American Standard remodels its website
American Standard’s newly re-designed website, www.americanstandardair.com, promotes its dealer network on every page. The new, inviting home page pictures a front door with the slogan “Bringing home comfort to a whole new setting. Yours.”
Designed to demystify the category and purchasing process for homeowners, the site is engineered so that visitors are never more than three clicks away from any information they need within the site.
From the home page, visitors can choose “Help me find the right system.” and enter their zip codes. The site will pull the most appropriate products, while at the same time welcome the visitor by hometown name. Users can drill down into the site for more information or, at any point within the process, access the dealer location feature.
Homeowners can either print out the page of product choices and local dealers or e-mail product choices to their dealers.
Joyce Warrington, national brand director, noted that the site is a helpful resource for consumers, but that the ultimate selling success still rests on the in-home sale. “A website can’t provide an ideal home environment. Only a dealer can do that, by asking the right questions and evaluating the home. We gently guide consumers toward making system and IAQ choices.”
Basco University announces new training dates
Paul Williams, Basco vice president-sales and marketing, has announced the 2007 schedule for Basco University, the company’s highly acclaimed training program that offers installers intensive, hands-on classes on the proper techniques and methods for best installing glass shower doors and enclosures.
Installation training for Basco’s core line addresses the company’s line of shower doors and tub enclosures, while Celesta installation training addresses all aspects of installing the company’s line of Celesta luxury glass enclosures. The courses are aligned so students can take both training classes consecutively over a three-day period. Class size is limited to 16 students per session.
The Basco University schedule for the first six months of 2007 is as follows:
- January 16-18
- February 20-22
- March 20-22
- April 17-19
- May 22-24
- June 19-21
Those interested in registering for an upcoming Basco University class should contact their Basco representative or visit www.bascoshowerdoor.com.
Blanco American announces online ordering system
Blanco America has announced the launch of its new BLANCOSYNC online ordering system.
This state-of-the-art Web ordering system allows Blanco customers to place or review order and shipment status, check product availability, review order history and receive automatic order acknowledgments, even after the customer service department has closed for the day. BLANCOSYNC also lets customers review their accounts securely any time of day and at any computer, streamlines the ordering process by eliminating handwritten and faxed purchase orders and reduces order turnaround time.
The next evolution of Blanco customer service, the BLANCOSYNC Web ordering system is a user-friendly way to synchronize sink and faucet orders online.
For more information, e-mail sync@blancoamerica.com.
Leonard Valve offers new brochure
A new four-page full-color brochure describing the Aquatrol 4500 Series pressure-actuated water mixing valve is now available from Leonard Valve Company.
Leonard’s Aquatrol 4500 Series valves are designed specifically for shower and bath applications in hospitals, nursing homes, institutions, hotels, dormitories, apartments, health clubs and similar commercial institutions. Product photos and graphs are used in the new literature to highlight many valve features.
The brochure covers standard features and options for Concealed Aquatrol 4500 models with top and bottom outlets. Components and options are also included for all Aquatrol combinations, including 4501, 4503, 4505, 4507, 4509 and 4511.
To obtain a copy, phone 800/222-1208, e-mail info@leonardvalve.com or visit www.leonardvalve.com.
Activant to host free tech demos
With the recent release of Activant Prophet 21 version 11.0, distributors eager to see the new functionality included in one of the leading enterprise software solutions for distributors will have the opportunity as Activant hosts a series of free Distribution Technology Demonstrations this winter.
“Activant is very excited about giving distributors the opportunity to take a look at Activant Prophet 21 version 11.0,” said Steve McLaughlin, senior vice president and general manager of Activant’s solutions for wholesale distributors. “Of special note is added functionality to our already robust customer relationship management and inventory management functionality.”
Built from the ground-up just for distributors, Activant Prophet 21 combines the familiarity of Windows with the power of SQL Server to provide organizations with a highly customizable solution that helps distributors increase sales, improve customer service, and reduce operating costs. Features include order management, inventory management, warehouse management, purchasing, financial management, customer relationship management, business reporting and analysis, PDA integration, and e-business. Continually working to meet distributors’ changing needs, Activant has established customer advisory committees to help determine what functionality to incorporate in future product releases.
Distribution Technology Demonstrations will take place in 20 cities during the winter, including:
- January 9 - Birmingham, Ala.
- January 10 - San Antonio, Texas
- January 11 - Cherry Hill, N.J.
- January 23 - Greensboro, N.C.
- January 25 - Portland, Ore.
- January 25 - Anaheim, Calif.
- February 6 - Sacramento, Calif.
- February 6 - Pittsburgh, Pa.
- February 7 - Louisville, Ky.
- February 8 - Richmond, Va.
- February 13 - Des Moines, Iowa
- February 14 - Woburn, Mass.
- February 15 - Orlando, Fla.
Those interested may register at distribution.activant.com/demo
American Pipe & Supply acquires Chancellor & Mann
American Pipe & Supply Company Inc. has acquired Montgomery, Ala.-based Chancellor & Mann Supply Inc. With more than 300 combined years of expertise in the PVF and plumbing industries, American Pipe & Supply enters a new strategic phase of operation with the newly acquired business. The additional enterprise will operate as a branch under the American Pipe & Supply name. Staff from Chancellor & Mann will become employees of American Pipe & Supply.
Chancellor & Mann Supply was founded in 1976 by Charles J. Mann and Gillis Chancellor. Since then, the construction supply house has grown its presence in the Montgomery area by mastering superior customer service.
“American Pipe & Supply has always seen Montgomery as a strong market opportunity,” said Jeffrey Beall, chief executive officer. “We are pleased that this vision became a reality.”
President Bob Kyle added, “This was a good strategic fit for both companies. We are excited about the opportunity to build on what Charlie created.”
This is the second acquisition for American Pipe & Supply. The Nashville branch, which has grown to be a leader in the Nashville market, was acquired in 1997.
For additional information, visit www.americanpipe.com.
EISI expands into Alabama with acquisition
Eastern Industrial Supplies Inc., a wholesale distributor of pipe, valves, fittings, plumbing and industrial specialties with branch locations in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Piping Plus Inc. of Huntsville, Ala.
Piping Plus Inc., one of the foremost suppliers of pipe, valves and fittings in its market, extends EISI’s growing footprint into Alabama.
Kip Miller, president/CEO of EISI said: “This acquisition is in line with our strategic efforts to expand our base of business, strengthen customer support, and improve operational efficiencies.
Mark Brown, president of Piping Plus, added: “We feel confident that our partnership with EISI will enable us to make positive changes for ourselves, our employees, as well as our customers and vendors. Joining EISI was a good fit for us. It enables us to provide improved service, more competitive pricing, and will add depth to our organization.”
Miller noted that he is impressed with the efficiencies of Piping Plus and the way Mark Brown and vice president Debby Christopher care for their employees. “Piping Plus has quite a number of longstanding employees which speaks well of its leadership,” Miller said. “They recognize the worth of people.”
Brown and Christopher will continue to manage Piping Plus as a wholly-owned subsidiary of EISI.
Ferguson makes three new acquisitions
Ferguson recently announced three acquisitions. The details are as follows:
- Ferguson purchased Northern Water Works Supply Inc. in a stock transaction completed October 2. NWWS is the largest independent wholesaler of waterworks products in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, western Wisconsin and northern Illinois. NWWS distributes a full line of pipe, valves and fittings, water meters, fire hydrants, geo textiles, irrigation supplies and other products, for both the water and sewer distribution sector. The company operates from a network of six branches, headquartered in Fargo, N.D., with 115 associates and $109 million in sales for the 12 months ending September 30, 2006. The company’s strong reputation, profitability, and operational excellence make it an attractive acquisition for Ferguson and will solidify the waterworks growth plans for the North Central and Midwestern regions of the U.S. Ron Vasko, current president of NWWS, will remain with the company, and the current management team will continue to manage the operation.
- Ferguson acquired Gulf Refrigeration Supply Inc. on October 16. Gulf is a distributor of HVAC equipment, parts and supplies based in Tampa, Fla. Gulf has additional Florida locations in Tampa, Sarasota, Hudson, Clearwater, Jacksonville and Ft. Myers. Gulf employees 85 associates with sales of $55 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2006. Gulf provides HVAC equipment, parts and supplies and maintains exclusive distribution rights to the American Standard line. This acquisition was designed to firmly position Ferguson in one of the largest HVAC markets in the nation. Gulf will operate as a stand-alone HVAC profit center and Tom Holt, current president, will remain with the company.
- Ferguson also acquired Kandall Fabricating & Supply Corporation KF Industries LLC on October 16. Kandall is a fabricator and distributor of fire sprinkler systems based in Passaic, N.J. In the year ended December 31, 2005, Kandall had revenue of $23.2 million and gross assets of $9.7 million. Founded in 1977, Kandall fabricates and distributes fire suppression systems and products to contractors principally in New Jersey and the New York City metropolitan area. This acquisition will serve as a springboard for expanding Ferguson’s fire and fabrication footprint further into the Northeast. Pat Conklin, the former vice president, will remain as general manager.
For more information, visit www.ferguson.com.
First Supply continues to add facilities
First Supply, one of the Midwest’s premier wholesale distributors, is pleased to announce the opening of a new location in Delavan, Wis. Located at 1932 Hobbs Drive, the new facility opened in mid-November, with service hours Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Joel Steinke will serve as branch manager. He will report directly to Kevin Miller, general manager of the Delavan, Oak Creek, Racine, North Milwaukee and West Bend facilities.
Freeport-McMoRan, Phelps Dodge deal surprises industry
BY MORRIS R. BESCHLOSS
PVF and economic analyst
The late November acquisition of Phoenix-based Phelps Dodge by New Orleans-based Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold stunned the PHCP industry, as well as most financial observers. The transaction was approved by both boards, with overwhelming approval by stockholders of both companies expected. After review by regulatory agencies, the acquisition is expected to be finalized during the first quarter of 2007.
It was only earlier this year that Phelps Dodge was on the verge of becoming the white knight in world-leading Canadian nickel producer Inco’s attempt to acquire its rival Falconbridge. The deal fell apart when Brazil-based Vale do Rio Doce outbid Phelps Dodge for Inco, while Swiss corporation Xstrata outbid Inco and Phelps Dodge for Falconbridge.
Any further mergers in the metals industry in general -- and copper specifically -- seemed dead in the water as copper prices had dropped more than 20%, to about $3 per pound, from their peak in May. Copper market observers had attributed this softening to increasing Chinese production and a downturn in demand, while America’s huge housing and copper-oriented consumer markets were experiencing a substantial slowdown.
On the surface, such factors would seem to make Phelps Dodge’s previous closing price of $95 share, plus an estimated premium of $32 per unit, seem irrational. With copper prices having quadrupled in the past three years, even at the $3 level, both the lofty payout by Freeport-McMoRan plus the premium would seem to be exorbitant.
However, an analysis of long-term factors indicates that the aforementioned merger will be beneficial for both parties. Phelps Dodge stockholders will realize a formidable capital gain, even if they bought the stock only a week before the transaction closed. It should be remembered that Phelps Dodge was available at less than $10, after a subsequent split, when copper prices started their meteoric rise three years ago. Even from an equity interest point of view, Phelps Dodge stockholders will control 38% of the new company. This is based on the non-cash interest in Freeport that the sellers will retain.
Phelps Dodge chairman Steven Whisler, who had engineered the deal with Freeport CEO Richard Adkerson, indicated that he will retire upon the consummation of the takeover.
Freeport will gain the benefit of regional diversification, as the Phelps Dodge acquisition makes the new combine North America’s largest copper producer. Unlike most buyouts, the deal will be accretive to Freeport’s profit statement immediately. The financial markets seemed to verify this belief at least temporarily, as Freeport’s stock price rose the day the acquisition was announced.
Freeport will benefit by several operational advantages. Even though highly profitable in its copper and gold mining activities, Freeport’s mining operations were primarily centralized in Indonesia, which has gone through periods of political and financial instability.
Phelps Dodge has geographically diverse mining operations in North and South America. The organization is now in the process of developing copper mines in the democratic Republic of Congo’s former Katanga Province. These alone will boost the combined companies’ metal production by over 25 percent over the next three years.
Despite the present lull in demand and pricing, Freeport is betting that higher extraction costs and rapid depletion of existing mining facilities will make the copper industry even more profitable in the future. With prospective new locations in politically hostile -- as well as remote -- locations increasing, global demand could make copper much more costly than even the $4 per pound reached earlier this year.
Financially, both companies are extremely sound. For the first nine months of 2006, Phelps Dodge reported net income of $1.69 billion on sales of $8.68 billion, while Freeport reported net income of $1.01 on sales of $4.15 billion.
Hansgrohe unveils newly remodeled Showerworld
Designers, contractors, architects and showroom personnel have a special treat in store for them when they attend one of Hansgrohe’s popular Aquademie training seminars. This “treat” is the newly renovated Showerworld space, located inside the Aquademie training facility at the company’s North American headquarters in Alpharetta, just north of Atlanta.
Completed this past spring, the remodeled Showerworld offers 20 different working systems -- a dramatic upgrade from the previous eight. The full range of Hansgrohe showering products is featured: showerheads, handshowers, bodysprays and showerpanels.
First opened in 2001 with the Aquademie, Showerworld had not undergone a full-scale renovation until the latest changes. Included are newer models such as the 24-inch Raindance air Imperial and the 14-inch Raindance air Royale showers, the Pharo Lift and Axor Starck Waterwall showerpanels, the Raindance Allrounder, the Axor Starck Shower Pipe and the unique Pharo ShowerArc.
What hasn’t changed is the ready availability of warm, running water through all of the shower fixtures. Enjoying Showerworld is one of the signature facets of the Hansgrohe training experience. During the final hour or so of each Aquademie workshop, students are invited to don bathing suits for an up-close and personal feel of what it’s like to take a luxurious shower, Hansgrohe-style.
With the recent renovation, the quality of that personal, hands-on encounter has been substantially enhanced. The previous Showerworld, for example, was an open space that had more in common with a locker-room shower than a custom spa-like master bath -- lots of fun with your fellow students, but not much on privacy. The new Showerworld has been artfully partitioned, so that each of the 20 showering systems in the maze-like space has its own, fully separate alcove.
In addition, all of the interior walls have been decorated with high-end glass tile from Bisazza, while music through the newly installed sound system helps mute the sounds of showering classmates nearby.
Other special touches include six dressing rooms, each named for a different Axor collection and featuring accessories from that collection. Each dressing room has a door that locks -- not just a curtain, as in the past -- and a mirror so that attendees can comfortably freshen up after taking a shower. A functioning bathroom has also been included, featuring the Axor Starck collection.
The updated Showerworld space also underlines the increasing importance of the Aquademie to Hansgrohe and its ever-widening customer base. As recently as 2004, the curriculum consisted of two, one-day seminars: General Product Knowledge and Technical Training. Today, the Aquademie offers six distinct seminars, most of them two-day programs, including separate classes on installation and design.
Among the newer seminars is a special Technical Product Training class solely for women, led by training specialist Keren Rogers.
This year, the Aquademie will conduct more than 100 seminars, averaging 10 to 12 attendees per class. The fourth-quarter schedule is 100% booked, Stockstill reported. While Hansgrohe’s national network of independent sales agents still organize many of the group outings to the school, numerous individual attendees opt to return on their own.
A key factor in the repeat attendance is that the workshops go beyond product features and benefits. In Design and Sell a Custom Shower System, for example, attendees not only discuss what goes into a custom system, but also how to organize the space and sell components. This hands-on experience also includes a fair amount of role-playing, as students literally pitch one another on their designs.
For a brochure on the Aquademie and a list of its training seminars, contact Jim Stockstill via e-mail at jim.stockstill@hansgrohe.com. Additional information is available at www.hansgrohe-usa.com or by phone at 800/334-0455.
Larson Co. opens new Utah branch
The Gustave A. Larson Company has opened a new store at 1153 North 1430 West in Orem, Utah, and celebrated with a grand opening in November. The new store can be reached at 801/802-7172. This 8,500-square-foot store includes a showroom with convenient self-serve shelving plus ample space for product displays and demonstrations. The Larson Company also has stores in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah.
The Larson Company entered the Utah market in 2003, when it purchased 14 locations in Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. This move was designed to establish a major presence for Larson in the Colorado, Utah and Idaho markets, and to help strengthen Larson’s customer service to its customers in the states of Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota.
For additional information, visit www.galarson.com
Nibco announces new management structure
Nibco chairman and CEO Rex Martin announced in late November that the Nibco Board of Directors elected Steven Malm as the company’s new president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. Malm acquires the day-to-day responsibilities of running the business formerly overseen by Martin, who was named Nibco’s president in 1986.
“Steve’s industry experience, talent and business acumen has prepared him well for this assignment,” said Martin. “He has made substantial contributions to the company’s financial success over the past 10 years and I’m excited at the prospect of him leading this company to new levels of financial growth in the future.”
Malm is the second non-family member to be named president in Nibco’s 102-year history. He joined the company in 1996.
Reporting to Martin, in addition to Malm, are Tom Eisele, who was recently promoted to senior vice president and chief legal counsel, and Alice A. Martin, vice chairman and chief people officer. Ms. Martin, who was promoted by Nibco’s Board in 2005, has been integral in executing human resources strategies that attract and motivate experienced associates to drive a high-performance organization.
In addition, Rex Martin announced several other changes that the Board made to Nibco’s executive management team. Reporting to Malm are Jerry Whiteford, who was promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer, and Gary Wilson, who was promoted to senior vice president and chief technology officer.
Founded in Elkhart, Ind., in 1904, Nibco Inc. is a worldwide provider of flow control solutions to customers in the residential and commercial construction, industrial and irrigation markets. The company operates 13 manufacturing plants throughout the U.S., Mexico and Poland.
For details, visit www.nibco.com.
REHAU opens new plant in Mexico
REHAU has opened a new plant in Monterrey, Mexico. The plant was constructed to accommodate a recent contract won from Whirlpool to produce magnetic refrigerator gaskets. It houses 28,000 square feet of manufacturing space as well as a 16,000-square-feet warehouse facility, double the amount of gasket capacity of the company’s previous facility.
“The new Monterrey plant will provide an updated and modern manufacturing space, with the expanded capacity necessary to accommodate increasing demand in this region,” said Bernd Kupferer, business team manager for REHAU’s appliance group. “It is also conveniently located to support Whirlpool’s plants in Abodaca and Ramos Arizpe.”
The new plant represents an investment of $4.5 million and will initially employ 67 people, a number that is expected to double in tandem with the significant business growth anticipated over the next two years. With the additional production capacity offered by the new plant, REHAU will be able to explore regional market opportunities beyond those related to refrigerator gasket manufacturing.
REHAU also celebrated the opening of a distribution center to serve the furniture sector, handling products such as edgeband and tambour door systems and has expanded and modernized its new sales office to drive business development and enhance customer service in the northern part of Mexico.
For more information, call 800/247-9445 or visit www.rehau.com.
Selkirk acquires assets of Heat-fab
Selkirk Americas LP has purchased the assets of Heat-fab Inc., located in Turners Falls, Mass. Heat-fab is a manufacturer of AL29-4C venting systems for use in residential and commercial applications on high-efficiency gas condensing appliances. The company has been recognized as a market leader for its innovation in this product category.
The Heat-fab organization will remain intact and continue to manufacture a full range of products. Heat-fab will become a brand name under the Selkirk family of products. Selkirk Canada Corporation, a subsidiary of Selkirk Americas lp, has been a distributor of Heat-fab Saf-T Vent products for the last year.
For details, visit www.selkirkusa.com or www.selkirkcanada.com.