Industrial Distribution articles from March 2002

Industrial Distribution archives from March 2002

A look at distribution's future. (Editorial).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... What will distribution look like in five years? We put that question to four CEOs of some of the largest wholesale distributorships in the country during an online Webcast produced in conjunction with the National Assn. of...

The e-business advantage. (Market Index).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The public distributors we follow say their e-commerce capabilities give them competitive advantages over companies that don't have Web sites with robust searching and ordering functionality. This month, armed with only a mouse, we set out to...

Who do you trust? Communication and a major change in business methods are the keys to creating positive relationships. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... NEWTON, MASS. -- Poor manufacturer-distributor relationships are hurting business for both parties -- it's that simple, according to the Industrial Performance Group of Northfield, Ill. IPG released a report last year linking poor working...

Questron files for bankruptcy. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... BOCA RATON, FLA.--Questron Technology, Inc. signed a purchase agreement with QTI Acquisition Corp., a newly formed affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. Questron, a distributor and provider of supply chain management solutions with a...

Machine tool demand down 34 percent. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ROCKVILLE, MD. -- December U.S. machine tool consumption increased 11.7 percent from November, according to the United States Machine Tool Consumption report. The total December tool consumption was $162.37 million. This is down 46 percent from...

Texas A&M master's program accepting applications. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... COLLEGE STATION, TEXAS -- Texas A&M University is shortening the distance between distribution professionals and their graduate degrees with its Web-based Master of Industrial Distribution program. The MID program is accepting applications for...

Networking time increased at BSA meeting. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... GLEN ELLYN, ILL.-- Members of the Bearing Specialists Assn. will have more time than usual to network with business partners during the group's Annual Convention next month. Held at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., April 1417, the meeting...

Product training manuals available now. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... NEWTON MASS. -- The industrial Distribution Assn. and INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION magazine collaborated to produce a series of product training manuals for industrial distributors. Twelve manuals are available covering the following topics: saw...

Distributors. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Robert H. Taylor, the original owner of Engman-Taylor Co., died on Dec. 1...Precision Industries promoted Dave Strovers to vice president of product group marketing and promoted Keith Davis to senior vice president, branch distribution...Bunzl...

Manufacturers. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The Protectoseal Co. named Paul Fregoso regional sales manager for its container division...Bostik Findley, Inc. appointed Arnold J. Thimons construction market development manager for the company's construction and distribution division, named...

New construction: An economic stalwart. (Construction Outlook).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Three recent reports gauging the health of the construction industry in 2002 are all optimistic about the resilience of the sector during the recession. The national construction forecast report by Cahners' Associated Construction...

Covisint adopts XML standards. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Covisint, LLC, an independent global e-business exchange for the automotive industry, announced the adoption and implementation of the ebXML message transport layer and the use of Open Applications Group's OAGIS standards for the document...

Exact Macola has new logo. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... MARION, OHIO -- As a result of Macola Software's merger last year with Exact Software, the new company's name became Exact Macola Software, or simply Exact Macola. The new logo represents the two companies' becoming a "stronger, global entity,"...

Technology partnership offers data, system solutions. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Motion Controls and SmartData, Inc., partnered recently in a technology initiative to provide a one-source solution for machine control and plant data acquisition needs. CMC specializes in providing industrial...

Tribute creates new software division. (Technology Update).(Tribute Software)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... CLEVELAND -- Tribute Software, a specialist in software for the hose, rubber and fluid power industries, created a new division to develop and market TrulinX[TM], its latest distribution software program. TrulinX[TM] is designed to streamline...

Prophet 21 hosts annualsummit. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ORLANDO, FLA. -- Prophet 21 hosts its annual summit, Innovation: Expanding the Possibilities, at the Renaissance Orlando Resort, April 3-6, 2002. Over 700 customers attended last year's event. Based on incoming reservations, the company...

NxTrend hosts Executive Retreat in April. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... TUCSON, ARIZ. -- NxTrend Technology, Inc., a provider of business information systems for supply-chain management, will host its fourth annual Executive Retreat at the Leows Ventana Canyon Resort April 21-23, 2002. The retreat features...

IBM gives premier status to Prelude Systems. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... International Business Machines has awarded Prelude Systems its status as an IBM Premier Business Partner. Prelude Systems is a provider of enterprise solutions for customer service, integrated customer relationship management, asset management...

Going against the grain: When local businesses got bigger, Robi Tool Sales got smaller -- and that's meant more profitable business for the 32-year old Boston-based tool distributorship. (Cover Story).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THROUGHOUT THEIR 30-PLUS YEARS in the power tool business, Paul and Robert Robichaud have kept this thought in mind. It's not how much you sell, it's how much you get to keep. Indeed, profit is king at their Boston-area distributorship and has...

A logical solution: Are you ready to take control of your inbound freight? (Logistics).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... WHEN Industrial Distribution Group, Inc. looked at ways to improve efficiency and customer service, it targeted the transportation and logistics function, says Lori Martin. As director of organizational development, she is responsible for...

A direct threat: Should distributors be concerned about manufacturers selling direct? (Sales).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... RECENT STUDIES HAVE INDICATED that manufacturer-distributor relationships are poor and distributors are worried about their manufacturers selling direct to customers in their territories. Selling direct was selected by 38 percent of...

National contracts: Join the group; As the trend toward national contracts grows, groups become an option for smaller distributors. (Integrated Supply).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ALL INDICATIONS ARE THAT INTEGRATED SUPPLY and the signing of national contracts will increase in the next few years. One survey of end users involved in integrated supply indicates that 31 percent of purchases were made from such a contract....

Breeding good habits: Strategic IT spending and cost control are two good habits of a growing distributor. (Safety).(business planning is successful for Safeware Inc., of Largo, Md)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... By the end of 2001, Ed Simons had witnessed first hand the devastation at Ground Zero in New York, become involved in supplying critical safety products to rescue workers, and experienced the best sales year in his company's 22-year history....

Are you their supplier of choice? (Viewpoint).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Looking for a competitive edge? The goal of every company should be to become their customers' "Supplier of Choice." This applies to manufacturers and distributors alike and should be the building blocks of every business to business...

What's the safety outlook? Safety distributors continue to tighten their belts and look ahead anxiously to recovery. (Economic Forecast).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Mike Smeaton couldn't believe his ears Did that major customer really lust ask him to reduce his prices across the board by 20 percent? The demand came because his safety distributorship, Davenport, Iowa-based Quad City Safety, Inc., held a...

Lessons learned from September 11: Even competitors came together to support the rescue and recovery efforts at Ground Zero. (Partnership in Safety).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... By now, the images of September 11 are ingrained indelibly in our memories. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon affected everyone, and impacted virtually every aspect of our daily lives and businesses. However, in the wake of...

Chess master: Nail fast helps both vendors and customers come out ahead of the game. (Fasteners).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Im Smith sees the construction fastener business, like chess, as a game of skill. It's a game he's been playing ever since he founded Nail Fast, Inc., in 1986. The construction market in the Albuquerque, N.M. area is a challenging arena to...

Going after a common competitor. (Viewpoint).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... As a manufacturer of anchoring and fastening products, Simpson Strong-Tie realizes that in order to maximize sales in the industrial market, it must educate distributors regarding ways to grow their business selling its products. We feel...

Rep warehouses can help your bottom line. (Rep's Perspective).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... During these trying economic times, manufacturers are looking to representatives to help them reduce their cost of sales and increase their profit margins. Many times manufacturers should look at the entire picture when it comes to rep...

Partners goingforward: Vendor managed inventory programs can create bonds between end users and distributors, but managing them effectively takes a focused approach. (Inventory Practices).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Fastener distributors that effectively handle vendor managed inventory programs are very important to Cleveland-based SPF Technologies' Unbrako Division. A manufacturer of high-strength socket screws, the company works closely with its...

NFDA to meet in San Diego. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Cleveland -- The National Fastener Distributors Assn. will hold its Annual Spring Meeting at the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, Calif., April 10-13. Attendance at NFDA meetings has been declining in recent years. Executive director Dave...

Managing to thrive in a slow economy. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Chicago -- Well-managed cash flow is one of the differentiators between businesses that will thrive and those that will struggle in a slow economy, according to Grant Thornton, LLP. The Chicago-based accounting, tax and management consulting...

Certificate program offered through UID, UAB. (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Birmingham, Ala. -- The industry-sponsored University of Industrial Distribution is offering a Professional Certificate in Industrial Distribution through its academic partner, the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The certificate...

NIF/East attendees to get "trade show buddy". (News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Fastener professionals heading to Columbus in May for NIF/East will be greeted with a pre-loaded Palm[TM] handheld computer for use on the show floor. The computers will give attendees an interactive tool to access show data including...

Massachusetts Mainstay: After 150 years, service and commitment remain top-quality features. (Cutting Tools).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... he industrial history of north central Massachusetts is a lesson in American manufacturing innovation. The regions industries, large and small, grew by creating the tools and products that made American life what it is today. Railroads,...

Technology: Embrace or ignore? (Viewpoint).(manufacturing industry, distributors)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Let's face it, since September 11 things just haven't been the same with our economy. The manufacturing industry as well as other industries that are crucial to America's economic strength have been significantly affected by the events that...

Stay sharp! Looking for that value-added edge? Show your application knowledge with these tips that can help your customer extend the life of their tools and reduce drilling costs. (Drill Longevity).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... There are a number of ways in which to substantially lower your drilling costs. The following information can assist you in determining if these cost saving measures are right for your manufacturing operation. Use of double margin drill....

Power actuated tool safety. (Power Tools - Product Focus).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Operators of powder actuated tools must be trained by instructors who are certified in the tools' use and storage. These tools pose an inherent danger beyond that of standard power tools because percussion charges shoot fasteners into concrete...

Impact tools get lighter, easier to use: Distributors' marketing strategy should include ergonomics and productivity per tool. (Power Tools - Product Selling).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The heavier the hammer, the fewer swings it takes to exhaust the worker. That's one reason electric and pneumatic jackhammers were invented. Today, innovations in materials and vibration absorption make impact and demolition tools lighter and...

Prove your value: No two distributors are the same; It's your job to prove that to your customers. (Strictly for Sales).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Customers fret; suppliers sweat. Buyers make decisions daily about supply alternatives; it's as if each of these buyers has a collage of suppliers hanging on his office wall. The buyer views the collage and tries to select an alternative that...

Servicing the sale: Factory service centers can make a big difference for your bottom line. (Manufacturer's View).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Educating end users about the importance of factory service centers can add dollars to your profit column while helping you build the type of relationship you want with your customers. Whether local, regional or national, factory service...

Roughneck[R] wire. (Products for Profit).(Weiler Corp's offers wire burshers for weld cleaning)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Roughneck[R] wire brushes offer the most aggressive weld cleaning available; ideal for high impact action on severe applications such as weld cleaning on pipelines; excels in removal of rust, scale, weld splatter, oxidation and heavy burrs;...

Dyninger portable. (Products for Profit).(Dynabrade Inc.'s air-powered sanding tool)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Dyninger portable air-powered sanding tool eliminates need for hand sanding of moldings, raised panels and intricate profiles; excellent for blending and scuffing sealer coatings and flat surfaces; eliminates raised grain and reduces loose...

Portable Spectrum[R]. (Products for Profit).(Miller Electric Manufacturing Co.'s air plasma cutter)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Portable Spectrum[R] air plasma cutter runs on welding generator auxiliary power; increases metal cutting productivity in the field; has more cutting power than other units; can consistently cut 3/8 in or thicker steel; when powered by a 12kW...

Chase 'em Back[TM]. (Products for Profit).(Heli-Coil stud tread repair set)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Chase 'em Back[TM] stud thread repair set; wraparound thread chaser tool quickly and easily restores damaged stud threads to like-new condition; eliminates stud removal or replacement; unique hinge allows thread repair tool to be wrapped around...

Rolling ring. (Hot Lines).(Amacoil Inc.'s rolling ring linear actuator)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Rolling ring linear actuator integrated with linear scale increases accuracy of motion control; travel and linear position control accurate to .00004 in.; designed for PLC-controlled indexing, measuring and positioning processes; converts...

Steel Beam[R]. (Products for Profit).(Garrity Industries's flashlight)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Steel Beam[R] flashlight made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel; stronger than aluminum lights; 4 sizes available; features Phillips Xenon bulb that is 200% brighter than incandescent; oversized reflector; patented battery holder...

Contractor-ready. (Hot Lines).(AC Technology Corp.'s HVAC drives)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Contractor-ready HVAC drives reduce costs, improve operating efficiency in applications like centrifugal fans, blowers, pumps, and cooling towers; MCH series lets contractors shorten lead times and speed installations; 200 to 590 volts; 1 to...

Micro Strike[TM]. (Hot Lines).(Nupla Corp.'s hammer sets)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Micro Strike[TM] hammer sets for specialized small tasks supply the right striking head for the surface and application; miniature mallet set has 1 handle and interchangeable heads; head materials include aluminum, brass, copper, steel and 8...

D4000 laser optic. (Products for Profit).(RJS Inc.'s hand-held scanner verification system)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... D4000 laser optic smart scanner verification system; hand-held system is ideal for verifying on materials that are easily wrinkled or scratched, curved surfaces, short bar codes and even wet ink; simple point-and-shoot operation requires no...

Versatile railing system. (Products for Profit).(Blue Water Manufacturing Inc.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Versatile railing system, SafetyRail 2000; no holes need to be drilled for mounting the product; set up to 300 ft. in 1 hour; each base holds up to 4 rail sections that can be secured in infinite directions by locking pins; toe board brackets...

Rigid[R] aluminum. (Products for Profit).(Ridge Tool Co.'s aluminum end wrenches)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Rigid[R] aluminum end wrenches with angled handles are designed for hard-to-maneuver areas; provide better leverage when turning pipe in tight quarters; 40% lighter than malleable iron wrenches; designed for easy one-handed operation; available...

AirLINE Type 8644. (Products for Profit).(Burkert USA's process control system)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... AirLINE Type 8644 process control system combines pneumatic valve actuation, WAGO or Phoenix contact I/O modules and fieldbus communication in a single module; integrated, extremely compact process actuation and I/O platform for field devices;...

Sawzall the Hatchet. (Products for Profit).(Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp.'s cordless reciprocating saw)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Sawzall the Hatchet is the industry's most compact cordless reciprocating saw; unique 6-position pivoting handle; less than 13 in. when handle is in 90-deg. position for tight spaces; ideal for between-wall studs or under cabinets; only...

Demon solid carbide. (Products for Profit).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Demon solid carbide thread mills designed to improve productivity and quality while lowering costs; TiALN-coated for higher penetration rates and increased wear resistance; designed to achieve highest percentage of thread engagement possible;...

TransRoller lateral movement. (Products for Profit).(Wesco Industrial Products, Inc.'s pallet truck)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... TransRoller lateral movement pallet truck allows user the option of standard pallet truck operation or 90-deg. sideways movement; permits use of truck in extremely confined spaces where it would be difficult to move a standard pallet truck;...

XDH series. (Products for Profit).(Adalet-PLM Division's explosion-proof double ended housings)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... XDH series of explosion-proof double-ended housings; complies with European Union's ATEX Directive 94/9/EC; NEMA, CSA and other certifications; isolates incoming power connections from instrumentation; accommodates wide variety of measurement...

TestoView. (Products for Profit).(Testo Inc. lighted fiber optic inspection tool)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... TestoView lighted fiber optic inspection tool is ideal for exploring inaccessible areas in many HVAC and industrial applications; 18- or 36-in. lengths; reduces need to disassemble components when troubleshooting; diagnose evaporator coils and...

744 documenting. (Products for Profit).(Fluke Corp.'s documenting calibrator)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... 744 documenting calibrator with updated software; additional Highway Addressable Remote Transducer transmitter support; completes jobs faster by calibrating temperature, pressure, voltage, current, resistance and frequency with 1 tool; HART...

Distribution's top ten: For small industrial distributors, personal commerce prevails over e-commerce. (Final Word).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... It seems like a hundred years ago all of us small industrial distributors were told either by our strategic suppliers or the print media that e-commerce would make us extinct in a few years. Everything we picked up was either a seminar flyer, a...

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. (Product Extra).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... CORDLESS CAULK AND ADHESIVE guns change the way sealants and adhesives are applied; model 6560 adds speed, power and efficiency; 12-volt, T-handle platform; eliminates trigger-hand fatigue. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. Circle no. 201.

Bosch Power Tools. (Product Extra).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... HIGH-TORQUE CORDLESS hammer drills offer consistent performance and convenience; 18- or 14.4-volt models; combine the capabilities of hammer, drill and driver; 450 or 425 in.-lb of torque. Bosch Power Tools Circle no. 202

Sioux Tools Inc. (Product Extra).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... SC4 AND SC8 power scalers are loaded with features like lever or push-pull throttle, square-shank chisels, and 4,600 or 4,300 blows per minute; positive-lock chisel retainer;; convertible to needle scaler. Sioux Tools Inc. Circle no. 203