January 2010 News
IDC-USA to support Haiti relief efforts
In light of the enormous earthquake devastation, injury and loss of life to the people of Haiti, the IDC Charitable Trust Corporation is matching IDC-USA generated donations up to a maximum match of $10,000.
Grainger anticipates 2010 growth
Following a 9 percent sales decline in 2009, Grainger is forecasting 6 percent to 10 percent sales growth in 2010.
IDEAL Awards IBEW Apprentices with Tool Kits
Also donates data communications testing equipment to tech school.
Harrington Hoists Joins Haiti Relief Effort
Company is donating manual hand chain hoists and lever hoists via ISA.
Report: New Residential Sales in December 2009
New home sales slide 7.6 percent from November.
Housing bust keeps consuming California jobs
Construction and related industries take a big hit in 2009.
Trend Routing Opens New North American Corporate Headquarters
British household name in tools opens facility in Greensboro.
STAFDA Joins ISA on Haiti Relief Effort
The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) has teamed-up with the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) in assisting with the industry-wide relief effort in Haiti.
Topcon acquires European developer of paving control systems
Roadware B.V., developes software and hardware for paving machine control.
Case Study: Hands-free light switches
Illinois hospital installs touchless automatic door switches from Larco for added infection control in new surgical suite.
Topcon Tierra relaunches website with ‘new look, feel’
New features include dealer locator.
Wells Fargo issues Q1 2010 Construction Industry Survey
Almost half of executives believe construction activity levels will remain at the overall depressed levels experienced in 2009.
Report: New Residential Construction, December 2009
Permits climb 11 percent month over month; housing starts drop 4 percent.
JCB Donates $150,000 Worth of Equipment to Haiti Relief Effort
JCB backhoe loaders will help clear the way for disaster aid.
International Hardware Fair Launches Online "Matchmaking" Service
Internet tool allows attendees to make appointments and interact with exhibitors before the show begins.
Dennis Cowhey launches fastener software blog
CEO of Computer Insights, Inc. opens online best practices dialogue with distribution community.
Proposed California High Speed Rail train would run from Anaheim to San Francisco
High-speed rail line would cost $42.6 billion, create an estimated 165,000 construction jobs and 6,000 permanent jobs to operate and maintain the system.
Lenders look for ways to restart stalled construction projects
Banks nationwide struggle to get projects back on track as builders default on loans and valuations tumble.
Lack of construction could create apartment shortages
A dramatic decline in U.S. apartment construction could lead to a shortage of rental housing in the years ahead.
U.S. Economy: Permits Jump, Signal Construction Gains
Building permits in the U.S. unexpectedly jumped in December, signaling gains in housing will be sustained into 2010 after winter weather depressed construction at the end of last year.
FHA To Toughen Down Payment Rules
The Federal Housing Administration will raise the minimum down payment for its least credit-worthy borrowers, agency announced Tuesday.
Housing Economists: Sales Are on the Rise
New home sales expected to post increases of 25 to 33 percent over 2009; resales to climb roughly 7 percent.
The Distribution Team Offers Inventory Management Seminar
Seminar set for April 1-2, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois.
ISA to Coordinate Haiti Relief Effort
The Industrial Supply Association announced that ISA is coordinating an industry-wide response to the relief effort following the earthquake that recently devastated Haiti.
PRAMAC Donates Generators to Haiti
PRAMAC will be donating 30 generators to assist with the Haiti relief effort.
DBM to publish magazine for IDC-USA
Direct Business Media (DBM), publisher of Contractor Supply magazine, signed an agreement with IDC-USA to publish the distributor cooperative’s publication IDC Industrial Review.
Ericson Plugs Into Breast Cancer Awareness in 2010
“Extension of Hope” initiative donates percentage of hot pink Hog Hide Cord Set sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
WD-40 reports 22.5% increase in income
WD-40 Company reported sales for the first quarter of $77.7 million, a decrease of 7.0% from the first quarter last year.
Delmar and DEWALT Release Construction Estimating Handbook
Book provides estimating “how to” essentials and free access to online materials.
Additive Manufacturing Gets New "Universal Language"
First industry standards developed by SME and ASTM are now available.
Corpus Christi to Build La Quinta Terminal
Decision follows Corps construction contract for channel extension.
Nebraska Plans $1.8 Billion Transformation for Lincoln
As the nation struggles to emerge from recession, Lincoln has $1.8 billion in projects planned in the downtown area alone.
Treasure Hunt in San Francisco Bay
As California struggles with its financial crisis, this city is close to launching a massive redevelopment of a former naval base that offers a ray of fiscal hope.
Dolphins unveil stadium roof concept
The Miami Dolphins have unveiled a concept for a 621,000-square-foot roof to help woo future Super Bowls.
Construction slated to begin on Florida's I-4/Selmon Expressway Connector
The $400M elevated connector linking Interstate 4 and the Lee Roy Selmon Crosstown Expressway in Tampa will start to take shape this month.
Construction, teen jobs hurting most
Almost a quarter of construction workers and more than a quarter of teenagers are unemployed nationwide.
Jobs bill on Senate docket
When the Senate returns on Jan. 19, jolting the economy will be high on the to-do list.
Driltec acquires Heller Anchor Bore (HAB)
HAB products will continue to be marketed under present name.
Campbell Supply Acquires Cedar Valley Supply
Consolidated branches in Waterloo, Iowa add warehouse, showroom space.
Lord & Sons buys Carson Sales Co.
Lord & Sons Inc. announced that it has acquired privately held Carson Sales, a fastening and construction distributor in the Southwest.
Construction Spending in U.S. Fell 0.6% in November
Construction spending totaled $900 billion in November, the lowest level since July 2003.
In California, Historic Reviews Slow Stimulus
Inspector general: Backlog of historic reviews delays stimulus projects in California.
Report: U.S. Office, Shopping Center Construction Spending May Fall 13 percent in 2010
Recovery predicted to begin in 2011.
Denver FasTracks system to cost $6.7 billion
Massive transit expansion project could be completed by 2017.
German firm to build $300M pipe plant in Mississippi
Plant will employ 500 workers within five years.
Mississippi River to Get First New Bridge in 40 Years
The Mississippi River is set to get its first new bridge in more than four decades after a $229.5 million construction deal was awarded to contractors last week.
Cooper Tools Receives Do it Best “Member’s Choice” Award
Campbell Chain, Cable, and Accessories win for Best New Program
Diamond Products Names National Accounts Manager
Bob Coats hired to fill national accounts role.
Manufacturer Shipments, Inventories and Orders Climb in November 2009
New orders climb 1.1 percent.
IDEAL Acquires Western Forge
To acquire Colorado manufacturer of pliers, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches.
Pacific Laser Systems (PLS) joins Netplus Alliance
Leading construction laser manufacturer becomes newest supplier member of Netplus Alliance.
Colson Caster Issues 2010 "Mini Catalog"
Portable booklet includes a primer on selecting the proper caster and wheel types.
Rebate program for Energy Star Appliances
Funds will be available for appliance and home system upgrades beginning this month.
