Industry News
We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- DDI System. DDI System’s inform 2008 is an innovative Windows ERP system for PHCP, HVACR, PVF and Waterworks distributors. Inform's highly configurable workflow and functionality meets two important criteria: industry specific performance, and outstanding value. Inform 2008 handles your company's needs for order fulfillment, inventory management, business and financial reporting, as well as next-generation Supply Chain Integration, Customer Relationship Management, and Business Intelligence performance analytics.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Wholesaler sales rep by visiting www.thewholesaler.com.
Atlas Plumbing Supply reduces internal costs and gains productivity using DDI System's inform 2008 distribution management software. They recently converted their company from a well-known software provider to industry focused DDI System. Their goal was to reduce internal on-going costs and gain service and productivity. "We are already reaping the benefits of streamlining operations" says Mark Wolf, Vice President, Atlas Plumbing Supply, Detroit, MI. "Efficiency has improved 40% since adopting DDI System, turning quotes into purchase orders and the emailing/faxing options are saving us many hours worth of work." Atlas uses DDI System to do A/R tracking which Mark says, "Has easily saved us 10 hours per week." Importantly, Mark is pleased with the ability to move easily in and out of multiple windows and the user-friendly look up capabilities. He goes on to say, "The DDI staff even listens and takes suggestions on additions to its system then quickly puts them into their upgrades that are free to clients."Atlas Plumbing Supply is one of the many DDI System customers using inform 2008 to run their business operations.
Zy-Tech changes name to Global Flow Technologies
Zy-Tech Global Industries has changed its company name to Global Flow Technologies. The name change is effective immediately, as a series of new product and service offerings is being launched that demonstrate the company’s growth from its oil and gas roots to a position as a global provider of industrial valve solutions.
In addition to the name change, DSI and PBV are being separated from the legacy Zy-Tech business as individual operating companies, while a Corporate Engineering and Sourcing Services group has been established.
“Many of our customers rely on our well-known DSI and PBV brands, and we want them to realize we have greatly expanded our engineering, delivery and support capabilities by acquiring two fine companies -- ABZ Valves & Controls and Quadrant Valve & Actuator -- to complement our offerings,” said Steve Twellman, president and CEO of Global Flow Technologies.
Global Flow Technologies provides valves, actuators and related services worldwide to the oil and gas, petrochemical, power, mining, biofuels and several other industries. Visit www.globalflowtech.com to learn more.
WinWholesale opens new Florida location
WinWholesale recently opened Gulf Coast Winnelson Company in Port Charlotte, Fla., to provide plumbing contractors in five counties with a complete line of equipment, parts and accessories. The counties are from Bradenton south to Marco Island and include Charlotte, Collier, Lee, Manatee and Sarasota.
Gulf Coast is the second Winnelson company to open in Florida this year. Tampa Winnelson opened in January and serves the Tampa Bay area. The Gulf Coast Winnelson president is Philip Ross, a 21-year veteran of the plumbing wholesale industry.
There are more than 460 WinWholesale locations across the U.S., in addition to more than 100 Noland Company branches, mainly in the Southeast. Noland Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of WinWholesale. For additional information, visit www.winwholesale.com.
TOTO’s new Mexican plant now operating
Toto USA formally launched TOTO Sanitarios de Mexico S.A. DE C.V., its new major manufacturing facility located in Ciénega de Flores, Nuevo León, Mexico, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Operating as part of TOTO USA Holdings Inc., the new plant joins the company’s existing family of production facilities in the Americas and significantly increases its production capacity.
Toto USA invested upwards of $37 million in this beautiful new facility, which broke ground in June 2006. The 105,130-square-foot operation provides 260 new manufacturing jobs to the local economy. It devotes more than 25,000 square feet to manufacturing space that is equipped with innovative equipment for the production of TOTO’s technologically advanced, high-performance, luxury toilets and lavatories. The new facility produces 500,000 pieces per year to help meet TOTO’s rapidly expanding demand in North and South America. To learn more, visit www.totousa.com.
Ferguson opens new showrooms and branch
Ferguson has opened the doors on two new showrooms and one new branch location.
Ferguson’s new showroom in Tampa, Fla., is a two-story venue in a historic area of the city. Located at 302 N. Willow Avenue, the location boasts 16,000 square feet of the latest products in the high-end plumbing and building industry, including appliances, lighting and cabinetry.
Steve Freund is manager of the new location. Appointments are encouraged, and customers can contact the Tampa branch directly by calling 813/251-1690.
A new showroom in Cranberry Township, Pa., is attached to the company’s current location at 1214 Freedom Road. The 4,500-square-foot showroom features a first-class gallery showcasing plumbing, appliances and lighting. The showroom manager is Jim Battista. The Cranberry Township showroom can be reached at 724/742-2330.
In addition, Ferguson opened its newest branch location in Indianapolis, providing a new venue for contractors to choose from a variety of quality HDPE products. Located at 2702 North Tibbs Avenue, the 35,000-square-foot facility features an 8-acre pipe yard and a vast inventory of the latest in HDPE pipe and fittings as well as fabrication capabilities and fusion machine rentals and repair. Tim Brizzolara is the branch manager. Customers can contact the branch directly at 866/620-HDPE.
New Products
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Enhanced shower system New square and oval models and a new "Mustang Red" color have been added to the IN2ITION lineup. The Mustang Red five-spray model received a 2008 Platinum ADEX Award. Ergonomically designed; combines a hand-held shower with four or five spray settings, and a fixed shower head with an extra wide spray. Unique, 2-in-1 system provides option to use the hand-held shower or shower head separately or together for a full-body shower experience. Alsons Corp. |
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Unique shower door glass A new shower door glass pattern called Silk is ideal for homeowners who wish for some privacy while showering, but still desire the transparent and open feeling that a shower door provides. The introduction of this new glass option further enhances this manufacturer's ability to help homeowners create an elegant centerpiece of their bathroom. Basco |
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Versatile sump system The Simple Sump System comes complete with a primary pump, secondary DC backup pump, check valves, charger and battery box. Quick and easy to install with Cap Switch Technology; switches are preset so no adjustment is needed. Simply pull it out of the box, drop it in the sump and connect the discharge pipe. Available in 3/10- or 1/3-hp top suction pumps, with flows up to 58 gpm @ 5' in primary mode and 24 gpm @ 5' in back-up system mode. Blue Angel Pumps |
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Instant hot water dispensers The new Series 2200 line of instant hot water dispensers consists of two traditional high-end faucet models: Country and Victorian. Country model fits well with farmhouse style kitchens. It features a C spout with a decorative high arc and an overall country-inspired look. Victorian model features a unique L spout and is appropriate for any vintage-inspired kitchen or an eclectic and modern design mix. Both designs are available in hot/cool and hot-only water models. Models come standard with the F-201 filtration system to reduce chlorine taste and odor. InSinkErator |
Movers & Shakers
Warren Alloy Valve & Fitting Company announced that Leonard Fruci has joined the company as its new president and CEO. Fruci has held many senior executive positions during his 28 years of experience in the global fluid handling market. He was formerly with Crane Energy Flow Solutions Group. Adam Finn, who has served as the president of Warren Alloy since 1989, is transitioning away from the day-to-day responsibilities. Finn will take on a strategic growth role as well as continue to serve on the board of directors. |
Rheem Manufacturing Company CEO I.S. Farwell announced the appointment of JR Jones to succeed him as president and chief executive officer effective March 31. Farwell also announced that he will assume the new role of special advisor to the company for the remainder of 2008. Jones was named corporate senior vice president and chief operating officer in February 2007, with responsibility for the company’s heating, cooling and water heating business units. Peter Reynolds was named vice president and general manager of Rheem’s Water Heating Division. Reynolds will lead the division through the implementation of strategic product and marketing initiatives, and will also oversee critical functions including supply chain management, product marketing, sales, information technology and call center operations. |