Industrial Distribution articles from May 2002

Industrial Distribution archives from May 2002

Pembroke Consulting. (Company News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Mark Dancer joined Pembroke Consulting as vice president. Dancer has over 12 years of consulting experience with business-to-business clients. He developed his expertise in strategy, marketing and the channel needs of industrial, construction,...

Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (Company News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Newell Rubbermaid Inc. will pay $419 million in cash and assumed debt to acquire the remaining interest in American Tool Co. Rubbermaid acquired a minority interest in 1985. American Tool employs 4,600 workers and had $443.6 million in 2001...

Kaman Corp. (Company News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Kaman Corp. acquired majority ownership of Delamac de Mexico S.A. de C.V., a Mexican distributor of power transmission, bearings and fluid power products. The business will become part of Kaman Industrial Technologies. Delamac, with sales of $7...

Acquisitions & Mergers. (Company News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The Gorman-Rupp Co. acquired American Machine and Tool Company Inc.... Parker Hannifin Corp. and Japan's Taiyo Ltd. formed a global strategic alliance USFlow Corp. expanded to Minneapolis when it acquired certain assets from Flow Technologies...

Web resources.
May 1, 2002... WEB RESOURCES Web site Host http://logistics.about.com/ About the human Internet This site holds articles and information on logistics, SCM, transportation and warehouse management with...

The U.S. Dept. of Labor. (Around & About).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The U.S. Dept. of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration recognized Kennametal Inc.'s Orwell, Ohio, facility for excellence in workplace safety. Kennametal achieved Merit Level Participant in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program,...

W.W. Grainger, Inc. (Awards).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Fortune magazine named W.W. Grainger, Inc., one of America's Most Admired Companies

Federal-Mogul. (Awards).
May 1, 2002... Parts Plus named Federal-Mogul 2001 Vendor of the Year for Product Excellence

Bradley Corp. (Awards).
May 1, 2002... Bradley Corp. won the 2001 Pinnacle Award for most innovative application at the POLYGON '01

Winners of the Shingo Prize. (Awards).
May 1, 2002... Winners of the Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing included Bridgestone/ Firestone, Delphi Automotive Systems, Ford Motor Co., Freudenberg-NOK, and Lockheed Martin

Exact Macola. (Awards).
May 1, 2002... Accounting Today magazine named Exact Macola's ERP software as one of the 2002 Top 100 Software Products.

A look at balance sheets. (Market Index).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
May 1, 2002... During the recent economic slowdown, the publicly traded industrial distributors managed their balance sheets very well, generating cash and working down debt levels. A key maxim of all distribution businesses is that they use cash when...

Recession impact lingers on. (Editorial).(Brief Article)(Editorial)
May 1, 2002... The recession is over, experts say. In fact, some economists question whether we were ever in a recession, which by definition means two consecutive quarters of negative growth. But anyone in this business knows that the manufacturing sector...

Rollup rundown: How will the failure of top rollup firms affect the industry? (News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... NORTHBROOK, ILL. -- Integra Integrated Procurement Solutions became the latest in a string of INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION'S Top 100 Distributors to fall on hard times when it filed for bankruptcy protection on March 12. Integra, Questron Technology...

"Help wanted" sign still out. (News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... NEWTON, MASS.--Despite the economy, low industrial output and the possibility of rising energy prices, wholesale distributors are looking for help in IT, sales, management and marketing. According to reports, job seekers do not look in the...

E-commerce numbers show promise. (News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... WASHINGTON, D.C.--Merchant wholesalers conducted 7.7 percent of their business electronically in 2000, according to figures recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau. The majority of sales were done using Electronic Data Interchange...

Outsourcing helps logistics firms. (News).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... NEWTON, MASS. -- The warehouse logistics industry is cautiously optimistic about business this year, according to a recently released State of the Warehouse Logistics Industry report. Results of the report were presented during the...

NMW examines supply chain trends. (News).
May 1, 2002... CHICAGO -- Besides conducting business on the show floor at National Manufacturing Week March 18-21, industry leaders discussed key supply chain trends. Channel management company Frank Lynn & Associates and Click Commerce held a...

Letter to the editor.
May 1, 2002... Your February 1 issue of INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION featured a story on IBC a for-profit buying club for independent distributors. While I'm sure IBC offers value to its customers, the writer erred in calling 180 a cooperative. It is not. It is a...

Product training manuals available now. (News).
May 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...

Tim Russert will address STAFDA convention. (Associations).
May 1, 2002... Tim Russert, moderator of NBC's Meet the Press and analyst for various network news programs, will present the keynote address at the Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Assn. Annual Convention and Trade Show, November 10-12, 2002. The...

NAW/DREF issues audio leadership series. (Associations).
May 1, 2002... The National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors' Distribution Research and Education Foundation is offering a multi-volume CD series, Profiles in Wholesale Distribution Leadership. The series uses an "oral history" approach, bringing listeners...

NAED names Jaworowski vice president. (Associations).
May 1, 2002... The National Assn. of Electrical Distributors recently named Michelle Jaworowski vice president. She joined NAED in 1998 and was promoted to director of the NAED Education Foundation in 2000. In her new position, Jaworowski will take on...

CBNSA hosts Chicago Fastener Show. (Associations).
May 1, 2002... The Chicago Bolt, Nut & Screw Assn. will host the 2002 Chicago Fastener Show June 19 in Bloomingdale, Ill., followed June 20 by the annual golf/tennis outing. The show, held from noon to 8 p.m. at Indian Lakes Resort, features a reception...

NAW chooses insurance vendor. (Associations).
May 1, 2002... Through the National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors' Insurelink program, distributors across the country have an opportunity to save on health insurance premiums, according to NAW president Dirk Van Dongen. Flexible Benefit Service Corp....

MHEF elects McLaughlin president. (Associations).
May 1, 2002... At its 2002 annual meeting in January, the Material Handling Education Foundation elected J. Sherman McLaughlin president for 2002-2003. He is Emeritus General Counsel for the Material Handling Industry of America. McLaughlin is a founder...

The power of the printer. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... FOSTER CITY, CALIF. -- Salespeople and executives who travel seem to have all the electronic gadgets they need, save one -- a printer. If you've ever been on a sales call and asked by a customer to create a brief or proposal before you leave...

McHugh Software adds event management. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... WAUKESHA, WIS. - MCHUGH SOFTWARE International, Inc., a provider of enterprise logistics management solutions, released LENS 3.0. The new version provides complete order-to-delivery shipment visibility in real time, roles-based...

Tribute offers browser-based access. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... CLEVELAND -- Distributor software provider Tribute [TM] adopted thin client architecture so that users will be able to run applications via a browser. The company also offers an enhanced menu system and graphical user interface that allows...

Solution to constraint-based problems. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... YORK, PA. -- St. Onge Co. offers a fresh approach to solving constraint based problems in distribution centers with its Order Analysis and Planning System software. The company developed the OAPS software in response to fundamental problems...

Exact Macola seeks synergy with e-Synergy. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... MARION, OHIO -- In conjunction with the release of its new Web technology-based e-business solution, e-Synergy, EXACT MACOLA has changed its name to Exact Software North America. The company also welcomed Lisa Ganem as general manager of...

Plexus delivers quality training software. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... NEENAM, Wis. -- Boeing and Plexus Corp. have joined together to create a Web-based quality training program. The "Quality eTraining" system will be used by Boeing employees around the world to reduce the cost and time it takes to learn the...

CSI finances fulfillment. (Technology Update).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Cambar Software, Inc. initiated a business alliance with Equipment Consulting Capital, Inc., a provider of asset-based finance solutions. This will enable customers to lease CSI's Axis Fulfillment Suite through a...

Crossing the line: KBC Tools is concentrating on expanding its Canadian sales, but the border isn't the only line it crosses. (Cover Story).(Company Profile)
May 1, 2002... EVERYTHING IS DONE WITH A CERTAIN FLAIR at the Mississauga, Ontario, location of KBC Tools. CEO Paula Bass refers to it as her Canadian headquarters. "KBC sells on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border' says Bass. "We value all Of our...

More than a storage facility: The warehouse is an essential yet often overlooked asset -- and a good place to start looking for supply chain efficiencies. (Warehouse Management).
May 1, 2002... LONG BEFORE THE ECONOMY TOOK ITS NOSEDIVE, consultants and industry analysts were touting the importance of cost-reduction strategies throughout the supply channel. Finding ways to become more efficient, they argued, not only helps maximize...

Making "fee-for-service" a reality: When you prove that your value-added services save money, you and your customer both benefit. (Management).
May 1, 2002... "UNBUNDLING" -- feel like you've heard that term a thousand times in the last year? You probably have. Today, businesses focus more than ever on saving money and making more on what they sell. A big part of that process is defining the services...

Eliminate the estate tax...legally: Transfer all your wealth, including your business. (Tax Planning).
May 1, 2002... IN A HEARTBEAT THE TAX-LAW -- especially the estate tax law -- can rip a family's wealth to shreds. Luckily, thanks to the Tax Relief Act of 2001, the estate tax has been repealed, right? Wrong. The short (and real) answer is... only if...

Be a champion of your solution: It takes discipline and dedication to put value-added selling principles into action. (Strictly for Sales).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... The principles of value-added selling are simple to understand but generally more challenging to implement. I write of this often. For example, seek ways to add value, not cost. This is simple in principle -- more difficult in practice. Here's...

Bring in your relief pitcher: When sales reps work together, customers get the best in service and solutions. (Manufacturer's View).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Who is our customer and how do we gain market share? This is a question frequently asked by manufacturers. Are we selling to distributors or users? Who is the most important part of this chain? With today's fast-paced work environment we...

Partnerships in performance: A Midwestern maintenance supply specialist stays a step ahead of its competition--and its customers. (Distributor Profile).
May 1, 2002... It's difficult these days to claim that a business is "recession resistant," but that's the phrase Kimball Midwest uses to describe its operations. Because machines need constant upkeep in good times and are broken down for overhaul in bad,...

It's the perfect time to grow. (View Point).(Earnest Machine Products Co.)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... "If we do not change our direction, we are likely to find ourselves where we are headed." At 5'1" the phrase "In over your head" has very real meaning. In the last few months our company has grown and with that growth came big changes....

Breaking through: Selling powder actuated tools requires training and a good handle on your customer's application. (Selling).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Brian Berry started working in the powder actuated tool arena more than 30 years ago, but he still enjoys the look of amazement that crawls across his customers' faces when they see the fast, powerful tools in action. "A lot of people...

New frontiers: Michigan-based Mahar Tool Supply is expanding its horizons while focusing on its core business. (Distributor Profile).(Company Profile)
May 1, 2002... Ahar Tool Supply has quietly become one of the largest distributors in the U.S. In 2001, it was number 70 in the Industrial Distribution Top 100 survey with $79 million in 2000 sales. The company attained this size while operating from five...

Measuring value: Learn how to measure one tool against another and document the added value for your customer. (Productivity Analysis).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... As consumers, our goal when shopping for anything from groceries to a new car is to choose the product that has the best value. Shopping for cutting tools is no different. Like groceries and cars, cutting tools are available from several...

Selling tools on the fast track; Business philosophy: hit the markets early and often to keep them coming back. (Distributor Profile).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... here's very little "laid back" about the Colonial Hardware management team. Downtown New York's straight-ahead, full-throttle aggressive selling is its style of business. Colonial Hardware Corp., in business since 1931 and owned by the...

Load up those "wagons" for a demo ride. (View Point).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Back in 1857 when Mathias Klein first started producing and selling hand tools he performed almost all the supply chain functions himself. Mr. Klein designed his tools, produced his tools, and sold them to professional Chicago area tradesmen....

HTI keeps a handle on safety. (News).(Hand Tools Institute safety tips)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... It is Hand Tool Safety Month, and the Hand Tools Institute is busy at educating hand tool users in the safe and proper use of non-powered hand tools. According to figures released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency treatments...

Put the tool in their hands: How to help your customers choose the right ergonomically designed hand tool. (Ergonomics).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... hese days, it seems like every hand tool manufacturer boasts that its products are the most ergonomically designed and the best choice for your customers. The problem is, many of them look the same and perform the same tasks as the next, which...

Shower pans. (Products for Profit).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Shower pans are built with Terreon [R] for applications requiring hard-wearing durability; solid surface is acrylic modified polyester resin; resists breakage and vandalism; easy to maintain; resists stains, burns, chemicals and impacts;...

Line of electrical. (Products for Profit).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Line of electrical tools introduced for crimping, stripping and cutting; nine tools for electrical work include wire and cable cutter/strippers, retaining ring pliers and sets; corrosion-resistant black oxide finish; ergonomic cushion grip...

Wright Spline[TM]. (Products for Profit).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Wright Spline[TM] wrench provides higher strength, greater torque and more tool-to-fastener contact than any other design; fits and turns four styles of fastener heads -- hex, double-hex, old spline and new spline; tightens fasteners to higher...

Vaporseal[TM]. (Products for Profit).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Vaporseal[TM] is a 2-component, moisture tolerant epoxy-based sealant for concrete; blocks liquids and alkalinity; retards the transmission of moisture, odor and other elements through concrete slabs; reduces vapor transmission to near zero in...

Anti-slip tape. (Hot Lines).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Anti-slip tape available in "caution colors" yellow and black; message printed tapes are quick and easy to use; self-adhesive, pre-cut; apply to stairs, ramps, walkways; contains tough grit for wet or dry conditions; custom colors and...

Auto-darkening. (Hot Lines).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... Auto-darkening welding filter complete with helmet and headgear is most technically advanced in the market; Focus GFM-C is infinitely variable from shade 9 to shade 13; operates in all arc welding and plasma cutting environments; darkens in...

UL-listed. (Hot Lines).(advertisement)
May 1, 2002... UL-listed photoluminescent EXIT signs are first in the industry; NFPA 101-life safety code compliant; require 5 fc (54 lux) activation by fluorescent lighting; install every 50 ft; non-radioactive, non-toxic, maintenance free, non-electrical;...

Wire stripper/cutters. (Products for Profit).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Wire skipper/cutters 11055 and 11057 for stripping, cutting, looping and gauging solid and stranded wire; feature specially designed Klein-Kurve [TM] handles for ease of use in confined areas; longer, double-dipped handles provide firm grip for...

SeeSnake[TM]. (Products for Profit).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... SeeSnake [TM] compact video pipe inspection system added to line; affordable, small, lightweight for easy transportation and storage; allows user to quickly view inside drain lines and other piping to determine exact cause of problems;...

Employee safety. (Products for Profit).
May 1, 2002... Employee safety and content protection are top priority with pre-assembled access control buildings; designed for transaction security; tempered safety glass; heavy-duty aluminum doors are standard; optional security screens, roll-down...

High-strength disc. (Products for Profit).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... High-strength disc ideal for finishing applications that require both flexibility and durability; high-strength fibers combined with a high grain content deliver a tough, long-lasting disc for light deburring to fine, uniform finishing on all...

Line of tip-out. (Products for Profit).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Line of tip-out bins for small part storage is perfect for storing nuts and bolts, plumbing and electrical supplies; spot welded steel frame, high-impact see-through polystyrene trays for maximum wear; adjustable trays divide up to 8...

Micrometer torque. (Products for Profit).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... Micrometer torque wrench offers industry's first bi-material ergonomic grip; greater access, improved comfort and slip resistance; fixed or ratcheting head drive in sizes 1/8, 1/4 or 1/2-in.; low-profile head, reduced articulation; 9-tooth...

Yokee[TM]. (Products for Profit).
May 1, 2002... Yokee[TM] fail arrest garment is patented combination clothing/harness for fall arresting and rescues in tight spaces; easy to use, put on and buckle up; meets OSHA and ANSI regulations; unique design custom fits to individual. Advanced Harness...

DKLO series. (Products for Profit).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
May 1, 2002... DKLO series control valve is the economical choice for commercial, HVAC and light industrial applications; Class IV shutoff up to 400 psig; stainless steel trim; years of trouble-free service; compact, multi-spring design; epoxy-coated...

Procurement solutions: Distributors need to respond to the changing nature of MROP purchasing. (Final Word).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Credit for shifting design and manufacturing costs to its distributors was first attributed to large-scale auto and PC manufacturers that were trying to cut costs while fostering innovation and efficiency. That religion is now evangelized...

3M. (Around & About).
May 1, 2002... 3M received the Points of Light Foundation 2001 Award for Excellence in Corporate Community Service. 3M, its employees and retirees donated cash and in-kind gifts of more than $47 million to charitable and educational institutions through the...

MRO prospects. (Around & About).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2002... Recycling is big business and may be a market for MRO prospects. A U.S. Environmental Protection Agency National Recycling Coalition report details the economic impact of the $235 billion dollar industry. According to the EPA, 56,000 businesses...