IDEA, A-D join forces on pilot program

 

Wayne, Pa. — Idea, an electrical industry owned eCommerce service provider, and Affiliated Distributors, a wholesale buying and marketing group, announced plans to begin a pilot program under which idea will assist a-d members with recommendations on improving their synchronization processes.

 

Idea had been working with four a-d members over a 60-day period to help both organizations define the scope of the program — which is exclusive to A-D for the 2009 calendar year. Idea will introduce the program industry-wide after an a-d pilot program is completed.

 

“A-D is very pleased to join forces with a partner who is committed to synchronization within the electrical channel,” said Bill Weisberg, ceo of Affiliated Distributors. “Leadership from both organizations understands that in a globally competitive economy, businesses must be innovative and leverage opportunities to invest in, and use, critical tools and resources that eliminate operational costs and increase sales. We continue to be committed to providing our members with such opportunities to thrive/”

 

Affiliated Distributors has more than 530 independent distributor companies with more than 3,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Its membership commands over $27 billion in sales across six industries: electrical supplies; industrial supplies; plumbing supplies; hvac equipment and supplies; drywall and drywall related products; and pipe, valves and fittings.

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Industrial Controls opens new office in Charlotte

 

Wanamassa, N.J. — Industrial Controls Distributors, a leading distributor of HVAC, process instrumentation and valves, opened a new regional office in Charlotte, N.C.

 

The opening of the Charlotte branch is a step toward integrating Industrial Controls’ existing Charlotte operation with Piedmont operations since the merger of the two companies in December 2007. Jim Andrews, regional sales vice president, is leading the expanded operation in the Southeast. “Our new facility gives us a platform for growth in the Carolinas,” Andrews said. “We are especially excited about our state-of-the-art training center, which allows us to provide training and staging of our system solutions.”

 

Conveniently located in Indian Trail, N.C., the new branch extends its services to customers throughout North Carolina, S.C., and Virginia. The office’s 10,000 square feet has allowed for features such as expanded warehouse space for increased local inventory, an elaborate training facility, and a valve and instrument repair center — all of which will ensure outstanding service for the company’s growing customer base in the Southeast region.

 

Industrial Controls, headquartered in Wanamassa, N.J., currently operates 19 offices covering 22 states and three nationwide distribution centers. For additional information, visit www.industrialcontrolsonline.com.

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Viega opens new manufacturing center, celebrates 110 years of global success

 

McPherson, Kan. — Nearly 1,000 industry partners, government officials and Viega personnel gathered on April 21 for the official grand opening of Viega’s 439,000 square-foot Manufac­turing and Distribution Center. “Today, we unlock here in McPherson, another door to the future,” said Viega co-owner Walter Viegener.

 

The event kicked off in grand style at 10:00 a.m. where Viega ceo Dan Schmierer welcomed guests. “This facility represents Viega’s commitment to the plumbing and heating industry” said Schmierer. While the housing market is not favorable now, Viega is confident the housing market will soon recover. Joining Schmierer on stage were also Viega owners, Heinz-Bernd Viegener, Walter Viegener, and newly-elected McPherson Mayor Tom Brown. “We have three reasons to celebrate. Our 110-year global presence in Germany, our 10-years in North America and today’s grand opening,” said Viega co-owner Heinz-Bernd Viegener.

 

Viega GmbH & Co. KG (Viega), headquartered in Attendorn, Germany, has been providing plumbing and heating solutions to builders, contractors and wholesalers for 110 years. Viega is a family owned business which employs 500 employees in North America and approximately 2,800 people world-wide. Approximately 210 of Viega’s North American employees work at the new facility in McPherson.

 

Presentations concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, plant tours and a Kansas bbq lunch complete with 12 oz. ribeye steaks and a cake spanning 3 feet by 5 feet, which resembled the enormous facility. The Manufacturing and Distribution Center spans 11-acres, which equates to nearly 10 football fields under one roof.

 

Equipped with extrusion and injection molding machines, logistics and office space, the new facility and the state-of-the art equipment it employs, will help streamline operations, improve efficiency and provide Viega employees the space to start developing new products. Soon, 22 states throughout the Midwest will receive all Viega products from this location.

When Heinz-Bernd Viegener was asked if he would have invested in this large of a facility if he had known the housing industry was about to collapse, he quickly responded, “Yes. Viega has remained a family owned company for 110-years. Long term thinking and employee interests have always been more important than short termed financial figures. The money earned during the good times is to remain in the company and be used for future oriented investments.” When the housing market turns around, this new facility will enable Viega to easily meet the demands of the rebounding housing industry.

 

For details, visit www.viega.com.

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World Vision recognizes Fortune Brands, HD Supply Facilities Maintenance

 

Chicago — World Vision, the international aid organization, awarded its annual Crystal Vision Award to Fortune Brands Home and Hardware in recognition of their outstanding commitment to World Vision’s mission of serving children and families affected by poverty.

 

The annual award honors the corporation whose contribution has demonstrated outstanding social responsibility and building supply industry leadership through its World Vision partnership throughout the year.

 

“We’re incredibly proud and humbled to receive this award,” said Rich Forbes, president and ceo of Fortune Brands Home & Hardware. “Our partnership with the World Vision Storehouse, which has spanned many years, is having a positive impact in our communities.  This recognition is a testament to the passionate commitment to ‘neighbor helping neighbor’ demonstrated every day by the people behind our brands -including MasterBrand Cabinets, Moen, Therma-Tru, Simonton and Master Lock.”

 

In addition, maintenance, repair and operating supplies distributor HD Supply Facilities Maintenance has been named the 2009 Distributor of the Year for their strong support of World Vision’s work.

 

“We are honored that World Vision recognized HD Supply’s efforts to support a worthy cause and appreciate all they are doing to ensure these goods reach individuals that benefit from our donation,” said David Wilson, vice president-operations & services, hd Supply Facilities Maintenance.

 

Both awards were presented during the Crystal Vision Award gala breakfast at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show on May 2 in Atlanta.

 

World Vision’s Storehouse network is comprised of nine warehouses across the U.S. that receives corporate donations of new, top-quality goods made available to local community partners for distribution.  Goods that are distributed include building materials, school supplies, personal care items, and clothing to over 1.6 million people in low-income communities annually.

 

For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.

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Eastern holds events at branches

 

Greenville, S.C. — On April 30, Eastern Industrial Supplies Inc. held an Open House at its Asheville branch located at 1262 Hendersonville Road.  The Open House featured a bbq lunch and product demonstrations by Anvil, Bradford White, Erico and Sioux Chief.  More than 100 participants attended the event. Eastern’s Asheville location carries a vast inventory of pipe, valves, fittings, and plumbing supplies for the western North Carolina market. 

 

Jeff Johnson, Asheville branch manager, says, “My team and I are committed to exceeding customer expectations.  That is why we have taken the time to grow our team in both numbers and product knowledge.  We are equipped to serve our customer base across the western North Carolina region.” 

 

In other news, the company opened a new branch at 1008 Bankton Road in Hanahan, S.C. to serve the Lowcountry of South Carolina.  The Grand Opening event featured a catered bbq lunch and product demonstrations by Anvil, Bradford White, Erico, Lenox and Sioux Chief. There were over 60 participants at the event. This location stocks a full-line inventory of pipe, valves, fittings, and plumbing supplies. Branch manager Greg Wheeler noted, “We are really excited to exceed customer expectations daily. Building strong relationships based on honesty and integrity is key to providing our customers effective and efficient service.”

 

Independently owned and operated, Eastern has continued to expand across the Southeast in order to better serve their customer base.  Eastern serves the commercial, mechanical and industrial markets with a full-line of pipe, valves, fittings and commercial plumbing products.  Eastern’s business model includes a daily commitment to exceed customer expectations.  For more information, visit www.easternfirst.com.

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