Industrial Distribution articles from May 2004

Industrial Distribution archives from May 2004

HD Supply builds for future.(Editorial)
May 1, 2004... THE DECISION by Home Depot to place their Apex Supply Co. and Maintenance Warehouse subsidiaries under the moniker of Home Depot Supply again raises the possibility that the giant home improvement chain could expand into the industrial supply...

Timken goes to Mars.(Around and About)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... IT'S NOT EVERY DAY you send your products into outer space, but The Timken Co. has done just that. The bearing maker supplied super precision bearings that are being used on both of NASA's Mars Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. Starsys...

In the news.(Around and About)
May 1, 2004... Distributor Hughes Supply opened a Mega-Center in Miami, consolidating all of its branches in the area. The Miami Mega-Center houses six product lines--fire protection; water and sewer; water systems and irrigation; plumbing; maintenance,...

Awards and honors.(Around and About)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Cleveland-based fluid power distributor The Paquin Co. is celebrating its 55th anniversary... DECO Alliance was named a Partner-level supplier for 2003 and Supplier of the Year by John Deere in its John Deere Achieving Excellence program. The...

Steel prices cause concern: distributors and manufacturers prepare for surcharges and possible shortages as steel prices rise.(News)
May 1, 2004... NEWTON, MASS. -- Rising steel prices, surcharges and possible shortages are creating havoc for industrial distributors and manufacturers, and there appears to be no end in sight. In March, for example, The Timken Co. announced price...

Prophet 21 acquires DISC.(News)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... YARDLEY, PA. -- Prophet 21, a provider of technology solutions for durable goods distributors, has acquired Distributor Information Systems Corp., a provider of enterprise software solutions and services for fluid power distributors. ...

Clark resigns as Grainger realigns.(News)
May 1, 2004... CHICAGO -- W.W. Grainger, the nation's largest MRO distributor, announced a new operating structure in early April. At the same time, president and chief operating officer Wesley M. Clark announced his plans to leave the company. Grainger...

Trade fair highlights IDCO meeting.(News)(Industrial Distribution Co-op)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... ATLANTA -- The Industrial Distribution Co-op, Inc. held its annual trade show at the Atlanta Hilton Airport Hotel March 4-6, where members gathered to network and meet with key suppliers. Bob Lyons, executive director of IDCO, presented the...

MEP funding facing deep cuts.(News)(Manufacturing Extension Partnership)
May 1, 2004... WASHINGTON -- A program that aids small- to medium-sized manufacturers is facing budget cuts in Congress that could impact some businesses as early as June 1. The Manufacturing Extension Partnership is a public-private partnership that...

2004 outlook "bodes well".(News)
May 1, 2004... CLEVELAND -- A new report analyzing the distribution sector underscores the air of cautious optimism that's pervaded the industry since late last year. In its "Distribution--2003 Review," Brown Gibbons Lang & Co. said that while the U.S....

Distributors.(Players)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... W.W. Grainger announced that Y.C. Chen, senior vice president, supply chain management, will expand his role to include product management and merchandising; Grainger also promoted Michael A. Pulick to vice president, product management;...

Manufacturers.(Players)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... Rotor Clip Co., Inc. appointed Sara Mallo director of sales... Cooper Wiring Devices appointed Oscar Ibarra director, international sales; named James Vaccaro commercial products manager; named Silvio Annunziata district sales manager, New...

NIBA in San Diego.(Associations)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... NIBA -- The Belting Assn. will hold its three-day convention Sept. 15-18 at the Marriott Hotel & Marina in San Diego. The convention, themed "Mission Leadership... Thriving with Change," will feature general sessions led by presenters...

New member benefits.(Associations)
May 1, 2004... The Specialty Tools and Fasteners Distributors Assn. expanded its member benefits by adding new services. STAFDA and McGraw-Hill Construction have partnered to offer STAFDA members significant savings on Dodge's construction reports,...

Industry Summit enhancements.(Associations)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. announced a number of enhancements to its Industry Summit, themed "Distribution--What Do You Do Again?" held Oct. 14-16 in Orlando, Fla. Improvements include: enhancing the flow of the conference by...

New jobs coming.(Associations)
May 1, 2004... A just-completed survey of its largest members by the National Assn. of Wholesaler-Distributors indicates that 67 percent of the respondents intend to increase their workforce this year. On average, these companies will grow their number of...

Calendar.(Calendar)
May 1, 2004... June 20-23 EASA Annual Convention and Exposition Washington, D.C. (314) 993-2220 www.easa.com July 25-28 Safety Week 2004 Toronto, Ontario www.safetycentral.org Sept. 10-17 National Safety Council...

"The times, they are a changin'": thank the kids as older companies eagerly embrace new technologies.(E-Biz)(Column)
May 1, 2004... BOB DYLAN WROTE that song back in the '60s. It is as true today as it was then. It applies to the use of technology as much as it did to the politics back then. Not only is the technology changing, but so are the generations. The two are...

Go with the flow.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... CHICAGO -- Oracle Corp. announced a new capability in Oracle Flow Manufacturing that automates and streamlines sequencing processes, allowing companies to quickly optimize the order of assembly items to be built on a production line for...

Motioneering application.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Danaher Motion, a manufacturer of motion control products, introduced Motioneering application engine version LE. This free Windows-based motor-sizing program takes a project approach to selecting Superior Electric brand...

PDA power for warehouses.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... DULUTH, GA. -- Aperum, a provider of distribution software solutions, announced the addition of PDA Warehouse, a new mobile application to their Progress-based TakeStock solution. This integrated program enables distributors to use handheld PDA...

Saving customers time and money.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... CLEVELAND -- Meriam Process Technology, a manufacturer of instruments and software for the precise measurement and management of flow, temperature pressure and level, announced the introduction of DMS (Device Management System) Version 1.6. The...

Online diagnostics.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2004... OLD SAYBROOK, CONN. -- ALL-TEST Pro, a division of BJM Corp., introduced the ALL-TEST Pro OL, one of the first motor current signature analysis systems to utilize a hand-held, lightweight data collector, making it unnecessary to carry a PC to...

Solid as a rock: Elco Tool prides itself on providing the best metal cutting tool for the job, and strives to see its customers at the forefront of their market.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2004... Elco Tool is a distributorship that prides itself on the tools it sells its customers. Selling a tool that performs well is the goal at Elco, because customers who are satisfied with their purchase are more likely to return to their distributor...

Finding the money: planning to expand? Add new equipment? Financing growth in a changing market is no easy task for most companies.(Finance)
May 1, 2004... The economy is improving--or so most of the indicators tell us. Gross domestic product is increasing at the fastest rate in nearly two decades, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. Business productivity, corporate profits and consumer...

Making it work: somewhat out of economic necessity, some manufacturer-distributor relationships are on the upswing--while others still struggle.(Channel Partnerships)
May 1, 2004... When entering into a discussion about manufacturer-distributor relationships, you often hear phrases normally associated with, well, other relationships. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "It just stopped working, so we broke it off." "It...

Order Up! Industrial distributors put time and money into making the ordering process easier for customers, vendors and themselves.(Management)
May 1, 2004... Creating a smooth ordering process for customers is so important to the folks at John Henry Foster that before any new computer equipment or software programs are installed and implemented, the distributor hands them over to 13 inside...

The makings of a merger: a successful merger or acquisition involves a buyer, a seller and a team of professional advisors.(Consolidation)
May 1, 2004... The mergers and acquisitions market is showing signs of life. According to New York-based research firm Mergerstat, there were 8,137 transactions in 2003, compared to 7,338 in 2002, reversing a two-year downward trend. The total value of...

Is commoditization avoidable? Two toolmakers tell how they've been able to differentiate their products.(Market Outlook)
May 1, 2004... IS COMMODITIZATION INEVITABLE for toolmakers these days? Is it unavoidable for manufacturers of hand and power tools to be viewed as "seen one, seen 'em all" by end users? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Two makers of those products say they've...

It's time to raise prices: even a small price increase can have a big impact on your bottom line.(Strictly for Sales)(Column)
May 1, 2004... ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME you raised your prices? You've squeezed the middle to control costs. You've held your prices at their current levels for some time because customers recoiled at the thought of rising prices with low inflation. Now it's time...

Reversal of fortune: turning commodities into name products can be "cool" and even profitable.(Manufacturer's View)
May 1, 2004... A LOT of discussion and hand wringing is currently taking place regarding the trend of quality products, and even entire market categories, turning into commodities--low-cost, average-quality imports that sap the entire supply chain of profits....

Blackhawk tools for automotive, light industrial: Stanley-Proto's Blackhawk by Proto tool line includes tool sets, chisels, hammers, specialty automotive, sockets, punches and more.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... In delivering durable tools designed to withstand the daily abuse of hard-working professionals, Stanley-Proto has introduced the Blackhawk by Proto line of automotive and industrial tools. The new line features more than 1,300 SKUs, including...

Stabilizer.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The Ladder-Max stand-off stabilizer is a safe, strong, stable working tool when attached to extension ladders up to 40 ft.; features a stand-off space of 19 in. and a width of 39 in.; and is secured with spring steel loops and lock pins. ...

High-production grinder.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... This I.D. grinder, called Opus, has been designed for high-speed, high-precision grinding; and features a cast-iron bed, three-point leveling support, and a "flow-thru" system that circulates oil and coolant. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Wet/dry vac.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The Model WD4050 portable wetdry vacuum features a 5-horsepower motor and smaller 4-gallon capacity; has a unique streamlined shape; and combines a durable motor with a patented blower wheel design for maximum effectiveness in vacuum or blower...

Static injection mixer.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The Westfall static injection mixer is a fixed plate that installs easily in-line; and can achieve a Beta Ratio that exactly matches the user's mixing and flow rate requirements. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Westfall Manufacturing Co. >>...

Solenoid valves.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The cx-tec is a coaxial, straight through, high-flow solenoid valve offering up to 10 times the life cycle of other valves; and features rugged construction and only one moving part, making the valve compact. Co-ax, Inc. >> Enter 211

EMT connectors.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Space-Saver EMT connector allows for hassle-free, easy installation of EMT conduit into a box or enclosure; was designed with the male threads on the locknut; and its smooth pulling surface eliminates the need for a bushing or insulated throat....

Thrust bearings.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Stafford thrust bearings with nylon ball retainers are available in steel and stainless steel to provide shaft collars with a durable, low-friction face for rotary applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stafford Manufacturing Corp. >>...

Rotary hammers.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The Bosch Bulldog rotary hammer, 11250VSR, incorporates Bosch's rotating brush system with its electric rotary hammer, providing users the same level of power in reverse as in forward, and extends the tool's brush life up to four times longer....

Machining center line.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Bridgeport Machines has broadened its vertical machining center line with a range of C-frame models and large bridge-types, a new 5-axis configuration, and a high-speed model for machining electrodes and hard metals. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Fault-detection system.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The SKF Copperhead for industrial fans enables users to monitor fan vibration and temperature on a continuous or periodic basis; providing early warning of many common fan problems, and detecting bearing misalignment. [ILLUSTRATION...

Torque wrench.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The 3/8 in.-drive torque wrench was designed specifically for underground pipe installations that use no-hub couplings; and is constructed of stainless steel and corrosion-resistant painted steel. Ridge Tool Co. >> Enter 225

Cylinder lockout.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The gas cylinder lockout is designed to lockout all diameters and threads found on the neck rings of most cylinders; prevents inadvertent and unintended access to the main cylinder valve; and is made of red rigid polyethylene plastic. ...

PTFE hose.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Stainless steel overbraided PTFE hose is used for air and fluid transfer applications; contains a smooth core with the lowest coefficient of friction of any solid material; and features an outer jacket of series 300 stainless steel braid. ...

New product lines.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The B16 and B17 bolt product line includes hex heads, sockets and 12 points from 1/2-in. to 3-in. diameters; while the metric cap screw line includes grades 8.8, 10.9 and 12.9 from M24 though M72. Cardinal Fastener & Specialty Co. >> Enter...

Lubrication systems.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The Six-Pack precision lubrication system provides simplicity and convenience in one package; can be used in a multitude of applications; and offers multiple seal options to accommodate a variety of fluids. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

High-performance drills.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Applix high-performance drills provide maximum tool life and consistent performance through the use of superior carbide, application-specific geometries, coolant-feeding capabilities and advanced surface treatments. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Pumping system.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The Unigy high-efficiency pumping system uses a sophisticated motor controller combined with proprietary control algorithms to provide quiet, cool and efficient hydraulic power. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Unigy >> Enter 217

Safety chests.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Safesite safety chests are built to OSHA and the National Fire Protection Assn. specifications, providing protected storage for flammables including fuels, paint thinners and solvents. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Justrite Mfg. >> Enter 218

Adhesive gun.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The EZ-mix HI dispenser is a cordless, motorized handgun that accepts most popular 50-ml., two-component cartridges, and features a light-touch trigger that eliminates hand strain. DTIC Dispensing Technologies >> Enter 219 ...

Level series.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Redesigned 330 series Polycast levels are virtually unbreakable; feature a large, magnified top-read vial that allows for 300[degrees] viewabiity; and is available in 24 in., 36 in. or 48 in. lengths. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Empire...

End mill.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... The TuffCut GP, a 3-flute, solid carbide, high-performance end mill, is available with .01, .02 and .03 corner radii standard, and performs well in all materials, including stainless steel, Inconel and Stellite. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Lead frames.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... ETCO lead frames can be custom manufactured from a wide variety of metals including inlaid, and selectively plated precious metals; and are supplied loose or as strip on reels; and can range from .008 in. to .090 in. thick. [ILLUSTRATION...

Carbide burs.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
May 1, 2004... Rex-Cut carbide burs feature head designs that include standard-, double-, non-ferrous- and heavy duty-cuts, and come in cylindrical, oval, ball, ball-nosed tree, and tapered shapes to match specific application requirements. [ILLUSTRATION...

A rising tide lifts all boats? Positive growth within the economy is a benefit to the distribution industry, but only distributors that take action will succeed.(Final Word)(Column)
May 1, 2004... THERE'S A CURRENT OF OPTIMISM in the air. After some tough times, the economy is starting to move in the right direction. Every day, we hear more good news--positive figures on growth and employment. This recovery will unleash pent-up demand...