Industry News
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Infor releases warehouse management solution
Infor SCM Warehouse Management Business Edition, a cost-effective software solution tailored to small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs), is now available. The Business Edition solutions address the complex business challenges facing SMBs, while also meeting their IT departments' need for streamlined solutions that are easier to implement and maintain.
The WMS provides the extended functionality SMBs need to implement best practices and process improvements, but with technology options designed for their smaller IT footprint. The solution provides built-in best practices for key functions such as storage (putaway) and allocation strategies, location definitions and area/zone definitions. It simplifies master data setup through the import/export functions of Microsoft Excel.
Customers can add advanced functionality to support their growth and evolving business objectives with additional modules such as RFID, billing and labor forecasting.
Longley Supply opens new showroom
Longley Supply Company has opened their newest showroom at 1550 Highway 501 near Robert Grissom Parkway in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
The 5,000-square-foot showroom features a fully operational shower display and an extensive selection of designer sinks, faucets and tubs. The showroom offers innovative products, experienced personnel and luxury shopping for the homebuilding industry, consumers and interior designers.
"We realize that customer needs within the home building industry are changing, and we wanted to provide something different and unique to this area," said Tom Webb of Longley Supply. "Our 'open-air' showroom allows individuals the opportunity to try products firsthand, while offering a one-of-a-kind experience and look for any home."
The showroom will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information is available by calling 843/448-5196.
Northeastern Supply opens new Md. location
One of the Mid-Atlantic's fastest-growing businesses, Northeastern Supply Inc., opened a new location in Aberdeen, Md. The new branch office is located at 530 South Philadelphia Blvd. The site is strategically located to service customers' material requirements.
Northeastern Supply sells and distributes a wide variety of products in the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, water systems, hardware and lighting industries. Its state-of-the-art central distribution center in Edgewood, Md., distributes tens of thousands of products, in amazing speed, to all of its 31 branch locations.
Companies and individuals interested in obtaining products or services from the new Aberdeen branch can contact Ray Gerry at 410/273-7155.
Pentair, GE Water & Process Technologies form joint venture
Pentair Inc. and GE Water & Process Technologies, a unit of the General Electric Company, announced a joint venture to combine their respective global water softener and residential water filtration businesses. With GE's and Pentair's industry-leading technologies and Pentair's expansive distribution channels, the joint venture will provide reliable and affordable water treatment solutions to meet growing needs.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pentair has an 80% ownership stake and GE has a 20% stake of the joint venture - Pentair Residential Filtration. In 2007, the combined residential and commercial net sales of the parent companies were approximately $450 million.
Pentair Residential Filtration will serve as the primary sales channel for Pentair's and GE's respective businesses. It will also serve as the manufacturing arm for residential and commercial tanks, valves and some limited filtration products for the parent companies. Pentair and GE will continue to serve existing municipal, commercial and industrial water treatment customers separately, sourcing select products from the joint venture as needed.
New Products
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Sleek FloWise Dual-Flush HET |
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Gate valve The 514 Gate Valve is designed for light industrial and commercial applications with steam, water, oil or gas. Cast brass valve features a full port and non-rising stem; available with a brass cross handle or 5-point crown wheel handle. Tested in accordance with MSS-SP-82. Comes with either threaded or soldered ends that conform with applicable ansi standards. Complies with NSF-61 for low lead content. Available in 1/4" to 4" sizes with an adjustable brass/graphite, non-asbestos packing gland; can handle 200 psi non-shock cwp and 125 psi swp. Matco-Norca. |
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PEX/aluminum tubing Alumicor PEX-Al-PEX tubing bends easily and stays in place thanks to a layer of aluminum sandwiched between two layers of PEX. Easy to handle and malleable; also improves heat transfer and acts as an oxygen barrier. Great for demanding applications or hard-to-maneuver locations. A high maximum pressure and temperature rating of 230°F at 150 psi adds to the overall versatility. Zurn. |
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Professional connectors This pro Series line of connectors was developed specifically for plumbing professionals. Combines finely braided stainless steel wire with a polymer core for superior resilience in any application. Nsf-approved; tested to more than 2,000 psi, exceeds all code requirements. For added security, each connector comes equipped with extra-long, double radial crimped ferrules to secure the fitting ends. Fluidmaster. |
Movers & Shakers
Mincron Software Systems appointed Jonathan Lindle to director of client services. In his new role, Lindle assumes overall responsibility for ensuring client satisfaction in the areas of customer implementation, account management, education and support. Prior to this, Lindle served as Mincron’s director of education services since in 2006. Since joining Mincron in 1995, Lindle has served in a variety of roles in the education, implementation and sales departments. |
Wolseley appointed Allison Bradlee manager of recruiting and recognition for its North American Division. She will oversee all recruiting efforts and the recognition department. She will also coordinate with the temporary staffing department to implement a new technology platform in an effort to save money and help the company gain efficiencies in this area. Bradlee joined Ferguson in 1998 as a management trainee and later transitioned into the role of corporate recruiter in 2003. She was promoted to manager of college recruiting in 2005 and manager of recruiting in 2007.
In addition, Denise Brown was appointed director of planning and alignment for Wolseley’s North American Division. She will develop and maintain a process that supports business strategy development, alignment of corporate initiatives and coordination of change management across all levels of the organization. Brown joined Ferguson in 1986 as a finance trainee. She later became a joint team member with the Horizon 2000 Re-engineering initiative and in 1998, moved to Human Resources as manager of compensation. Most currently, Brown was director of recruiting, recognition, temp staffing and HR acquisitions. |