individualism, everyone tended to look the same. Remember bell-bottoms? Ironically, it...

Can manufacturing make a comeback? While plants are priced out of the U.S. market, there are fewer young people interested in manufacturing jobs of any kind. (News).
June 1, 2003... NEWTON, MASS. -- Manufacturing faces a daunting dilemma: move offshore, where labor is cheaper and the quality of goods continues to rise, or stay in this country and fight the increasingly frustrating battle of high labor costs and tax...

BSA focuses on ethics, leadership. (News).(Bearings Specialists Association)
June 1, 2003... PASADENA, CALIF. -- With a focus on ways to improve business ethics and leadership, members of the Bearings Specialists Assn. gathered April 26-30 at the Ritz Carlton in Pasadena. More than 200 members and their spouses attended the...

Hagemeyer names new CEO, relocates HQ. (News).(Hagemeyer North America)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Hagemeyer North America named David Gabriel its new CEO and will move top management to Charleston, S.C., in a cost-cutting shakeup. Former CEO David Gundling, who Hagemeyer said decided not to relocate to Charleston, will...

Safety Week 2003 changes venue. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... NEWTON, MASS. -- Safety Week 2003 has changed its convention location from Toronto to Miami Beach in response to concerns over cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in Toronto. While the World Health Organization has lifted its...

IDC marks another growth year. (News).(Independent Distributors Cooperative)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... INDIANAPOLIS -- Among the topics discussed at the semi-annual meeting of the Independent Distributors Cooperative-USA this spring was growth -- increasing services, adding to its Website, and purchasing the distribution center/office building...

"Top gun" training for salespeople. (News).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... NEWTON, MASS. -- Four associations are sponsoring a series of one-day workshops targeted at distributor salespeople. The Top Gun Survival School is sponsored by the Industrial Distribution Assn., Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors...

Earnest Machine Products Co. (Distributors).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Earnest Machine Products Co. promoted Eric Mumford to southeastern division sales manager.

Knaack Manufacturing. (Manufacturers).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Knaack Manufacturing appointed James J. Radous III vice president of sales.

G.L. Huyett named David C. Beron an associate working in New Jersey. (Manufacturers).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... G.L. Huyett named David C. Beron an associate working in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, East Pennsylvania, and Metro New York, and named John W. Phalen an associate covering Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island,...

FPDA elections and appointments. (Associations).(Fluid Power Distributors Association)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The members of FPDA-Serving Fluid Power and Motion Technology Distributors elected the following officers at their 2003 Annual Meeting: Tom Rails, president of Hyspeco, Inc. in Springfield, Mo., as president and chairman of the board; Brian N....

Differentiating your distributorship. (Associations).(Book Review)
June 1, 2003... A new book from the National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors offers four pathways to differentiate your distribution company from your competition. The book, Stand out from the Competition, by Dr. William R. McCleave, Jr., PE, and Thomas...

Vegas' full house. (Associations).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... With more than 300 companies and 375 booths already filled, nearly eight months in advance, the 7th Annual National Industrial Fastener Show/West, to be held Nov. 3-5 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, promises to be an exciting and...

Launch of the IDEA. (Associations).(Independent Distributors of Electronics Associations)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Independent Distributors of Electronics Assn., a new non-profit trade association, will represent the independent distributor market segment, raise quality through the establishment of standards, and educate members and those willing to take...

Welcome aboard. (Associations).(Power Transmission Distributors Association)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. has formally welcomed five new distributors to its membership roster: Advanced Rubber & Plastics Co., Inc. in Perrysburg, Ohio, Bearings & Drives Unlimited in Souderton, Pa., Control Plus, Inc. in...

Calendar.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... June 29-July 2 Electrical Apparatus Service Assn. Annual Convention San Francisco, Calif. (314) 993-2220 www.easa.org July 26-29 Safety Equipment Distributors Assn. Safety Week 2003 Toronto, Canada...

PVF market is ready for a comeback. (PVF Outlook).
June 1, 2003... If there's one good thing about hitting bottom, it's that the only direction to go is up. That's what many North American PVF distributors are counting on right now, having survived two years of being caught between a persistent manufacturing...

Springer co-ax, Inc. (Product Extra).
June 1, 2003... CY-TEC[R] SOLENOID valves; straight-through design and in-line open/closed concept combine to deliver dependable performance and exceptional cycle life; fast-acting and positive shut-off design available in brass or stainless steel...

DTIC Dispensing Technologies. (Product Extra).
June 1, 2003... PNEUMATIC PINCH VALVE for tubing up to 3/8 in. O.D.; features removable cover plate that eliminates the need for tube pull-through; features flat bearing surface and fully adjustable pinch blade. DTIC Dispensing Technologies Enter no. 202

Ark-Plas Products, Inc. (Product Extra).
June 1, 2003... HARD-LINE SERIES of barbed tee fittings added to premium grade fittings line; tees feature a barb designed for use with harder durometer tubing, such as Polyethylene 55 Shore D and Polypropylene 80 Durometer. Ark-Plas Products, Inc. Enter...

E-store enhances customer service. (Technology Update).(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... An online store for Timken distributors is changing the way manufacturer collects information about product demand and the level of service its customer service reps offer. Timken - along with Rockwell Automation, SKF USA and INA USA Corp....

Merger combines Exact Software resellers. (Technology Update).(Inspired Solutions has merged with M2 Business Solutions Inc. and Martin Software Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... ATLANTA -- Inspired Solutions merged with M2 Business Solutions, Inc. of Raleigh, N.C. and Martin Software Associates, Inc. of Birmingham, Ala. The new Inspired Solutions becomes the largest business partner in the southeast for Exact Software....

Sterling Partners with Advanced Data Exchange. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... COLUMBUS, OHIO -- Sterling Commerce added services from Advanced Data Exchange, a provider of EDI and XML translation services for distributors and suppliers, to help companies reach all of their suppliers -- regardless of their size or...

Real-time tools for complex component suppliers. (Technology Update).(SmartSITE RTE from i-MARK Inc.)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... HARTFORD, CONN. -- A new enterprise service assists small- to medium-sized manufacturers that want to offer customers the ability to find, order and check delivery status of standard or custom-configured components via the Internet. The...

Flexibility to manage consignment inventory. (Technology Update).(Customer Consignment module from Daly.commerce)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... EAST GREENWICH, RI. -- Daly.commerce released its Customer Consignment module, which offers distributors the ability to manage inventory they own that is on display at a customer's site. It is the first in a series of products designed to...

Envision changes name to Interalab. (Technology Update).(Envision Inc.)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... MILFORD, MICH. -- Envision, Inc., a software developer specializing in Web enabled e-commerce solutions and custom point of sale systems for distributors and manufacturers, moved its offices to Milford, Mich., and now will be known as...

Internet trading network adds member services. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... YARDLEY, PA. -- Prophet 21's new Trading Partner Connect version 8.0 includes new features such as streamlined dead stock purchasing. A dead stock database is queried when a member's purchasing agent begins his processes, allowing him to...

The big 50: economic pressures persist, but North America's largest industrial distributors are fighting back. (Special Report).(Industry Overview)
June 1, 2003... It's been a difficult few years for industrial distributors, to say the least. But the largest companies in the marketplace are hanging in there, and most are unwilling to blame the economy for their troubles. Despite the tough times, large...

Top distributor talks business: W.W. Grainger's Richard Keyser opens up about the economy, the industry, and Grainger's role as the largest distributor in North America. (Distribution's Big 50).(Interview)
June 1, 2003... Once again, W.W. Grainger tops ID's list of the largest MRO distributors in North America. This year, we asked company CEO Richard Keyser to share his thoughts on the economy, the challenges facing MRO distributors today, and Grainger's role in...

Full steam ahead...slowly: applied industrial technologies has big plans for the future, including keeping core competencies intact. (Distribution's Big 50).(Ohio Ball Bearing Co.)(Company Profile)
June 1, 2003... How does a distributor become one of the largest in North America? In one case, it's built slowly and methodically, with an eye on its history as a specialist. When Ohio Ball Bearing Co., the entity that would become Applied Industrial...

Moving into the Spotlight: no longer content lingering in the shadows, inside sellers are stepping out as a front-line resource for customers. (Inside Sales).
June 1, 2003... There are two kinds of dancers: those that lean against the wall and watch the action, and those that start the conga line. Put those two references in any company's sales force, and you'll hear that the inside sales staff are the...

Transmitting brand value: your brand is what you stand for as an organization, so make sure your customers understand the message you're sending. (Management).
June 1, 2003... What is your brand? That can be difficult for a distributor to answer. Many of the products delivered through the distribution supply chain are viewed as commodities, and purchasing managers often look for the lowest-cost competitor. A...

Learning form bearing failure: by analyzing a bearing's failure you can possibly prevent recurrences. (Motion Control).
June 1, 2003... When a bearing in a critical piece of equipment fails prematurely, a maintenance specialist knows the failure usually indicates there is more here than meets the eye. What the untutored eye sees is a failed bearing and little more. However, a...

Why do you cut prices? Salespeople continue to cave in on price resistance; is management sending mixed signals? (Strictly for Sales).
June 1, 2003... After I present groups with compelling arguments for why it makes sense to hold the line on prices, I ask them why salespeople continue to cave in on price resistance. I generally hear any number of explanations, not excuses. Here's a sampling...

Producing "win-win" results: both distributors and end users benefit when manufacturers support them with more than rhetoric and good intentions. (Manufacturer's View).
June 1, 2003... Many manufacturers claim to partner with the distributor community. But too often, distributors have found those claims to be mostly talk. As international competitive pressures grow and industry consolidation has occurred, it's become harder...

Rubber corner. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Rubber corner protectors are an economical way to protect against damage to wall corners; black and yellow caution tape adhered to black industrial strength rubber; 3-in. x 3-in, and 35 1/2 in. tall; mounting holes secure to any wall; offered...

For high-volume. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... For high-volume manufacturing processes in security alarm, medical, smoke detection and toy production operations, the Piezo ceramic benders are available at a lower, competitive cost; standard and feedback types; converts electrical impulses...

Baumer Electric. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... The absolute cam encoder is a compact, easy-to-program device designed to monitor speed, direction and position; user can control 16 outputs through 250 programmable cams; retain cam position in the event of power loss; compact and easy to...

The MicroVibe[TM]. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... The MicroVibe[TM] makes sophisticated analysis of rotating equipment available to a technician in commercial or industrial setting; low-cost, compact and lightweight; used with a PDA; user-selectable measurement units; judgement criteria based...

Anver VB vacuum. (Hot Lines).
June 1, 2003... Anver VB vacuum hoist lifter features a lightweight vacuum head equipped with a gauge, quick release, check valve and fingertip controls on the handlebar; 1-person handle ability; up to 2,000 lbs.; incorporates 1 or more pads and frame...

Model 8800. (Hot Lines).
June 1, 2003... Model 8800 rapid-response portable decontamination shower is a lightweight, collapsible unit; fully deployed in 2 minutes; easily assembled; automatically elevates to full 86-in, height once water pressure is applied; 5-direction pre-set...

FiberGraphix[TM]. (Hot Lines).
June 1, 2003... FiberGraphix[TM] technology series re-invents the look of ladders; "surface veil technology" allows for unique, permanent graphics to be seamlessly manufactured into the ladder, while maintaining safety, durability and dependability of...

Tactilus[R]. (Hot Lines).
June 1, 2003... Tactilus[R] is an electronic tactile force and pressure indicating sensor; allows engineers to monitor how force is disbursed between any 2 contacting or mating surfaces in realtime; for use in applications where pressure lies between 0.007...

Enerpac. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Single- and double-acting aluminum cylinders with lifting capacities of 20-50 tons, and stroke lengths up to 10 in.; alloy technology, high-strength coatings, seal design and bearing materials; the strength of steel and the advantages of...

Dixon Valve & Coupling Co. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Actuated ball valves in a complete range of pneumatic and electrically actuated direct-mounted brass and stainless steel; models from 1/2 in. to 3 in. Dixon Valve & Coupling Co. ENTER 213

BinMaster mini-rotary. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... BinMaster mini-rotary is an economical, compact rotary level control designed for small bins, hoppers and feeders; few moving parts; simple operation; slow-speed synchronous motor rotates the paddle that senses the pressure of the light or...

Softex Grips. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Softex Grips have a non-slip surface that resists vibrations for a comfortable, sturdy hold; moisture-proof material; durable, single-piece construction eliminates parting lines; standard, custom and dual-wall designs; imprinted with company...

Paint spray hose. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Paint spray hose resists kinking, cracking and hardening; durable and multi-layered; handles paints, isocyanates, polyols, solvents and chemicals; resists deterioration and static charge; double-braid reinforcement of strong polyester; medium...

PresencePLUS Pro. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... PresencePLUS Pro is a camera-based visual inspection sensor; simple, easy-to-use and affordable; analyzes images using I or more vision tools; point-and-click automatic TEACH or custom setup; performs multiple inspections simultaneously for...

The EZ-mix[R] FR. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... The EZ-mix[R] FR disposable cartridge meter-mix-dispense system is a benchtop meter, mix and dispense system that uses standard disposable cartridges; dispenses 2-part materials from water-thin to high viscosity; accurate as a bulk system;...

Bang-It and Wood-Knocker. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Bang-It and Wood-Knocker inserts can be fastened into wood concrete forms or pre-drilled metal composite pan decks prior to pouring concrete; color-coded by diameter; meet industry standards for typical overhead applications. Powers Fasteners,...

The fluid caddy. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... The fluid caddy transports 30-gallon transparent polyethylene drums from work area to work area with easy fluid-level monitoring; battery-powered pump with easy-to-read and reset meter; ergonomically focused to transfer contents easily; unique...

Core cut super economy. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Core cut super economy green blades for use on walk-behind saws cutting cured concrete; quality engineering for optimum performance; wet or dry; deliver the speed and convenience of a diamond blade. Diamond Products ENTER 221

The absolute cam encoder. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... The absolute cam encoder is a compact, easy-to-program device designed to monitor speed, direction and position; user can control 16 outputs through 250 programmable cams; retain cam position in the event of power loss; compact and easy to...

The Electra-X 2003. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... The Electra-X 2003 contact cleaner cleans oil, grease, dirt and other foreign materials from precision mechanical and delicate electrical/electronic parts; nonflammable, nonconductive and residue; fast evaporating with quick penetration;...

Orange Peel Rotating. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Orange Peel Rotating Shaft Guards acquired by Falk Corp.; both the flexible shaft coupling and guard from 1 source; a standard Orange Peel guard complements its coupling lines; a standard "Shaft Connection" solution. Falk Corp. ENTER 224

Anver OC Series. (Products for Profit).
June 1, 2003... Anver OC Series oval vacuum suction cups are precision molded from FDA-approved, non-marring silicone or nitrile; snap-on reusable cup fittings and non-rotating suspensions; more pickup surface area than round cups; suspensions maintain proper...

Now is the best time to invest: there is no recession, when you have confidence in your company, its mission and its future. (Final Word).(Industry Overview)
June 1, 2003... "I'm sorry, but it's not really the best time for us to be making any capital investments." How many of us have heard this from our customers during the last few years? How many have heard a similar refrain from our peers? The frequency with...

Welcome to the new ORS Nasco. (Pure Wholesale Pure Value).(Company Profile)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... For our more than 12,000 distributors and 600 manufacturers, ORS Nasco is a pure wholesale super-supplier whose value philosophy has never been more timely than it is today. With the merger of Oklahoma Rig & Supply (best known as "The...

Bringing value to the table: ORS Nasco provides distributors with top quality products and support at competitive prices.(Company Profile)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... ORS Nasco's 140,000 SKUs and 600 vendors are enough to impress any distributor who wants to save money and time by consolidating its purchasing, gaining access to competitive pricing and taking advantage of its free freight policy. The...

Partnering with ease: competitive prices, high inventory levels and the ability to pick and choose from multiple vendors on a single purchase order drives distributors to ORS Nasco.(S&S Industrial Equipment and Supply)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... When Scott Sinclair gets an urgent phone call from his utility customer who needs a jack that can lift up to 35 tons, he doesn't panic. That's because this vice president of Trenton, N.J.-based S&S Industrial Equipment and Supply knows all he...

Suppliers rely on us: eager to reach key distribution points, manufacturers turn to ORS Nasco to help them maintain an edge in today's competitive business environment.(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... In 2001, Rocky Hill, Conn.-based Henkel Loctite Corp., significantly changed its business strategy and started directing its smaller distributors to ORS Nasco and another wholesale distributor to order the firm's adhesives and specialty...

Adding PureValue: special programs and services make ORS Nasco stand out from the pack.(Company Profile)(Product/Service Evaluation)
June 1, 2003... Ecommerce capabilities, drop shipping, vendor managed inventery systems, EDI, competitive pricing, eight regional customer services centers and 12 strategically-located warehouse all come together to make ORS Nasco an attractive choice for...

Orr Corp. (Distributors).
June 1, 2003... Orr Corp. appointed Bryan B. Slade president of the Orr Safety division.

Industrial Supply Corp. (Distributors).
June 1, 2003... Industrial Supply Corp. appointed Steve Jones eastern regional manager.

ORS Nasco. (Distributors).
June 1, 2003... ORS Nasco appointed four regional sales directors: Paul Byrnes for the eastern region, Randy Langston for the southern region, Mike Muenzer for the Midwest region, and Kevin Solid for the southeast region.

Barnes Group, Inc. (Distributors).
June 1, 2003... Barnes Group, Inc. appointed Richard R McCorry president of its Associated Spring business unit.

Precision Industries. (Distributors).
June 1, 2003... Precision Industries named Steven Davis contract compliance manager, branch division.

BC Bearing Engineers, Ltd. (Distributors).
June 1, 2003... BC Bearing Engineers, Ltd. appointed Gary Hill vice president of sales and marketing and appointed Wendy Penny Omnes vice president of external affairs and corporate relations.

Noland Co. (Distributors).
June 1, 2003... Noland Co.'s board of directors elected Rhonda L. Binger vice president of human resources.

Parker Hannifin Corp. (Manufacturers).
June 1, 2003... Parker Hannifin Corp. promoted Pam Huggins to vice president and treasurer.

Bosch Rexroth Corp. (Manufacturers).
June 1, 2003... Bosch Rexroth Corp. named Steven D. Roberts senior vice president of corporate finance, appointed Ernst Iseli vice president and general manager in the linear motion and assembly technologies business unit, and named Bill Demuth director of...