Industrial Distribution articles from September 2004

Industrial Distribution archives from September 2004

Distribution and entrepreneurship.(Editorial)(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT lives on in industrial distribution. Despite the consolidation that has occurred in the industrial distribution marketplace, most distribution companies are still independent, family-owned businesses. In fact,...

Bringing power to small businesses.(Around and About)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... FOR MILLIONS OF SMALL BUSINESSES, having a backup power system in place is a vital issue. The problem is, few companies have taken steps to implement one--despite The Great Blackout that occurred in the Northeast during the summer of 2003,...

In the news.(Around and About)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Brazill Brothers & Associates expanded its sales territory for Universal Lighting Technologies to include Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia... Personal protection equipment maker ERB Industries, Inc., was named a preferred...

Mergers & acquisitions.(Around and About)
September 1, 2004... Ingersoll-Rand Co. Ltd. Sold its Drilling Solutions business unit to Atlas Copco AB, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, for approximately $225 million. The transaction included production facilities in Garland, Texas; Roanoke, Va.; Yokohama,...

Updated regs raise questions: the Labor Department's updated Fair Labor Standards Act is good news for business, but leaves distributors' inside sales question unanswered.(News)(regulations)
September 1, 2004... WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Effective August 23, the U.S. Department of Labor issued its revised regulations of the Fair Labor Standards Act covering overtime pay eligibility--changes that were deemed long overdue by virtually all participants and...

Manufacturers to invest in new technology.(News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... More than half of U.S. manufacturing companies will spend more than $1 million on new manufacturing technology in the next two years, and more than 25 percent will invest at least $5 million, according to a recent survey. Commissioned as...

PTDA hosts Industry Summit in Orlando.(Power Transmission Distributors Association)
September 1, 2004... The Power Transmission Distributors Assn. will host its 2004 Industry Summit (formerly Annual Convention), themed "Distribution: What Do You Do Again?" in Orlando, Fla., Oct. 13-16. Industry trends to be addressed at the Summit include growing...

FPDA hits the Arch in St. Louis.(National Fluid Power Association)
September 1, 2004... FPDA -- Serving Fluid Power and Motion Technology Distributors will host its 2004 Fall Meeting, titled "Technologies in Motion: Accelerating Business Development," in St. Louis, Oct. 16-19. Activities at the fall gathering include seminars, the...

Sealing distributors talk business in Savannah.(meetings )(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Sealing distributors from across the country will meet next month in historic Savannah, Ga., for the 2004 Annual Convention of the Independent Sealing Distributors. The meeting will be held at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront hotel, Oct. 21-23....

Distributors.(Players)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... IDI Independent Distributors, Inc. appointed Don Knowles as president, appointed Jerome Blanc as first chairman of the board, and promoted Todd Hopkins to IT administrator... Power Drives, Inc. named Mike Johnson senior vice president......

Manufacturers.(Players)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Cooper Industries, Ltd. named Kirk S. Hachigian president and chief operating officer, and elected him to the company's board of directors... ITT Industries, Inc. named Steven R. Loranger president and chief executive officer... Lincoln...

The best salespeople aim high: to get to the top of the sales profession, make a habit of reaching high-level decision makers.(Strictly for Sales)
September 1, 2004... EIGHTY PERCENT of high-level decision makers (HLDMs) get involved early in the buying decision process, yet only 5 percent of all salespeople talk to this decision maker. Three-quarters of all sales-people admit to feeling locked in at lower...

NFPA publishes new technical standards.(National Fluid Power Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Four technical documents have been published by, and are available from, the National Fluid Power Assn. Documents include: NFPA/T2.12.5 R1-2004, information report, fluid power, laboratory guidelines (second edition); NFPA/T2.13.3 R3-2004,...

NIBA announces scholarship winners.(National Industrial Belting Association)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... As an integral part of NIBA -- The Belting Assn.'s not-for-profit charitable philosophy, the association offers two $2,000 scholarships each year to college students for a business-related course of study. The scholarship is available to...

FPDA releases statistical tools.(Associations)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... FPDA -- Serving Fluid Power and Motion Technology Distributors announced the availability of its 2004 PROFIT Report and 2004 Compensation Report. The 2004 PROFIT Report is an annual financial analysis of typical distributor performance in...

EASA's Fall seminar schedule.(Electrical Apparatus Service Associations)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Electrical Apparatus Service Assn. announced its Fall 2004 seminar schedule, including Principles of Large AC Motors, Oct. 1-2, in Charlotte, N.C., which examines topics such as motor applications, safety considerations and vibration; and...

Calendar.(Calendar)
September 1, 2004... Oct. 10-13 APICS International Conference and Exposition San Diego (703) 354-8851 www.apics.org Oct. 12-14 ASA Annual Convention Boston (312) 464-0090 www.asa.net Oct. 14-16 PTDA ...

Fighting tech fatigue: tired of the "next big thing" in technology? You're not alone.(E-Biz)
September 1, 2004... FOR MANY DISTRIBUTION PROFESSIONALS, a discussion of new technology initiatives might well elicit groans of weariness. After all, the past 20 years have seen a steady increase in solutions for warehousing and distribution productivity, and many...

E-commerce for mid-market firms.(AIT Business Services, LLC)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... AIT Business Services, LLC, a provider of management and technical solutions for manufacturing and distribution companies, introduced version 1.0 of Intelligent Commerce Exchange, a solution set designed to answer the increasing e-commerce...

Web demos for a steel.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... STEELMAN Software Solutions, Inc., manufacturers of enterprise-wide software products for the steel industry, will be offering free WebEx demonstrations for steel industry executives. The cost- and time-efficient demos will be product focused,...

Precision Web-based drill services.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Precision Twist Drill introduces Precision Express, an online quote and order service. This Web-based service allows distributors to select the specifications for the desired drill design, and the program generates the blueprint, quote and...

CNC hits the curriculum at Tooling U.(Tech Notes)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Tooling University announced that it has enlarged its online industrial training program to include classes on CNC controls. The new classes include control-specific training for Haas and other major equipment makers. Essential functions such...

The Maine man in Nashville: you can take George Fournier away from Maine, but you can't take away his drive to succeed (or his accent).(Industrial Rubber & Gasket)(related article: Company Snapshot)(Cover Story)
September 1, 2004... Fifteen years ago, some people in the Nashville business community snickered after learning that a new businessman had bought a bankrupt hose and rubber distributorship in the downtown area. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION...

On the road to recovery: the improving economy is good news to small distributors, who expect healthy sales gains this year despite continued market challenges.(Small Distributors)
September 1, 2004... WHEN ASKED if she expects her company's sales figures to improve this year, Christine Szafraniec answers with a resounding "yes." "There's nowhere to go but up," she explains, pointing to the last few difficult years and the accompanying...

Finding the customer-nurturing gene: Minnesota distributor E.S. Dygert looks for people with customer-service instincts, and develops them from there.(Training)
September 1, 2004... What you might call a variation on the old sales axiom "Always be closing," can be found at the E.S. Dygert Co. in Edina, Minn.: "Always be training." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Founded 46 years ago, Dygert is a specialty distributor of...

Thieves at work: employee fraud can take a toll on your company's bottom line.(Management)(related article:FIVE WARNING SIGNS OF INVENTORY FRAUD)
September 1, 2004... U.S. COMPANIES LOSE AN AVERAGE 6 PERCENT of their total revenue to fraud by their own employees--at a cost of $600 billion every year, far more than armed robbery. And unlike armed robbery, fraud is an inside job. How can you tell if fraud is...

Transition continues in fluid power: those who tap into newer technologies are prospering.(Market Outlook)
September 1, 2004... EARLIER THIS YEAR, the Fluid Power Distributors Assn. (FPDA) met in Phoenix for its annual meeting. The opening session for that meeting was titled "Fluid Power: An Industry in Transition." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Prior to that meeting,...

Innovation keeps students engaged.(Featuring Tomorrow's Distribution Leaders)
September 1, 2004... Q: What do you find most interesting about the industrial distribution business? CLINTON JOSEPH FORD > IN THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME I've been exposed to industrial distribution I've found the most interesting aspect of the industry to be...

Defining value-added: while vital to any company's success, the term value-added can be defined in a number of ways.(Manufacturer's View)
September 1, 2004... VALUE-ADDED. We all use the term, and we all expect it--in both our professional and personal lives. But what does it mean? Is it the lowest price? The best deal? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] By Webster's definition, value-added pertains to...

Making more tools that tie: Simpson Strong-Tie Co. offers distributors a new drywall track tool, threaded anchor for concrete and masonry, and injection crack repair.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... Simpson Strong-Tie Co. introduced the PTP-27ASMAG Greased Lightning fully automatic drywall track tool, a .27 caliber, 10-shot strip feed tool that features a 10-nail magazine enabling installers to complete 10 fastenings in 10 seconds. The...

Cube case.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The 0370, a 24-in. cube case, was designed with extreme utility in mind; offers a fully stackable design and 24-in. X 24-in. X 24-in. interior dimensions; and boasts double-throw latches tested to a failure threshold of nearly 400 lbs. ...

Wiper dispenser.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The automated goRag industrial wiper dispenser is a sensor-activated system that mounts near workstations to dispense disposable industrial wipers at the point of need with a simple motion of the hand. Georgia-Pacific >> www.gp.com

Dual composition driver line.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... This line of dual composition screw-drivers and nut drivers features TPR-rubber handles, a polypropylene inner core, chrome vanadium steel shafts and blades, a "Vapor-Blast" tip, and color-coded size indicators on the handles. ...

Welding cable.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The battery welding cable features a highly flexible neoprene jacket that surrounds fully annealed rope-stranded bare copper; is rated at 600 volts with a paper separator; and is resistant to flame, oil, abrasion, tar and grease. ...

Abrasive flap disc.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... These abrasive flap discs provide cost-effective solutions for a variety of surface conditioning applications; and allow users to grind and finish in 1 step, resulting in fewer changeovers and increased productivity. Weiler Corp. >>...

Double-coated film.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... Dublfilm SP454E, a double-coated pressure-sensitive adhesive film formulated for bonding irregular surfaces, may also be used for foam fabrication, bonding to EPDM rubber, and for difficult splicing applications. Scapa Industrial >>...

Flow-through pallet.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... An alternative to the standard, solid pallet, the flow-through pallet is the first to use an open grate design, allowing water from overhead sprinklers to flow through the upper level pallets to those below. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Pliers.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The design of the Iron Workers (rebar) pliers lets users slide and position their fingers for a twisting grip during challenging pulling tasks, while maintaining comfort and control. BAHCO North America >> www.bahco.com/us

Threading tools catalog.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... This catalog expands on the current product range as well as introduces a new threading program to the American market, offering high-quality threading and milling tools targeted to all material groups. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Prototyp...

Clipper options.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... These plastic clipper and stainless steel clipper belt splicing options can be easily replaced on tight-fitting conveyors or conveyors buried in machines by simply removing a pin that holds the spliced belt together. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Quick-release couplings.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The Bi-Tec series of self-venting, quick-release couplings features a combination of a sliding valve and a quick-lock mechanism, differentiating the unique handling and safety function of these couplings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The...

Mesh vest.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The KS-90 class 3 short-sleeve vest provides visibility and compliance with the strict ANSI-107 and MUTCD recommendations, an ultra-soft fluorescent lime or orange mesh fabric, and high-performance retro-reflective stripes. AW Direct >>...

Safety air gun.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The Soft Grip safety air gun delivers a blast of air that safely removes chips, dust and other contaminants from the surface of products, machinery and work surfaces. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EXAIR Corp. >> www.exair.com

Winding machine.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The moving spool winding machine is designed for spooling fine wires, ribbon, tape, and other materials; is capable of handling spools to 500 lbs.; and minimizes damage to materials, reducing waste and production interruptions. ...

D-handle hammer.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The D-handle rotary hammer, BHE-D24, can be used for drilling into a variety of materials; reduces operator reaching in both down-drilling and overhead drilling applications; and incorporates full-wave electronic speed control. ...

Forging lubricant.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... Dyforge 312 is designed to forge difficult, warm or hot ferrous, super alloy and powder metal parts; can be used on dies ranging from 150[degrees]F-1,300[degrees]F; and has proven stability both concentrated and diluted. Dylon Industries,...

Selector switches.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... The new FlexStation selector switch devices can be ordered as 2- or 3-position, with 1 or 2 contact blocks, with a standard lockout feature, key-operated with multiple choices for key removal, and with optional spring return. [ILLUSTRATION...

Adhesive stations.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)
September 1, 2004... Simple to set up and operate, all 3 of these robust, fully integrated adhesive dispensing systems feature rugged construction and a robust slide design; and provide circular dispense patterns, auto repeat mode and a vacuum suck-back feature....

New lifts.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Delta series, a new series of vertical reciprocating conveyors also known as vertical, freight or material lifts, lift material or inventory between 2 or more floors; are durable and reliable; and incorporate drive chains rather than wire...

Hand cleaner.(The Best New Products for Your Customers)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The GritMaster is a proprietary, heavy-duty, industrial dispenser for exclusive use with the GritMaster hand cleaner product line, which includes Citra Clean, Krystal, Homerun, Natural Touch and Maxi Blue. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Warsaw...

Give "brown" less green: understanding where your shipping costs come from may help you lessen them.(Final Word)
September 1, 2004... FOR INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTORS, outbound freight costs usually rank toward the highest among budget categories. Even so, no one will argue the overall cost effectiveness of parcel carriers. After all, what distributor can deliver a 10-pound case...

Mending relationships.(Editorial)
September 1, 2004... One of the more interesting findings in INDUSTRIAL DISTRIBUTION'S 58th Annual Survey of Distributor Operations (to be published this month) is that relationships between manufacturers and distributors seem to be improving. This is the first...

Precision tooling.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Alpha 4 Plus Micro system features the smallest solid carbide drills with internal coolant, available in 8Xd and 12Xd versions; the Alpha Point system features the TCT tip and internal coolant; and the Alpha 4 TFT 8Xd and 12Xd are...

Hose and ducting.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... This 14-page catalog features hose and ducting products that can be used in a wide variety of applications; are made of thermoplastic rubber, polyurethane, PVC, silicone fiberglass, polypropylene, and polyethylene; and come in size ranges from...

Ceramic discs.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Ceramic discs offer enhanced performance level; are made with a stiff fiber backing that combines durability with resiliency; give a longer lasting and cooler cutting performance when grinding steel, stainless, exotic materials and other...

Metric oil seals.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... TCM metric oil seals are fully encased in a rubber elastomer, providing an excellent seal on the housing bore; can be used when minor damage to the surface has occurred; and are available in Nitril, Viton and Polyacrylate. [ILLUSTRATION...

Latex spray paint.(Product News)(Diversified Brands)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Eco-Guard latex spray paint provides the high gloss durability of an enamel with soap and water clean-up and low odor for indoor safety and compliance; features a quick, 20-minute dry time; and is available in 16-oz, cans with 8 color...

Timing belt.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... New generation of polyurethane power transmission timing belt, the Synchroflex Gen III, allows end users to operate motors and drives at higher horsepower; is reinforced with steel cord tension members with the popular "S" and "Z" twist...

Safety catalog.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Colorful, comprehensive catalog of more than 200 pages features more than 3,000 products; includes detailed product descriptions, color photographs, and quick reference guides; and can be customized with the distributor's logo, slogan and...

Crack repair.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Crack-pac makes high-strength, waterproof repairs to fine- to medium-width cracks (1/64 in. to 3/32 in.) in concrete columns, slabs and walls; mixes within the cartridge; dispenses with standard caulking tool; can be used in gravity-feed or...

Performance parts kits.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Three types of performance parts kits for conveyor platforms include: belt kits, spindle kits and drive module/drive kits. Each kit contains key service parts to help minimize conveyor downtime when an emergency arises, and includes several...

Pneumatic cylinders.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Lintra series has been newly upgraded to fit into harsh application environments, can withstand lateral forces, and features an internal groove for low-profile switches. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IMI Norgren, Inc., www.norgren.com

Surface grinder.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The SG12/E single-head surface grinder offers durability and ease-of-use, and includes a 1.5 horsepower engine and a disc rotation speed of 250 rpm for its 12-in. working width. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] General Equipment Co.,...

Hose fitting assembly.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... PTFE Flare-Seal hoses feature a PTFE liner, which passes through the inside of the fitting and is then flared over the face to provide 100% full PTFE coverage on all wetted surfaces. The seal is offered with braided convoluted and smooth bore...

Finishing pump.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The Pogo Plus is a spray finishing pump designed to ensure continuous high volume delivery of low to medium viscosity coatings and adhesives. Binks, www.binks.com

Colloid mills.(Product News)(Bematek Systems Inc)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... This full line of colloid mills adjusts easily while running to let users fine-tune their product, offers convenient CIP operation, and is suitable for laboratory, pilot plant, and production use. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bematek...

Large volume reels.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Heavy-duty 1185 series hose reels are designed to wrap, store and manage up to 250 ft. of 1 1/2 in. I.D. hose; feature an all-welded "A" frame base for greater strength and rigidity, a low-profile outlet riser and open hose slot to assure even...

Instant metal.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Bond-It 7056AL is filled with activated, aluminum metal, creating a set, machinable, repair epoxy; cures at room temperature without odors; forms a hard, durable metallic material; and offers convenient 1-to-1 mixing. [ILLUSTRATION...

Epoxy adhesive.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Tra-Bond F113 is an optically clear, low-viscosity epoxy adhesive that develops bonds to glass and glass fibers, many metals, ceramics and most rigid plastics; and can be cured overnight at room temperature. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Sealant and compound.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Pyro-Putty 653, a high-temperature sealant and metal repair compound, is used to repair defects in engines as well as industrial afterburners, boilers and furnaces used in environmental control systems and power plant applications to...

Emitter array.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... The UV LED emitter array is ideal for curing coatings, adhesives and inks, and chemical detection; and achieves 285 mw of optical power from a single package, or 20 times the performance of a typical 5mm LED. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Semi-synthetic coolants.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... KleerKut 3900 provides rust protection and extreme pressure lubrication; is ideal for a wide variety of machining and grinding applications, ferrous and non-ferrous; and prevents corrosion in high-humidity conditions. Harry Miller Corp.,...

Anti-seize.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... KOPR-KOTE, a heavy-duty, environmentally preferred anti-seize, provides maximum protection against galling, seizure and heat welding; is compatible with most metals; and is available in an aerosol and cartridges. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Compression packaging.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... GFO fiber for pump packaging is a high-performance composite material designed and engineered for use as a compression packing; doesn't get hard or brittle, thereby minimizing shaft wear; and delivers assurance and confidence. ...

Cutting/grinding fluid.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... SparCut NC is a non-chlorinated, heavy-duty, soluble oil-based cutting and grinding fluid; offers bacteria resistance and less rancid odors; and provides better emulsion stability and upgraded de-foaming ability. Spartan Chemical Co.,...

Colored films/tapes.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Colored UHMW films and tapes are ideal for situations dealing with friction, corrosion, sliding, noise reduction, wear, striking, gliding and surface production; and is abrasion resistant. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CS Hyde Co.,...

Moisture-cure sealant.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... GPS1, a construction-grade, 1-component moisture cure sealant, was engineered for adhesion to various roofing substrates as well as for general-purpose sealing of dissimilar substrates; and is an elastomeric urethane sealant with low solvent...

Machine light.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The EBL-213 "head only" machine light measures 10 in. X 4 in.; provides a broad, even light distribution over diverse applications; and is splash protected and constructed with a cast iron aluminum head. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Torque wrenches.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Torque wrenches for tightening soil pipe couplings are available with either a T-handle, replaceable socket and unique locking collar; or as no-hub coupling wrenches that can be used with most 3/8-in, reversible electric drills. ...

Tool bags.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... 2 new 20-in, canvas tool bags are rugged looking, and extra strong; feature internal pockets of various shapes and sizes; and are available with shoulder strap mounts. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Klein Tools, www.kleintools.com

Molded fiber trays.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... Made from 100% recycled paper, these molded fiber trays are ideal for protecting small industrial motors as well as their components and subassemblies, during interplant and intraplant shipping. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] UFP Technologies,...

Rotary mixers.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... The MR line of rotary mixers is designed for use with meter mix and dispense machines; and provides a low-cost dynamic mixing solution for 2-component adhesives. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ConProTec, Inc., www.conprotec.com

Wall/counter displays.(Product News)
September 1, 2004... 12 wall displays and 7 counter displays are ideally suited for customer display areas and over-the-counter locations; and are designed to hang on standard 1-in, pegboard walls, gondola fixtures or end cap displays. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Flex cables.(Product News)(Brief Article)
September 1, 2004... Chainflex continuous-flex cables are ideal for flexing applications where a robust energy supply system is critical; are available in 600 sizes and styles; and range from power and control cables to air hoses and fiber optic cables. ...