Industrial Distribution articles from May 2005

Industrial Distribution archives from May 2005

A lesson from the Patriots.(EDITORIAL )(New England Patriots)
May 1, 2005... FOOTBALL FANS in my hometown of Foxboro, Mass., are still celebrating the Super Bowl victory of the New England Patriots, the team's third such victory in the past few years. In addition to the accolades bestowed upon the athletes, the...

Preferential payments: better to settle than fight? Bankruptcy proceedings can be more expensive to win than to settle, some distributors are finding.(NEWS)
May 1, 2005... It seemed like a fairly routine business transaction comparable to what most any distributor would undertake. Hub City Industrial Supply shipped materials to a fence company in Alabama. They extended the company a line of credit even though...

NAHAD steals the show in Miami.(NEWS)(National Association of Hose and Accessories Distributors )
May 1, 2005... Miami proved to be an attractive location for NAHAD-the Assn. for Hose and Accessories Distribution, and its record-setting attendance of 925, including spouses, guests and children, in April. "This year we have more than 220 distributor...

Monumental supply CEO dies at 82.(NEWS)(Obituary)
May 1, 2005... Maria A. Kirchner, CEO of Monumental Supply Company in Baltimore died on March 8th, after a brief illness. She was 82. Kirchner took over as CEO of Monumental Supply--a distributor of pipes, valves and fittings--following the death of her...

Four leading distributors to benefit from organic growth.(NEWS)
May 1, 2005... Four leading industrial distribution companies, Grainger, Inc., Hughes Supply, Inc., WESCO Distribution, Inc. and National Waterworks, Inc., stand to benefit from good organic growth in the intermediate term, according to a recently published...

Distributors.(PLAYERS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... W.W. Grainger promoted Laura D. Brown to vice president, marketing, and Debra S. Oler to vice president, marketing and sales effectiveness... Cutting Tools and Solutions hired David Swanson as CTAS' senior sales engineer... Hagemeyer North...

Manufacturers.(PLAYERS)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Wright Tool hired James D. Rowland as director of international sales... Ironclad Performance Wear hired Kent Pachl as vice president, sales and marketing... Minnesota Flexible Corp. promoted Shannon Hunter to territory sales manager for...

Manufacturers reps.(PLAYERS)(Joe Bertsch Sales Co)(Stevens Sales Co)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Staco Energy Products appointed Joe Bertsch Sales Co., R.S. Industrial Sales, and Stevens Sales Co. as manufacturer's representatives.

Selling your added value: value-added selling is no cake-walk--it takes discipline, focus, and in some cases, a re-education of your sales force.(STRICTLY for SALES)
May 1, 2005... I WAS TALKING with a friend of mine recently about his sales force. He is the vice president of sales for a $100-million industrial distributor. He was lamenting a common dilemma for most sales executives: "I have some guys who are able to get...

ISSA open to FSPs.(ASSOCIATIONS)(International Sanitary Supply Association)(facility service providers )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The International Sanitary Supply Assn. announced that the recent proposed amendment to the association bylaws opening membership to facility service providers in North America has been approved by a majority of members' votes. The bylaw change...

NIBA in New Orleans.(ASSOCIATIONS)
May 1, 2005... NIBA -- The Belting Assn. will be in New Orleans for its 2005 Annual Convention, Sept. 17-20. NIBA's program committee met in January to plan the convention program, and education, networking and social events have been preliminarily slated....

NFDA searches for new Exec. V.P.(ASSOCIATIONS)(National Fastener Distributors Associations)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The Board of Directors of the National Fastener Distributors Assn. announced that after more than eight years as NFDA executive vice president, Dave Merrifield left the association. His departure was effective April 1. Speaking for the...

A new network.(ASSOCIATIONS)
May 1, 2005... Network '05, a collaborative new event hosted by the American Supply Assn. and the Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors-National Assn., will be held Sept. 7-10 in Orlando, Fla. Network '05 will be the one, consolidated industry program that...

Calendar.(Brief Article)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... June 7-8 Chicago Fastener Show Rosemont, Ill. www.cbnsa.com Sept. 8-10 ASA Annual Convention Orlando, Fla. www.asa.net Sept. 14-16 AHTD 2005 Fall Meeting Albuquerque, N.M. ...

Simplify the complicated: select a database system that is easy to use and cost effective.(E-BIZ)
May 1, 2005... IMAGINE that your business' technology solution is a house. The operating platform on which it is built is its foundation. The solution's front end is the house's facade, and its database is the framework that holds everything together. ...

Manufacturing embracing wireless technology.(TECH NOTES)
May 1, 2005... A MAJOR NEW OPINION POLL of information technology and telecom decision makers at U.S. manufacturing companies shows increased adoption of wireless technology in day-to-day business operations. The reason? It's a cost-effective way to improve...

Driving sales beyond: executive sales seminar.(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... JUNE 2, 2005 HYATT REGENCY WOODFIELD, SCHAUMBURG, IL Pro-Active Solutions for Driving Distributor Sales Is your company's idea of a growth strategy simply to "sell harder" or to "carry more stuff"? If so, then you are not alone. ID's...

Molding a successful distributorship: mold and die distributor KTS Tooling Supply serves the Canadian market with a complete line, and two other companies, in house.(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... If there is such a thing as a "Canadian dream" counterpart to the "American dream"--pull yourself up by the bootstraps, work hard and you'll enjoy great success--then Keith Ambtman is living it. In 1969, Ambtman immigrated to Canada from...

Paycheck please: the majority of distribution professionals polled in ID's recent study say they earn an average $80K a year and are satisfied with their jobs.(COMPENSATION)
May 1, 2005... It's May, and by now, most job performance reviews are complete and workers across the country who were lucky enough to get an annual pay increase are beginning to see a bit more in their weekly paychecks. For industrial distribution...

Manufacturing's ongoing challenges: in a new white paper, the Bearing Specialists Assn. focuses on the problems facing U.S. manufacturers and offers tips for dealing with them.(MANUFACTURING)
May 1, 2005... American manufacturers face greater challenges than ever before, both domestically and internationally. In the past five years, roughly 3 million jobs in manufacturing have been lost, many of them never to return, as some companies moved their...

Life after lean: the lean manufacturing concept has become a way of life for U.S. manufacturers, who are now placing more emphasis on the supply chain that delivers their message to customers.(SUPPLY CHAIN)
May 1, 2005... In speaking with manufacturing executives at National Manufacturing Week in Chicago in March, I found optimism on the rise. By most accounts, the recession is seemingly fading into history, sales are increasing, and profits will likely follow....

Communicate your expectations: clear directions between distributors and manufacturers can eliminate having to duplicate efforts--and can help keep costs down.(MANUFACTURER'S VIEW)
May 1, 2005... BY COMMUNICATING expectations clearly, everyone wins by getting it done right the first time. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For example, we do a great deal of custom parts for our distributors. If a distributor needs something non-standard,...

Gettin' jiggy with it: Metabo's new variable speed jig saw offers increased cutting capacity and operator comfort.(The best new products for your customers)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... The STEB135 Plus jig saw is a new variable speed jig saw that cuts to depths of 5 1/4 in. in wood, and has a new padded top handle grip for improved operator comfort and control. The saw is ideally suited for cutting a wide range of materials...

Pneumatic trimmers.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... AirMax pneumatic trimmers cut faster and require less effort for every application load; and feature a one-handed start option, handles made of vibration absorbing material, and a new cartridge-style air motor. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Pushbutton switches.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The IF series of momentary pushbutton switches are designed to withstand frost and icing conditions; are available in 7 colors; and feature a 1.180-in. diameter black or red panel mounting bezel, with a flexible rubber-like actuator that...

Glove with light.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The Glove Light features a small, mounted flashlight between the thumb and index finger, giving mechanics the ability to use both hands in under-lit areas; and a replaceable battery pack allows easy on-off access and features an automatic...

Vacuum pad attachment.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... This shrink-wrap vacuum pad attachment for the company's VT series tube lifter features 3 round foam pads that compensate for the puckering of plastic shrink wrap; are adjustable along a horizontal aluminum beam; and provide a safe way to load...

Angle grinders.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... These heavy duty and versatile 1800 series 7- and 9-in. large angle grinders and sanders integrate patented vibration-reduction technology, and cut vibrations by 60%. Bosch Power Tools and Accessories >> www.boschusa.com [ILLUSTRATION...

Recycling cart.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The Poly-TruxR 50P-16 recycling cart features a caster configuration that creates a slight yet constant tipping action from the front or back permitting smooth rolling over curbs, ramps and other impediments. Meese Orbitron Dunne Co. >>...

Tri-barrier strip.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The .325-in. centerline tri-barrier strip can be used in printed circuit board power I/O applications; a clear plastic safety cover allows the terminal contact screw to be loosened and tightened through an access hole. Tyco Electronics >>...

Blind rivets.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... Blind rivets are offered in steel, stainless steel and aluminum; and are available in styles including domed head, large flange, countersunk, multigrip and closed-end. Vertex Fasteners >> www.vertexfasteners.com

Tubing cutters.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... Quick-acting tubing cutters offer a large, ergonomic knob design that lets users apply force to cut through tubing faster; features a quick-change wheel pin, spare wheel housed at the end of the knob; and is available in 11 models. Ridge...

Refrigerated dryers.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The 20 hp and 25 hp models of the AS-T series rotary screw compressors feature integral refrigerated dryers and condensate drains to improve product quality and help reduce wear on production equipment. Kaeser Compressors >> www.kaeser.com...

Metric o-rings.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... These metric size o-rings are available in a large range of sizes: inside diameters range from 1.15 mm to 1,044 mm, with cross sections from .7 mm to 15 mm; may be ordered in nitrile-butadiene-rubber or fluorocarbon-rubber; and also can be...

Check valve.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The VacTrap check valve traps vacuum pressure for an indefinite period of time, preventing the handled part from dropping in case of system interruption; is designed to handle non-porous materials; and is ideal for material handling. PIAB...

Bur kit.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... These carbide bur kits feature 8 popular styles of carbide burs packed into an oak box that can fit on a workbench or into a tool kit; and are designed to cut faster, and produce smaller chips, a smoother finish, greater operational control,...

Release coatings.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... These non-silicone release coatings are designed for applications where a residue cannot be left behind that might contaminate a material or process; are available on a variety of films and papers up to 82 in. wide; and will not change the...

Arc-resistant controller.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... The ArcShield controller builds on standard safety features and benefits of Centerline medium-voltage controllers, bringing new enhancements that protect personnel from arc flashes; and provides rugged, reliable control and protection. ...

Cartridge rolls.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... These cartridge rolls are designed to be long lasting; come in a variety of styles; are available in 1/8-in. to 1 1/2-in. diameter, in 3/4-in. to 2-in. lengths, and with grits ranging from 36 to 320. Even Cut Abrasive Co. >> www.evencut.com...

Shutoff valve.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... This compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas safety shutoff valve is available integrated with a high-pressure gas filter assembly or as a separate shutoff valve; and is designed to predictably function for up to 20,000 hours before...

Order picker.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... The EKX 410 provides the ability to stack and retrieve full pallets or individual items from both sides of an aisle; features a driver's cab; has a patented 180[degrees] swing reach mast; and an AC drive control ideally suited for use in narrow...

Sheath stripper.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... The JIC-4366 cable sheath stripper and ring tool is good for copper cables as well as tight buffer optical fiber cables; can be used for butting and stripping cables too large for handheld pliers; and is adjustable for 0.18-in. or 0.031-in....

5000v connectors.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... These single and multi-gang 5000v connectors and receptacles are designed and tested for AC or DC applications requiring currents of 50 to 1000 amps and voltages up to 5KV; and are ideal for use anywhere a high-power quick disconnect connector...

Clean carpets.(The best new products for your customers)
May 1, 2005... The CK 3030 wide-area clean-air Carpetkeeper has 2 powerful vacuum motors delivering 224cfm of suction power inside its robustly designed, rotationally molded body; and features a 4-stage clean-air filtration system. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Clamping tool.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The Dictator hydraulic I.D. clamping tool is designed for machining up to 20-in. diameter pipe in the field; features only 8 sets of clamps for the full working range of the tool; and provides 6,500 ft.-lbs. of torque. [ILLUSTRATION...

Wire-wrapping tool.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... The G100/R3278INS insulated wire-wrapping tool combines an aluminum housing with the added protection of insulation that provides 1000V of dielectric strength; and accommodates wire sizes from 18 to 30 awg. Jonard Industries Corp. >>...

Urethane adhesive.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... Dev-Thane 5 urethane adhesive is specially designed for primerless bonding of rubber or metal to glass, concrete or wood; cures at room temperature to a tough but flexible bond; and also is excellent for bonding EPS to foam, foam to ABS and...

Terminal blocks.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... These CRM series header terminal blocks provide almost unlimited mating and polarizing capabilities; feature a dual row layout design for greater flexibility; and are voltage rated at 15 amp at 300v. BlockMaster >> www.blockmaster.com ...

Cabinet handles.(The best new products for your customers)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2005... These aluminum cabinet "U" handles feature a smooth surface and rigid design; have good ergonomic features; and are available in black, red, anodized and a bright tumbled finish. J.W. Winco >> www.jwwinco.com

Distribution's culture clashes.(FINAL WORD)
May 1, 2005... ARE YOUR CONTRACT CUSTOMERS producing the sales volume promised during the negotiation process? A quick review often reveals a considerable gap between revenue promised and revenue realized. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You know the story:...