Supply House Times

13/08/2024

Recently, the American Supply Association held a webinar that included a panel discussion of Texas A&M University Industrial Distribution students and graduates. The purpose of the webinar was to allow ASA members to hear directly from students and graduates about their processes and preferences when considering career opportunities. Throughout the discussion, it became clear from the students’ remarks they balance both digital and traditional recruitment efforts from companies as they evaluate career opportunities. Check out the findings from this panel discussion here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106012-students-mixing-digital-and-traditional-means-to-evaluate-distribution-career-opportunities

ASA recently hosted a webinar with Texas A&M University Industrial Distribution students and graduates, providing insights into their career opportunity evaluation processes and preferences, including their balance of digital and traditional recruitment efforts.

12/08/2024

Congratulations to Mid-City Supply Co., Inc. on it's new renovation! The company held a ribbon cutting ceremony at its newly renovated Michigan City, Indiana location on Thursday, August 8th at 9:30 am, at 1501 E 2nd Street, Michigan City, Indiana. The event included representatives from the City Council of Michigan City, the Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City, and the Michigan City Chamber of Commerce. Find more details here:

Mid-City Supply invested $1.6 million, expanding the new building to 18,600 square feet from the original 10,500 square feet.

09/08/2024

The AIM/R Annual Conference will take place in Music City Sept. 17-21. Brenda Cashdollar, CPMR summarizes the impressive speaker lineup that Conference Chair Jon Wiggs, CPMR, CPSC put together for members this year. Check it out here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/106008-lighting-up-nashville-aim-r-takes-on-music-city AIM/R - Association of Independent Manufacturer's/Representatives

They were selected by Conference Chair Jon Wiggs to serve as your Opening Keynote, Economist, and Coach at the AIM/R 52nd Annual Conference (Sept. 17 – 20, 2024) in Music City USA. Keep reading for a preview of each presenter.

08/08/2024

Marcone Supply announced it has expanded offerings in its Tulsa and Oklahoma City locations, representing the company’s growth as one of North America’s largest distributors of appliance, HVAC, commercial kitchen, plumbing and pool/spa equipment, repair parts and solutions. As a Marcone business unit, O’Connor Company added inventory in those locations to include appliance parts and plans to soon bring in plumbing products, in addition to their existing HVAC solutions. Find more details here:

As a Marcone business unit, O’Connor Company added inventory in those locations to include appliance parts and plans to soon bring in plumbing products, in addition to their existing HVAC solutions.

07/08/2024

Plumbing Manufacturers International released it annual report with the theme, "Past, Present, Future." Starting with a summary of PMI's history, the report reviews recent accomplishments before describing plumbing manufacturing's efforts to "rethink water" in response to water shortages caused by climate change. "Over the past 70 years, the resilience and innovative nature of the plumbing manufacturing industry has been very apparent and continues today," says PMI CEO/Executive Director Kerry Stackpole IOM FASAE CAE in the report. "These qualities serve us well today, as we work to meet the many challenges facing the industry and society." Find more details and a link to the report here:

Starting with a summary of PMI's history, the report reviews recent accomplishments before describing plumbing manufacturing's efforts to rethink water in response to water shortages caused by climate change.

07/08/2024

06/08/2024

The global industrial pipe market is forecasted to reach $52.6 billion by 2030 with a CAGR of 4.1% from 2024 to 2030. Market sectors such as power generation, petrochemical and industrial processes, along with the ongoing demand to replace aging pipelines and develop new municipal infrastructure, are driving factors behind a healthy demand for industrial PVF projects. Although demand certainly isn’t lacking, industrial PVF players from across the country have been hit with regulatory changes that stall project starts, while other areas are finally benefiting from government subsidiaries. Experts from Venturi Supply, Eastern Industrial Supplies Inc, Merit Brass Company and Ace Stainless Supply provide insight into today's industrial PVF market, challenges and outlook in our annual State of the Industrial PVF article here:

Global industrial pipe market to reach $52.6 billion by 2030 with 4.1% CAGR. Demand driven by power generation, petrochemical, and industrial processes. Regulatory changes causing project delays for industrial PVF players.

05/08/2024

In today's fast-paced business environment, efficient resource allocation is crucial for success. One of the most effective strategies for achieving this is outsourcing, a practice that has evolved significantly over the years. Outsourcing allows businesses to delegate non-core functions to specialized professionals, enabling them to focus on what they do best. Alicia Branham's latest article will delve into the numerous benefits of outsourcing creative talent, including creatives, 3D modelers, web developers, and content creators. Read it here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105999-benefits-of-outsourcing-creative-talent Bran Marketing

Outsourcing allows businesses to delegate non-core functions to specialized professionals. The benefits of outsourcing creative talent and leveraging their expertise can enhance marketing efforts, improve efficiency, and achieve sustainable growth.

02/08/2024

From the elegance of WaveCrest sensor faucets to the refinement of LakeCrest manual faucets, immerse yourself in unparalleled innovation and durability with the T&S Brass Crest Series. This line was designed for modern, high-traffic facilities and is offered in various finishes including polished chrome, brushed nickel and matte black. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it also upholds the reliability synonymous with the T&S brand. Transform your commercial project today!

https://bit.ly/3zuTonR

Supply House Times serves today's wholesalers, distributors and reps with cutting-edge information o

02/08/2024

Great news from Affiliated Distributors (AD) members! AD reports that member sales in the first six months of 2024 increased 7% across AD’s 14 divisions and three countries, to a record $40.4 billion. Same-store sales increased by 4% in the U.S., 1% in Canada, and 15% in Mexico, in their respective currencies. Member purchases from AD suppliers grew 4% to $10.1 billion. Find more details here:

Same-store sales increased by 4% in the U.S., 1% in Canada, and 15% in Mexico, in their respective currencies. Member purchases from AD suppliers grew 4% to $10.1 billion.

01/08/2024

Niagara Conservation announced partnerships with many new rep agencies to enhance nationwide distribution. Niagara’s Pro product lineup helps Rep agencies serve the needs of their plumbing professionals by offering advanced technology and high performance for those who are looking for a wide variety of water-efficient products, with flush rates of 0.8, 1.0, 1.1 and 1.28 GPF. Rep agencies also have access to Niagara’s online portal that provides detailed information specifically for Rep agencies and wholesalers. Niagara continues to expand its sales organization to include regional sales managers and business development managers who are working with industry Rep agencies. Find the list of new agencies here:

Niagara’s Pro product lineup helps Rep agencies serve the needs of their plumbing professionals by offering advanced technology and high performance for those who are looking for a wide variety of water-efficient products.

30/07/2024

Looking to stay up-to-date on the technology, product innovation and design trends in both the residential and commercial bath and kitchen markets?
Sign up to receive your FREE copy of our fourth edition Bath & Kitchen Pro eBook now!

In the fourth edition of the Bath & Kitchen Pro eBook you’ll find both residential and commercial product and design trends, showroom display trends, economic indicators and more!

26/07/2024

It's been a week full of acquisition news! Congratulations to General Plumbing Supply on its acquisition of New York-based Consolidated Plumbing (CPS). CPS is a fourth-generation, family-owned distributor of plumbing and heating supplies located in Mt. Vernon, NY. CPS is Westchester’s oldest Kohler distributor with a 45,000 sq ft facility, including a 3,500 sq ft showroom. Read more details here:

CPS is a fourth-generation, family-owned distributor of plumbing and heating supplies located in Mt. Vernon, NY. CPS is Westchester’s oldest Kohler distributor with a 45,000 sq ft facility, including a 3,500 sq ft showroom.

25/07/2024

Congratulations AD for being named the 2nd best mid-size employer on the The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Top Workplace list for 2024, just behind Kreischer Miller. AD Chairman and CEO Bill Weisberg said: "At AD, each day brings new challenges and opportunities, but our mission remains clear: to help our independently owned members continue to win in the marketplace, while prioritizing the well-being of our associates. It's inspiring to witness the passion of the AD team as they serve our community and continue to make AD a remarkable place to work every day. This dedication is at the heart of everything we do and fuels our continuous journey towards excellence."

AD has been recognized on the Top Workplace list in the Delaware Valley for six years in a row, as a National Top Workplace in the U.S., as a Great Place to Work in Canada for two years running, and as a Best Workplace in Canada for the first time this year.

24/07/2024

Rinnai announced that Paul Nick has joined the company, and its executive leadership team, as vice president of product and marketing. The newly created position will lead the organization’s product management and marketing teams and will support its growth goals of expanding the product portfolio in existing and adjacent categories. Congratulations, Paul! Read more details here:

Nick joins Rinnai America with over 25 years of progressive experience in marketing and product leadership.

23/07/2024

More big news coming from the plumbing industry today:

The acquisition aligns with Bradford White’s commitment to innovation and quality and enhances the company’s smart technology offerings.

23/07/2024

The purchase price for the acquired businesses is $8 billion. The acquisition is expected to be closed in approximately 12 months.

22/07/2024

On June 12th, AD associates from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico came together for a heartwarming Giving Back event. They supported Case for Smiles (formerly ConKerr Cancer), a volunteer organization dedicated to uplifting young patients and their families in hospitals worldwide by donating whimsical pillowcases, coping boxes with helpful activities for siblings, sharing relevant resources, and more. Way to go, AD! Find more details here:

AD presented Case for Smiles representatives with a generous check for over $15,000, which was fundraised and donated by AD associates.

17/07/2024

Research shows that over the past two decades, the average human’s attention span decreased from 12 seconds to 8.25 seconds, with Gen Z’s being less than 8 seconds. This data means business owners and marketers have to be even more strategic when it comes to capturing their desired audiences. However, the importance of a quick connection goes far beyond marketing. Your hiring strategies need to be seamless and speedy as well. Find some tips from Forbes and The HRDaily on best hiring practices for 2024 here:

Research indicates that in the last two decades, the average human attention span has decreased from 12 seconds to 8.25 seconds, with Gen Z's being less than 8 seconds.

15/07/2024

After 32+years of service at Lebanon, PA-based APR Supply Co., Terry Ludwig, VP of Plumbing and PVF – has decided to retire. Still young enough at 55 to truly enjoy the blessing of a relaxed and fruitful retirement, Ludwig’s bucket list isn’t deep. There’ll surely be lots of reading, time with his family, tennis, and golf. If plans involve travel, he’ll probably aim for iconic golf courses (Saint Andrews, Scottland is on the list), or grand slam tennis competitions. And, he’ll likely be hand-in-hand with Kristy, his wife of 22 years. Congratulations on your retirement, Terry! Read the full story here:

Several long-valued mentors and those Terry Ludwig has had the opportunity to mentor are among those he will separate from through his retirement. Few professionals can refer to a legacy as richly endowed with good relationships.

12/07/2024

With the adoption of technologies like machine learning and multi-echelon inventory optimization, distributors are able to make their planning processes more collaborative and integrated. This integration provides a unified view of inventory, aligning stocking plans across the organization and enabling more effective management of inventory levels. Such advancements lead to increased fill rates, better control of inventory mix, and reduced costs, which are crucial in periods of economic fluctuation, such as inflation. Check out Bradley Williams latest article here:

In this article, we will discuss the significant trends impacting the industrial distribution sector, including digital transformation, automation, data optimization, omnichannel approaches, challenges in improving profit margins, legacy system fragmentation, and industry consolidation.

11/07/2024

One thing that every successful business leader needs is clarity about what the future is bringing, especially when it comes to the economic climate that we are competing in and how our company is performing. We need to know if the economy is expanding or contracting? What are commodity prices doing? What are other firms paying their employees? These are all critical data points that we need so we can maintain a competitive stance in the market. ASA President Patrick Maloney give an update on the valuable reporting and data offered to ASA members in his recent article here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105957-the-value-of-knowing-the-future American Supply Association Coburn Supply

Successful business leaders must understand the economy, market performance, and future outlook to make informed decisions for success.

10/07/2024

Congratulations to our 2024 Showroom of the Year! A showroom “running on all eight,” is how President of Miami, Florida based Lion Plumbing Supply, Inc Paul Gentile describes its twenty-year-old showroom The Kitchen + Bath Design Center. Located across the street from its wholesale counter — known for its 95-98% fill rate and often same-day delivery — Lion’s recently remodeled showroom has earned the 2024 Supply House Times Showroom of the Year award. Read the full story here: https://www.supplyht.com/articles/105955-2024-shworoom-of-the-year-lion-plumbing-supply IMARK Plumbing Luxury Products Group

Lion Plumbing Supply's renovated Kitchen + Bath Design Center in Miami won the 2024 Showroom of the Year award. It is described as running on all eight by the company's President, Paul Gentile, and is located across the street from Lion's wholesale counter known for its high fill rate and same-day d...

09/07/2024

In recent years, there has been a significant shift in economic strategy within the United States, focusing on revitalizing the manufacturing sector and investing in workforce training. The plumbing industry is a prime example of this growing trend, with many manufacturers recently announcing manufacturing expansions and the opening of strategically placed learning centers. This reinvestment is seen as a crucial step toward restoring the nation's industrial strength, ensuring economic stability, and maintaining global competitiveness. PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and Supply House Times Editor Natalie Forster sat down with several industry manufacturers to discuss their efforts, including Andres Caballero, president of Uponor North America, Mark Hudoba, vice president of building solutions division for REHAU Americas, and Marki Huston, COO of Viega LLC. Read the conversation here:

PM Engineer Chief Editor Nicole Krawcke and Supply House Times Editor Natalie Forster sat down with several industry manufacturers to discuss their efforts, including Andres Caballero, president of Uponor North America, Mark Hudoba, vice president of building solutions division for REHAU, and Marki....

02/07/2024

Bradford White Water Heaters announced the acquisition of Heat-Flo, a provider of stainless steel indirect water-heating and hydronic storage tanks for residential, commercial and industrial applications. “Heat-flo is a perfect complement to our existing product portfolio,” said Bruce Carnevale, president and CEO of Bradford White Corp.. “For both companies, our customers live at the center of all we do every day. Together we will continue to deliver upon the shared values of a customer-first approach.” Read more here:

Heat-flo’s expansive heating system solutions and indirect stainless steel product portfolio will allow the company to expand its capabilities to meet the rapidly evolving regulatory environment in the water heater industry.

02/07/2024

Heat-flo’s expansive heating system solutions and indirect stainless steel product portfolio will allow the company to expand its capabilities to meet the rapidly evolving regulatory environment in the water heater industry.

01/07/2024

HARDI released its monthly TRENDS report, showing sales by HARDI distributors increased by 4.1% during May 2024. The annual sales growth for the 12 months through May 2024 is an increase of 1.3%. “The sales performance ranged from a decline of 2.5% in the central region where cooling degree days were 28% below normal to an increase of 10.6% in the Southeast region where there were 31% more cooling degree days than normal.” - Macroeconomic & Residential Market Analyst Brian Loftus, CFA Find more details here:

The annual sales growth for the 12 months through May 2024 is an increase of 1.3%.

01/07/2024

Read one of our top read articles of 2024! (so far)

A. O. Smith announced that Dave Warren, senior vice president, president and general manager of North America Water Heating (NAWH), will retire April 1. Steve O’Brien, senior vice president, president and general manager of Lochinvar, has been named Warren’s successor. Darrell Schuh, vice president and general manager of water systems and APCOM, will replace O’Brien.

Continue reading on Supply House Times' website.

A. O. Smith announced that Dave Warren, senior vice president, president and general manager of North America Water Heating (NAWH), will retire April 1. Steve O’Brien, senior vice president, president and general manager of Lochinvar, has been named Warren’s successor.

27/06/2024

More acquisition news! Winsupply has acquired Forge PolyFab. Established in 2020, Forge Polyfab specializes in crafting high-quality HDPE fabricated products utilizing feedstock from the most premier PE manufacturers in the US. Their primary focus is producing fabricated PE fittings to meet the increasing demand for HDPE infrastructure across the United States. Find more details here:

Established in 2020, Forge Polyfab specializes in crafting high-quality HDPE fabricated products utilizing feedstock from the most premier PE manufacturers in the US.

26/06/2024

The construction industry faces a workforce gap of half a million, intensified by the impending retirement eligibility of the baby boomer generation. Women, making up just 10% of the industry (4% in the skilled trades), represent a significant untapped resource. Ferguson is doing its part to help bridge the gap by partnering with Tools & Tiaras Inc. Ferguson women’s business resource group, EmpowHER, recently conducted a community engagement survey of their 2,500 members. The survey results showed EmpowHER membership wants to support initiatives to empower girls and nurture future generations of women in the trades. "Our EmpowHER BRG is proud to support Tools & Tiaras, ensuring that more girls can discover their potential in the trades," said Christine Dwyer, Chair of EmpowHER BRG and Senior Director of Communications, Ferguson. Read more details here:

The construction industry faces a workforce gap of half a million, intensified by the impending retirement eligibility of the baby boomer generation. Women, making up just 10% of the industry (4% in the skilled trades), represent a significant untapped resource.