The latest news and information for the construction distribution community, including distributors, manufacturers reps and suppliers.
Visit our Archives under the Industry News heading for the top stories for prior months.
But industry's 17.7 percent unemployment rate remains double overall rate.
The United States economy gained momentum in January, the second straight month of better-than-expected gains.
Will no longer manufacture compact excavators and wheel steer loaders for Gehl.
Nonresidential construction climbs 3.3 percent for month.
Acquisition of complementary transfer switch products broadens residential product offering.
Deal to allocate $63B for airport construction projects.
Measure would delegate more power to states to set priorities for projects.
Construction spending increases 4.3 percent year over year.
New project in Irvine, CA on former Marine base will have nearly 5,000 homes and 1.2 million square feet of commercial space.
Construction spending in the U.S. rose in December at the fastest pace in four months, reflecting broad-based gains that signal the industry is stabilizing.
Annual concrete extravaganza generates good numbers and strong expectations.
$10,000 Dream Room Contest draws 15,000 entries.
Web site, YouTube and digital catalog provide how-to info and more.
Industry veteran will lead sales to distributors, private label and national accounts.
Rate lags December 2010 by 7.3 percent.
Online home services platform connects consumers with contractors.
Residential fixed investment grows 10.9 percent in quarter.
Nonprofit organization supports U.S. service members, families, and families of the fallen.
Overall housing permits and starts dip slightly from November but completions surge 9.2 percent.
Sales activity hits 11-month high.
European construction output rose in November after three months of contraction, led by Germany, adding to signs that the euro-area economy may be stabilizing.
Joins Starborn from GAF Building Materials Corporation.
Covers complete product lineup including new CM-Series ceiling-mount models.
Canadian distributor is one of the world's largest Komatsu dealerships.
New role to focus on new business development, strategic distributor relationship engagement.
Deal gives Simpson entree to the truss plate market.
Construction of first phase of $1.3 billion project will span 31 miles.
Full list of closures is yet to be announced.
Will manage sales in Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.
Free report offers outlook for utility-scale solar industry.
Plans a full year of celebrations and training programs for 40th anniversary year.
19th Annual University of Industrial Distribution takes place March 5-8, 2012 at Indiana University / Purdue University.
CK had previously owned 20% of South African company.
More than 700 items are featured in flip-book style publication.
Deal adds new mobile bases, workpiece support and workshop products to Affinity's lines.
Richard Jones hired to manage Networks Division.
Bowman to helm LA-CO upon retirement of John Hardin.
Todd Washburn signs on to fill key vendor relations slot.
After buying land at affordable prices in 2011, some homebuilders in New Jersey are poised to start construction in 2012.
Expansion project for Green Bay Packers stadium benefits from mild winter.
Construction industry adds 17,000 jobs.
AD establishes strategic business units for each Division.
Acquisition expands Radians' hi-viz product lines and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Acquisition expands Radians' hi-viz product lines and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
Funding for federal building construction took a hit in the 2012 budget.
New products and new markets make the difference.
Will lead North American sales force.
Overall spending climbs over October; only nonresidential construction trends flat.
146 out of 337 metro areas lost construction jobs between November 2010 and 2011; Federal construction investments are set to drop 6.2 percent in 2012.
Energy Audit IR Thermometer/Scanner with Star Burst Laser Targeting (IRTC50) wins top reader award.
New homes sales climb 1.6 percent over October: rate trends 9.8 percent above November 2010.
Final sales of domestic products grows 3.2 percent.
Catalog and Fastener Finder enable quick searches.
Oil-free rotary screw and centrifugal air compressors meet Class 0 per ISO 8573-1:2010.
Adds staff to better serve growing customer base.
Will lead new product development for Power Climber Wind, Power Climber and Spider brands.
Richard Jones named to key position for U.S. business unit.
David Thornhill to Become EVP and Chief Product Officer.
Ned T. Librock moves up from director of marketing.
Three months left before world's premier tool show returns to Cologne, March 4-7, 2012; German industry remains upbeat.
Will lead brand development of the Supercap self-leveling concrete finishing system.
New Reno, NV warehouse will begin shipping in Q1.
New site features application and maintenance videos and Google Maps dealer locator.
Site features easier navigation of operator's manuals, parts and accessories and enhanced photo library.
Feb. 2 webinar addresses "8 Content Initiatives You Need to Seriously Consider for 2012."
Covers more than 180 replacement power tool batteries.
164-page catalog contains more than 200 new products.
Maximum permitted average load factor varies depending on the generator set's rating, the specific application and the manufacturer's recommended guidelines.
But construction lost 12,000 jobs in November.
Small business edition software is for distributors with less than 10 users.
Topics cover distribution trends, supply chain management and attendee comments from the 2011 STAFDA Convention.
Economic growth in the United States will continue in 2012, say the nation's purchasing and supply management executives in their December 2011 Semiannual Economic Forecast.
Predicts gradually improving construction market in 2012.
Mobilistics launches MobiOrder enterprise level catalog and order entry solution.
Guide addresses self-contained, ceiling-mounted small-space air conditioners.
Extreme-performance cordless power tools feature brushless motors and intelligent hardware and software.
Facility will host series of training classes.
Investment in business equipment and increased exports will drive economic growth over the next five years according to a new report.
Estimate sees new single-family home sales climb 1.3 percent over September.
Becomes first tool manufacturer in U.S. to offer full Spanish-language Web site.
Residential building advances 3.4 percent; public construction rises 1.8 percent.
KKR acquires fall protection manufacturer for $1.1 billion.
Moves up from director of sales for OEM accounts.
Kramer Darragh becomes president; Rick Lamb becomes vice president for 2012.
2,600 exhibitors from 50 countries book space for world's largest tool show, March 4-7 in Cologne, Germany.
Inks four-year contract to supply industrial supplies for $50 billion buying group.
Growth rate improves from 1.3 percent in Q2; is driven by higher personal consumption, nonresidential fixed investment, exports and federal government spending.
Despite an anticipated 11% to 12% sales increase for the year, Grainger told financial analysts that it plans to close 25 branches by the end of December.
Was recognized as the nation's Outstanding Distributor of the Year in 1994.
Single family housing permits, starts and completions all climb over September.
Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio draws more than 4,200 industry professionals.
Initial shipments of four Tier 4i models are underway.
Potential disconnection hazard has been identified in a limited series of shock absorbing lanyards.
CPSC petition seeks to require active flesh detection technology for all table saws.
Donation of 25,000 lawn and garden tools will support post-Hurricane Irene and Susquehanna Valley flood response projects in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Fifteen-year Ryan company veteran recently directed Cedar Rapids' flood recovery work.
New products include redesigned stage platform, modular guard rail systems and longer extension ladders.
Buying group seeks industry veteran for key management position.
$10 Million donated and 320 volunteer projects completed.
Earns Showstopper award at National Electrical Contractors Association Convention.
Facility opened to serve distributors in Florida and Georgia.
Leader in online auctions brings global marketplace to winter Florida auctions.
Company and distributors collect more than 3,200 pounds of rechargeable batteries.
Adds Jeremy Woods to staff serving the Dallas, Texas market.
Selected from thousands as one of best new home products of the year.
Acquisition adds five locations to Darragh Co.
$787.2 billion annual rate betters August by just 0.2 percent; YTD figures lag 2010 by 3.5 percent.
Company adds QR codes to product packaging; scanning codes takes users to installation videos.
Discusses benefits of QR Code use by manufacturers.
Joe McShane joins Council from Ames True Temper.
Sales of new single-family houses rise 5.7 percent over August.
Approval is first based on latest 2012 building codes.
Buying group's vice president Karl Puzio steps down.
Bill Painter becomes global senior manager of 3D road construction.
Web site includes Williams, Bahco and CDI Torque Products.
Atlantic Concrete Cutting, Inc. achieves highest level of certification in CSDA program.
Intertape Polymer Group joins national drive to promote Made in America products and American jobs.
Video series highlights Bosch durability and runtime in jobsite conditions and head-to-head comparisons.
New facility will house management, sales, marketing, logistics and accounting.
Cutting Edge course is first step toward Operator Certification.
Company grows rental revenue 19.1 percent in quarter.
Building permits slide 5.0 percent from August but housing starts climb 15.0 percent.
Rebates of up to $3,250 are available until Dec. 31, 2011.
Partnership will help revitalize the domestic railway manufacturing sector and create jobs.
Allows real-time collaboration between project manager, field crews, office personnel and engineers.
NAHB expects 50,000 attendees and 800-plus exhibitors.
Non-stick valve is now available on one-component straw foam and gun foam products.
Report provides a resource for companies expanding in the industry.
Company names Ishii, Hori and Murphy to top slots for U.S. operations.
Expands product offering to include packaged fasteners, kitting services, blister packs, private labeling and custom packaging.
Mark Noe named to top sales management position.
Takes place March 5-8, 2012 at Indiana University / Purdue University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Company also names new Eastern Regional Sales Manager.
New safety guides cover four most lethal construction accidents types.
Equipment location and recovery solution has no monthly fees.
Improves visitor experience with more features, faster navigation.
Says housing construction jobs can be 'Key Engine of Job Growth'.
Katharina Hamma becomes new Chief Operating Officer of Koelnmesse.
The latest Institute for Supply Management survey shows that output at the nation's factories grew for the 26th consecutive month in September.
Promotes branch managers to managing partner positions.
All categories report modest increases over July.
Private sector demand improved while public sector activity declined.
Partnership will remodel homes of nearly 100 military veterans.
Sales drop 2.3 percent from the revised July level, but track 6.1 percent above 2010 level.
Doug Ngai is new product manager of process chemicals.
Guide helps prepare contractors, construction workers and others for possible emergency situations.
New bill would strengthen U.S. enforcement of existing antidumping and countervailing duty orders.
SkatePlate and water jet system is designed for cutting tile, granite, masonry or concrete.
Founder Barclay Simpson Moves to Chairman Emeritus.
56-page guide covers 250 pre-engineered cabinets plus much more.
Releases three new Best Practice guides.
Glenn Hollister to head up new Safety & Health Division.
2012 ISA Product Show & Conference set for April 22-24 in San Antonio, Texas.
Total existing-home sales rise 7.7 percent.
Mike Bugbee will lead new business unit.
Permits climb 3.2 percent but starts slide 5 percent for month.
Peter Bigwood was president of Atlas Copco Construction Tools for 16 years.
Irwin Tools invites nation to thank a tradesman today.
Agency partners with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity on Tool Drive.
Prestigious awards recognize most innovative small and medium size companies.
New promo pays electricians cash back for old multimeters.
Recip saw multi-tool product line expands Jore catalog.
Donates tools and accessories to build solar-powered house for national engineering competition.
Tool provides real time cost savings analysis for electric and internal combustion lift trucks.
Awards go to students enrolled in plumbing-heating-cooling apprentice programs.
Adds Starborn Industries, Simpson Strong-Tie and 6 Lobe Star Drive Screws.
Earns recertification for Standards 9001, 13485, 14001, OHSAS and FSC.
See the "Turnkey" solution that only DDI System can deliver!
Nationwide distributor tour will range from Minnesota to Florida this fall.
Through July, year-to-date construction lags 2010 rate by 3.5 percent.
Includes sling product, safety, inspection and operating information.
Carhartt strengthens retail marketing team and prepares for continued growth.
Rolls out the red carpet for National Tradesmen Day, Sept. 16.
Industry safety awareness and compliance efforts credited.
Inventories reach highest levels since 1992; transportation equipment rises 1.5 percent.
Meredith Murchison joins ProSpec team from Huber Engineered Woods.
Nonresidential structures increase 15.7 percent; residential fixed investment grows 3.4 percent during quarter.
BIM Wall Creator offers robust database to enhance collaboration and create information-rich wall types.
Springfield-based distributor has donated time and Topcon equipment to Uganda since 2000.
Products are for shearing and sealing tendons in post-tensioned concrete.
Next-generation ERP now available in Software as a Service model for small and growing distributors.
Company moves to larger and more strategic location.
Boss Snowplow sponsors second year of Project EverGreen SnowCare for Troops program.
WhisperWatt portable power generators meet 2011 environmental standards.
Certification drives business process improvement to maximize customer service and value.
New home sales slip slightly from June but remain 6.8 percent above 2010.
Consumer industry pro Mike Dinndorf to head marketing efforts.
Cross-laminated timber speeds construction, gains fans in U.S.
Company seeks partners in U.S.
Deal worth $185 million includes Woods and TISCO brands.
Global name change designed to reinforce position in markets.
Online courses expand knowledge of low pressure spray polyurethane foam application and training.
Video channel adds 11 new videos this week.
Window and door professionals can now qualify for a 15-year warranty on new construction installations upon completing online course.
Consolidates individual brands into one, easy-to-navigate site.
Will acquire leading European fastener distributor for $344 million.
Sales for quarter were $1.4 billion; up 4.2 percent over Q2 2010.
Building permits and housing starts slide from June but still show improvement over 2010. Housing completions rise 6.1 percent over June.
Program to return with more chances for cash bonus rewards.
New studies provide more accurate life cycle costs for concrete and asphalt roadways.
Respected industry veteran spent entire career serving the small engine market.
Managers named for Northeast, Southeast, Midwest and Western U.S.
QR codes will link smartphones to short videos introducing each salesperson.
New videos to be uploaded weekly.
Waukesha, Wisconsin manufacturer expands West with acquisition of custom stair and safety ladder products maker.
In an unusual step, the Federal Reserve vowed Tuesday to keep interest rates low for at least the next two years.
Urban Exteriors celebrates a decade of high-quality decking & woodworking in Brownstone Brooklyn, NYC.
But workers are leaving the industry, imperiling future growth.
Spray foam insulation eliminates drafts and reduces air infiltration by more than 20 percent in a 1912 colonial home.
New program helps distributors laud employees with 35-plus years of service.
Will provide distributor and OEM support in Western U.S. and Canada.
Also welcomes new members and elects new board members.
How do you Topcon? video contest runs though October.
Issues Anniversary diamond sharpening set.
Will manage sales for Handi-Foam brand lines.
IRWIN Tools and Edison Nation call for innovative measuring devices.
New company reaffirms commitment to manufacture products in the USA.
Will serve as Director of newly developed Electric Tools & Accessories segment.
Highway work slides 1.6 percent for May, but commercial construction edges up 1.8 percent for month.
Billiou's brings 65 years of repair expertise to Subaru network.
Catalog includes Weiler Industrial Grade and Vortec Pro Professional Grade Products.
Tool manufacturer makes its mark with U.S. troops that work to uncover and eliminate deadly IEDs.
Federal consumption rises 2.2%; residential fixed investment climbs 3.8%.
Kelly Williams tapped to serve as region vice president.
National migration to urban areas will continue, further eroding small towns.
Over the past year, Fastenal has invested aggressively to establish itself as a major national supplier to the metalworking industry.
Milwaukee wows the trade press with a blaze of suitably red-hot new tools.
105 MS05AX units to be used in London tunneling project.
Sales of new single family homes slide from May but rise slightly over June 2010.
Residential market recovery could drag out until 2016.
Powers Fasteners has added new sales people to their force in two key markets, Denver, Colorado and Columbus, Ohio.
Metallic logos and color-coded boxes add shelf appeal.
National television campaign to drive traffic to stores.
Purchase expands RSC presence in Northeastern U.S.
Single family housing starts surge 9.4 percent.
Will lead operations for world's fifth largest trade show venue, site of the International Hardware Fair in 2012.
First event collected more than $16,000 in tools and materials for Cleveland Habitat projects.
Zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell powered light tower can be run indoors or out.
Rebate offers $300 off CM25 and CMW30 ceiling-mount spot air conditioners.
Ed Miner to drive safety and industrial sales programs in California and the West.
Declining youth populations signals a new split in America.
Hirayama named new managing director of Topcon Europe.
YouTube video campaign promotes the Select Step Ladder System.
Philippe Combier has been with Propex for over 12 years.
Ribbon cutting of 100,000-sf facility draws local and international dignitaries.
Fastenal reported that its second quarter sales rose 22.9% to $701.7 million, compared to $571.1 million in the same period last year.
Salt Lake City-based distributor takes Q2 2011 award.
Worthington adds brand to its Pressure Cylinders division.
Downturn in public work offsets private sector gains.
New site features easier navigation, information library and latest product listings.
Carlo A. Lonardi and Scott D. Miller join Harrington Board.
Service dispatch enhances Prophet 21 ERP system.
Conney Safety Products announced that it has completed the purchase of Mettam Safety Supply Company of Danville, Ill.
Branches serve metro Portland, OR and Alberta, Canada.
Patented lamination process creates perfectly sealed, waterproof gloves.
Nearly 50 percent of sawing and drilling contractors report increased productivity over last year.
Move increases Dallas branch inventory capacity.
Durable goods new orders climb 2.1 percent; transportation equipment surges 6.3 percent.
Extends services into Minnesota and Illinois; hires new district managers.
Commercial/Industrial Concrete Flatwork Finisher Prep Course to be held September 12-13, 2011.
Manufacturer of SweepEx moves into 130,000-square-foot facility in Madison Heights, Michigan.
Private and public construction projects dip 1 to 2 percent from April.
Craig LaRue, California Service Tool, named Chairman; Andy Jordan, Total Tool Supply named President.
New website combines company history and detailed product information.
Joe Reimer pegged to top post.
Fall protection standards are tightening for homebuilders nationwide.
Pending home sales rose strongly in May: all regions saw gains over 2010.
World's largest tool show runs March 4-7, 2012 in Cologne, Germany.
Free 156-page handbook is available in print, as a PDF or an eBook.
Software allows users to design photo-realistic, 3D custom decks in real time.
New Carhartt-branded footwear will be available in spring 2012.
ToolWatch Enterprise customers can now access data and track tools from anywhere using cloud-based software.
Textron division includes Cushman utility vehicles and E-Z-GO golf cart brands.
NRHA recognizes packaging for MSA Espresso Polarized Safety Glasses.
Powers teams with prominent Florida rep agency to improve customer service.
Wholesale distributor expands offering of top lines.
May 2011 equipment finance rate trends up 30 percent year over year.
Sales dip in May from April but rise 13.5 percent year over year.
Wins Editor's Choice Award from Popular Mechanics.
Karine Galla and Heidi Larsen named product managers.
Charity outing July 18 will benefit Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, Chick-fil-A, Coca-Cola and Georgia-Pacific fly In volunteers and supplies.
Mega city of 42 million is a harbinger of the future of cities on Earth.
Previously was VP of Sales for DELTA.
John McDonald joins Interline from Service Brands International.
Permits advance 8.7 percent; starts move up 3.5 percent.
Housing starts and permits both climb in May.
Massive power and hand tool launch event puts the industry on notice.
Protective Industrial Products Inc. (PIP) announced its acquisition of the Bouton brand and the Bouton safety glass and safety goggle business.
Website features improved user navigation and product information.
Dr. Bill McCleave to present June 23 webinar.
Tool manufacturer builds on momentum of revamped company brand image.
Hyde 14-in-1 multi-tool packaging and counter merchandiser takes NRHA award.
Industry added just 2,000 jobs for the month.
U.S. and German abrasives manufacturers form new joint partnership to serve U.S. customers.
Will manage retail and industrial sales groups, SK Hand Tool and Western Forge divisions.
Industry continues to trend well below 2010 YTD rates.
Four Days, Zero Nights Sweepstakes grand prize is an adventure vacation for two to Reykjavik, Iceland.
Learn how to plan, create, measure and market QR codes.
Book contains more than 300 detailed illustrations on every facet of the framing process.