The latest news for the construction supply channel, including distributors, suppliers and manufacturer's rep firms.
Visit our Archives under the Industry News heading for the top stories for prior months.
______________________________________________________________________
Donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund will aid in providing food, shelter, emotional support and other assistance.
NAHB predicts 29 percent increase in housing starts this year, which would put housing starts at the 1 million mark for the first time since 2007.
And adds new cord reels, stringers and power boxes.
Update includes new corporate art, packaging and product improvements.
Shailesh Bambardekar is named Vice President Of Operations - Torrance.
ALL Erection operates in Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa.
Employment grew in both residential and nonresidential construction in May.
Program analyzes existing designs or suggests anchorage solutions for cracked and uncracked concrete.
Report sees regional growth, energy and housing driving market improvement through 2014.
Pioneer Fasteners & Tools is top distributor; Simpson and Irwin are top Vendors; DEWALT is Supplier of the Year; Hitachi named top brand.
Offers 30-day engine swap guarantee on new Subaru-powered Bartell products.
InsiteShip suite is approved for use with Infor VISUAL products.
Nine free online courses help architects to earn LU/HSW credits.
Extended warranty combines with Rockwell's Batteries for Life program.
PFERDERGONOMICS focuses on dust, noise and vibration reduction and improved tool haptics.
Maplewood, MN store to move to new 10,000-sf location.
IDEAL Control of Hazardous Energy program features video, presentation materials, leader's guide, employee quiz and certification.
Nuclear grade concrete basemat is poured for Georgia plant expansion.
Project could cost between $45 billion and $65 billion.
Western Tool's 14 stores expand Carlson's presence in the Pacific Northwest.
Private construction drives year over year improvement.
David Hilbig will cover western United States.
Carmelle Giblin joins IDEAL from ITW Kester.
Limited inventory and tight credit keep lid on market.
Supports efforts in Moore, OK and other areas throughout the Southwest recently struck by tornadoes.
Guide covers portable cooling options for people, products and equipment.
Zach Brado is a 2013 graduate of the University of Buffalo School of Management.
Includes all Q.E.P. brands: Q.E.P., Roberts, Vitrex, Porta-Nails and Suspend-It Tools.
Structure is a complete loss, but owner's RapidRH Concrete Inspection Meter Starter Kit survives unscathed.
Relton and Stabila earn Excellence in Education Awards.
New business and facility opens in Grand Forks, N.D.
Privately owned housing permits run 35.8 percent ahead of April 2012: single family permits rise 3 percent.
Joins Quest from Victor Oolitic Stone Company.
Sales come in at $19.1 billion, up 7.4 percent from Q1 2012.
Izaguirre moves up from VP of international sales.
Distributors sought for Edgetite Paver Edging Spike line.
MA and LA series hoists now feature Made in USA chain option.
Wild River Tackle Tek tackle bags sponsors Bassmaster Pro sportsman.
Solution works with any smart phone or Apple iOS device.
Dan Peterson joins Industrial Vacuum Division.
Company takes award for second consecutive year.
Pro Grade Wall Textures win 2013 NHRA GOLD packaging award.
Air Force veteran brings 30 years of experience to Ericson.
Named Director of Sales - Home Centers.
Bosch debuts new tools and technology at National Hardware Show to save tradesmen time, money.
Acme Tools, Northern States Supply and Jim & Slim's Tool Supply are named distributors of the year.
Wins top honor in NRHA Packaging & Merchandising Awards program.
Will manage sales and training in Western United States.
Expo Nacional Ferretera is the largest hardware, construction and electrical show in Latin America.
Skrubis will lead tool and storage case division.
Campaign focuses fire safety and awareness; disaster safety and mitigation; backyard and pool safety; and energy and green building.
Adds branches in Texas, North Carolina and expands in Utah.
Celebrations mark millionth machine milestone.
Acquisition adds abrasive belts and pressure-sensitive adhesives to CGW line.
Sweepstakes to introduce ZipWall products to contractors ends May 28, 2013.
Craig Wagner has served the glove industry 28 years.
New site includes XSPlatforms rooftop fall protection systems, Griffin and Anchor Trolley product information.
Six-page brochure contains 65 product samples, including natural cork, sponge and rubber tapes and films.
Industrial LED products now qualify for dual rebates.
Adam Sloat joins Wright in key sales position.
U.K. stump grinder company sells $70,000 worth of P38RX grinders.
More than 300 trucks will be sold May 7.
Annual rate exceeds same period in 2012 by 4.7 percent.
New 130,000-square-foot building adds 110,000 square feet of manufacturing capability.
May 14 webinar features Greg Gorman, author of STAFDA's Showroom Manual.
Will also add Infor ION to to integrate with third-party CRM solutions.
New catalog features Griffin and Rolling A-Frame lines plus XSPlatforms rooftop fall protection systems.
Versatility and operator safety are key features of infrared.
Names heavy equipment fleet management, specialist and support certifications for 2012.
Final rule becomes effective May 23, 2013; includes corrections to August 2010 standard.
Jay Cumby joins as branch manager; Paul Allen named sales representative.
Amedee will lead sales, oversee regional and branch safety personnel and safety training programs.
Average new home sells for $279,900.
New 128,000-square-foot facility features offices, store and DC.
April 24 sale will offer hundreds of commercial trucks across the U.S.
BMI becomes exclusive North American distributor for Tower Light construction lighting equipment.
First regional meetings were held in Texas; coming meetings will be in Erie, PA, Columbus, OH and New England.
Vanessa McMurry-Cox will lead e-commerce and social media programs.
Helped national program recycle 10 million pounds of batteries in 2012.
Private housing starts trend 46.7 pecent ahead of last year.
Freeland will oversee sales organization for network and electrical testing equipment in the United States.
Low inventories of homes for sale contribute to rapid price increases across the country.
Latest editions are now available for popular eReaders.
Building rate in March fastest since June 2008; apartments lead the way.
Webinars cover chain inspection, rigging with lever tools and proper shackle useage.
Wind-lock launches Convenience line with discounts on machines and foam kits.
Partnership with Hardwood Forestry Fund supports planting projects on public land.
Online store offers 8,000 products.
Updated catalog contains nearly 6,000 products.
On-site lab speeds ANSI testing recertification.
Site serves growing construction and industrial applications for PP-R products.
IronPlanet hosts 13th anniversary auction today.
Rugg is VP of Strategic Accounts at James Hardie Building Products.
Certification enables contractors to install black iron sprinkler systems up to 60 percent faster.
Acuity high bay luminaires make trade shows brighter in Vegas.
New facility will have five times the space of current location.
New tools include demolition and insulated screwdrivers, nut drivers and multi-bit drivers.
Joins Drillco from Precision Dormer Canada.
Commemorative ladder will to be used exclusively during the NCAA net-cutting ceremony.
Rayovac award recognizes distributor performance and accomplishments.
Fourth annual sales event begins April 4.
Program pairs builder with authorized dealer for installation and maintenance needs.
Purchase of Civitella & Cia expands Klein's global footprint.
New aerosol cans reduce stress on the worker and feature eye-catching graphics.
Private construction climbs 1.2 percent for month; public runs 0.9 percent up.
All time high $2.2. trillion sets new benchmark.
Webinar set for April 23, 2013, 11:00 a.m. to noon Eastern Time.
Introduces new website and logo.
Makita continues as sponsor of top drivers Brian Deegan and Rob MacCachren.
Judith O’Day of Terra Diamond Industrial is named president.
Air King earns award for second year running.
Awards recognize most innovative products at the World of Concrete Show.
Nick Pearcy of Logan Contractors Supply, Olathe, KS wins award.
Convention draws 200 attendees to Duck Key, Florida.
Acquisition expands company’s presence in Michigan.
S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index tracks home value recovery in top 20 markets.
Sales dip 4.6 percent from January but trend 12.3 percent over 2012.
HomeSphere network includes manufacturers, distributors and 9,600 independent home builders.
New 3D modeling software adds tools for concrete contractors and rebar fabricators.
April 9 webinar will focus on social media tools for manufacturers.
Advanced revenue, order and inventory management modules are offered individually or bundled.
Texas adds the most construction jobs.
Massive high-speed rail project is expected to break ground this summer.
Joins Pelican from XPAL Power.
Multi-family permits grow 4.6 percent for month; pace 33.8 hits percent over February 2012.
Work is underway on first U.S. nuclear plant since 1996.
New facility can hold 40 million pounds of fasteners.
CCMI provides historical data on projects in local markets, competitor rankings, pricing and bid histories.
ABC News segment on U.S. economy highlights Maze Nails.
Previously managed Lowe’s Kobalt Tools brand.
Company's first locking tape rule was launched in 1963.
Named vice president of Multiservice.
Up to $4 Billion in federal construction jobs could be cut over next seven months.
$883.3 billion annual rate dips slights month over month.
Jasmine Kashani will manage corporate and social media, marketing project management and analytics.
Expanded catalog is now available online.
Will lead sales and marketing for Method's Feeler line.
K&B Sales, Kivlan Group named top sales agencies in 2012.
Tile accessories deal also includes TileRite brand products.
Bill Prunty named Director of Commercial and Government Sales for Eastern U.S.
Pace exceeds December by 15.6 percent and 28.9 percent over Jan. 2012.
Announces $17 Billion share repurchase authorization; Increases quarterly dividend by 34 percent.
Home Hardware Center goes live with Software as a Service hosted environment.
New line offers durable, cost effective alternative to cedar and redwood.
Deal valued at $550 million is expected to close by late March.
Moves up from Laticrete International.
Brazilian manufacturer produces vitrified and bonded abrasive products.
January 2013 figures show single family permits up 1.9 percent and starts up 0.8 percent over December.
Takes helm of hardware, farm and special markets.
New functionality improves shopping experience through consumer-provided insight and feedback on Werner ladders and climbing equipment.
Weyerhaeuser will continue to distribute the line in its 22 U.S. markets.
Will oversee all North American manufacturing and distribution.
Acquisition from Terex adds asphalt pavers, reclaimer/ stabilizer and material transfer vehicles/devices to BOMAG lineup.
Program provides professional development and growth tools for equipment management professionals.
Spending on new residential projects reached $5.1 billion last year, nearly a third of NYC's $16.1 billion in new construction starts.
iPad app provides step-by-step maintenance instructions for popular woodshop tools.
Acme's fifth North Dakota location brings upper midwest store count to 10.
Partnership launches with national DRILL 'n DRIVE sweepstakes to win a Ram truck.
Year-long partnership will donate Grip-Rite products to support disaster recovery efforts.
Leases 97,000-square-foot facility in Elizabethtown, Pa.
Pent-up demand will drive utility investment growth through this decade.
Coxreels celebrates 90 years of manufacturing in the USA.
Marcio Cardoso to lead JLG sales, parts and aftermarket service in South America.
Recall applies to certain meters manufactured from Sept.1, 2010 to Oct. 31, 2012.
Industry added 82,000 jobs between November and January.
The building of the New York landmark in pictures.
Moves up from vice president of LBMH Division.
Show attendees eligible for up to $500 cash back on qualified equipment purchases.
Overall spending and job gains expected to continue in 2013.
U.S. closes 2012 with 7.8 percent more overall construction spending than 2011.
Portland-Vancouver market tops list with 44.5 percent growth.
Illinois-based manufacturer of Made in USA nails was launched in 1848.
Deal enables Pelican expand its range of temperature controlled packaging.
Joins Irwin and Lenox as lead brand focusing on HVAC/R professionals.
Continues support for Mexican National Soccer Team.
British tile tools and accessories expand QEP's portfolio.
Re-launched website allows customers to order more than 15,000 products online.
Sales slide 7.3 percent from November.
IBS will co-locate with Kitchen & Bath Industry Show beginning in 2014.
Site features easier navigation and search functions and more trade-focused content.
Deal includes Crossfire Safety Eyewear and Pelican Bay Trading Company, Inc.
2013 housing starts approach the one million mark.
Updates issued for materials and finishes, hinges, locking systems and alarms.
Privately owned starts surge 36.9 percent for month over December 2011, making 2012 the market's best year since 2008.
Deal includes Twin & Swing Scaffolding, Inc., Specialty Access Systems, LLC, Long Island City Trucking Corporation, and Scaffold King, Inc.
App helps contractors determine quality of conditions for placing concrete.
New entity offers greater product availability and enhanced customer support.
IDG sells indirect materials across North America and China.
Features sections for EIFS/Stucco/CI, ICF/SIP, Weatherization, Stealth Access Panels, Drywall Tools & Accessories and Safety.
$8 billion, 800-mile high-speed line could cut travel time between San Francisco and Los Angeles to under three hours.
American Ultimate award for 2012 goes to R.L. Ebbert & Co, Fountain Valley, California.
Int’l Bridge, Tunnel & Turnpike Association campaigns to elevate tolling’s role in transportation funding.
SFPE Fellow has served on SFPE Board of Directors since 2004.
CEP, PMI, Richlu Manufacturing and U.S. Safety become preferred suppliers.
Rebates apply to orders placed through January 31, 2013.
Exclusive benefits program to help partners improve sales process and profits.
Catalog can be downloaded to Apple and Android smartphones and other devices.
Moves up from ITW Speedline Asia.
MQ Power Generator selector simplifies generator selection process.
Ned Camuti takes added roles as VP for regional sales.
Has been with Ajax since 1993.
Rate is down from 161,000 in November.
Sites offer easier navigation and feature distinctions.
Independent testing proves Paslode compliance, questions competitive claims.
625-foot-tall wheel will be built to withstand 129-mph winds.
Suit alleges Wooster mimics Sherwin-Williams' package designs.
New residential sales rise 4.4 percent for month.
Will manage sales throughout European market.
Jamie O'Neill will drive Nilfisk sales in North America.
Global King Electric Wire Rope Hoist gets 24 hour quick ship program.
Epicor Eclipse solution to power 9th largest electrical distributor in U.S.
Corporate profits grow at 2.4 percent quarterly rate.
Recognized as a product category leader and retail partner of the year.
New Conyers, GA facility expands floor space.
Concludes 45-year career with Snap-On Industrial.
Helps customers quickly find retail locations for Simpson Strong-Tie products.
Energy, residential and commercial construction can expect a continued recovery in 2013.
Permits trend 26.8 percent over a year ago.
Began distribution career in 1960.
Will manage all inside sales and product questions and orders.
Lodestar electric chain hoist maintenance training is now offered online.
Products, funds and resources donated to help residents repair, rebuild, renew.
Hurricane Sandy victims in New York and New Jersey can receive free installation of Power-Pipe Drain Water Heat Recovery systems.
Mardon Quandt has been with company for 17 years, most recently as GM.
Jeff Lynch will direct sales in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Most OSHA guidelines are pretty clear: this distinction isn't.
Crowning spire goes up Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.
A rise of 110,000 housing starts in 2013 could create 300,000 jobs.
Reports 10th consecutive quarter of year-over-year revenue growth.
Sales of Cut Level 5 gloves grew 35 percent for year; company projects 50 percent category growth in 2013.
Expanded catalog of sawing machines ranges from manual to CNC.
First unit rolled off the line in 1953.
New facility caps off two-year company expansion program.
Auction is set for Tuesday, February 12, during the “Reception With a Purpose” at The Rental Show 2013 in Las Vegas.
Earn tax credits for your company and help create college scholarships.
Fiscal cliff blamed for market chilling effect.
Moves from Executive Vice President of Sales/Marketing and Service.
Scott Tomlin will be based in Boston.
New Training Academy enhances product training for distributors.
Ten scholarships to be awarded to attend the University of Industrial Distribution.
Tyco and former General Electric executive brings 30 years of supply chain experience.
Boss will help fund team as it prepares for the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Company also launches online trowel game with prizes for fastest times.
Cleaning tool manufacturer launches new corporate look.
Aurora, Illinois-based tool manufacturer is recognized for marketing and business operations with two awards.
Expedited shipping solutions are designed for distribution and manufacturing industries.
Greg Schmidt takes newly created role for eye, face, head, hearing and respiratory products.
Modest recovery slows as builders search for crews.
Commercial roofers tell Duo-Fast how and why they are using the cordless roofing nailer system.
Moderate growth depends on ‘Fiscal Cliff’ compromise.
Double-skinned 32-story Tower at PNC Plaza will have operable windows and solar collecting roof.
Rick Lamb is 2013 STAFDA President; Rod Gowett becomes vice president.
But still trend 17.2 percent over 2011.
Wood Magazine award picks eight top products each year.
Rep partnership opens new Wright DC for southern states and harnesses Morris Group's sales force.
New 50,000-square-foot facility has 6,500-sf showroom.
New product from Cleargain Solutions garners attention for ingenuity, functionality.
ITW chairman and CEO David B. Speer has passed away after an illness. He was 61.
Western Mass. firefighter wins BOSS Power-V XT plow.
Will lead domestic and international expansion programs.
P-21 users to benefit from enhanced mobility, accessibility and interactivity.
Residential construction is up 41.9 percent compared to October last year.
Retina-display compatible free app includes two virtual levels.
Judge says project is meeting environmental rules.
Do it Best Corp. lauds Johnson Level for sales growth and service.
App works with Apple and Android devices.
New look reflects company's expanding product portfolio.
Company is cited by Newsweek, Forbes and Dow Jones.
Homebuilding revenue for Q4 grows 21 percent year over year.
Tool captures and wirelessly transfers HD inspection images and video to iPad, iPhone and Android devices.
Sales rise 4.6 percent over Q3 2011; company projects overall increase of 5.2 percent for fiscal 2012.
Stephen Reisig will work with distributors and media.
Regional water board regulations place restrictions on 33 pollutants.
New site categorizes all products in four areas.
Interactive site features product-centric design and new Junior Fan Club area.
New book covers aspects of marketing building products, equipment and construction services.
New associates serve national and regional markets.
Adds electrical and landscaping calculation modules.
Product Information Management (PIM) solution will centralize product data.
Simpson is also matching individual employee donations.
by Rich Vurva
Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was greeted by a standing ovation as she prepared to give her keynote address at STAFDA’s annual Trade Show and Convention in Orlando, Fla., on Nov. 5.
Superior Abrasives has been acquired by the Rüggeberg Group, parent company of PFERD Inc. The company will be named Superior Abrasives LLC.
Pro hunters, anglers, guides, writers and athletes build Yukon brand awareness.
Restructuring aims to accelerate company's Growth Game Plan initiative.
New facilty in Macedonia, Ohio is three times larger than prior location.
New 36- and 46-inch models feature Subaru engines.
Will drive sales in Eastern U.S. and Canada.
20th Annual program is set for March 10-13, 2013 in Indianapolis.
Branch takes top safety honors among 65-store chain.
Rate surges 5.7 percent for month; trends 27.1 percent over September 2011.
Product selector includes 43 new colors.
Has been with Hyde since 1994.
Partners with Canadian Industrial Distributors to sell product line.
Acquisitions expand QEP's presence in tool and building materials markets.
Timbalok is Senco's leading distributor in New Zealand.
Viega ProPress for stainless product launch wins B2 Award.
New edition contains more than 7,100 products.
New site focuses on solutions and resources for professional trades.
Building pace in city is up 9 percent over 2011.
Sun Marketing Group to rep Snorkel lines in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
John Otto to manage North and South America markets.
Permits and starts post double digit gains.
Three new territory managers will drive sales in Midwestern region.
Team competes in NASCAR K & N Series.
CPO now operates 43 specialty online retail stores.
Steve Hartung will continue to serve as regional sales manager for greater Minneapolis.
Take leads for global and North American sales and marketing.
Deal for $1.6 billion expected to close in first half of 2013.
Deal worth $1.4 billion in cash.
Deal includes CL Coatings, Industrial Coatings & Fireproofing, and SEI Coatings.
Lenox Tools and Rubbermaid Commerical lines join program.
New online resource provides educational tools and product information.
New tools expand MSC's expansive offering of premium cutting tools.
Manufactures plastic components for use in areas where contamination, corrosion or caustic environments prevent the use of metals.
Tools provide information on product selection, use and distributor locations.
Concrete cutters can register to attend WOC at no cost.
Looming "fiscal cliff" and government inaction blamed for delaying projects.
Phoenix force climbs 7% in August to 90,800.
New system will use in-state renewable energy sources and reduce campus fossil fuel use by 25 percent.
Three-day course set for October 16-18, 2012 in Madison, Wisconsin.
Realigns major business groups to better serve global markets and customers.
Was Founder and Chairman of Alfa Tools.
Former Journeyman electrician will manage EasyHeat and Nelson Heat Trace lines.
Louis Diaz will be based in Southern California.
Two-year commitment made to help make NECA member businesses stronger.
Paint for the Cause campaign runs through July 2013.
Has been with company for 17 years.
Company projects 30% growth for year.
Private construction edges up while public construction slides for month.
Drop-down menus guide users through the selection process.
Backlog value increases 33 percent to $744.7 million.