News compiled for March, 2009

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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.


Cregger Company opens new locations

 

Columbia, S.C.-based Cregger Company has announced the opening, acquisition and/or relocation of several branches.

 

The new 17,000-square-foot Brunswick, Ga., facility distributes both plumbing and HVAC equipment and supplies.  Local industry veterans Scott Gainous (branch manager) and Greg Yancey (outside sales) anchor the Brunswick team.

 

The Charlotte, N.C., branch was relocated into a much larger downtown compound. The new facility includes considerable paved outdoor storage, much of it covered, as well as a 30,000-square-foot warehouse. The additional storage space will accommodate the company's move into HVAC equipment and supplies.   Farrell Petty is the branch manager.

 

The Greenville, S.C., branch was also relocated into a larger facility in Simpsonville, S.C.  The new 30,000-square-foot location will provide local contractors with plumbing and HVAC equipment and supplies.  Jay Kimbel is the branch manager.

 

Cregger Company is also completing construction of its fifth Design On Tap offsite decorative plumbing showroom in Greenville.  The 3800-square-foot showroom will house significant displays from a myriad of upscale manufacturers. A grand opening is slated for late April.

 

In related news, Cregger Company acquired the assets of the Lexington, Ky., branch of Kenny Pipe and Supply. The 20,000-square-foot facility is managed by Kevin Shearer.DDI offers new ways to succeed in today's economy

 

New ways to Succeed in Today’s Economy

 

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  • Inform Marketing Manager targets sophisticated, richly formatted email messages to customers based on previous purchase history, salesperson, territory, sales performance and more.
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  • Business Intelligence provides remarkable insight into sales, profit performance, and trends. Personalized ‘Watch Lists’ lets managers monitor dozens of customized business metrics.

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Northeastern Supply  store moves to new location

 

Northeastern Supply Inc. new Leonardtown, Md., store, located at 26731 Radio Station Way, opened on January 12. Leonardtown manager Tim Yates, says, "The new store is only five minutes away from our old location, but it is much more convenient for our customers."

 

The new building houses some 15,000 square feet of interior space, and the ample outdoor storage space allows the company to stock more products than ever. The larger quarters allow the entire inventory to fit under one roof. Better parking and docks or drive-in loading are now available.

Companies and individuals interested in obtaining products or services from the new branch can contact Yates from 7 a.m -5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 301/475-2828.

 

PACE Supply opens three new branches

 

PACE Supply Corporation, a Santa Rosa, Calif.-based wholesale plumbing distributor announced the opening of three new branch locations. The 32,000-square-foot Santa Clara location opened in March. The 39,000-square-foot Oakland location and the 42,000- square-foot San Francisco location will open in April.

 

At a time when many companies in the construction sector are cutting jobs, PACE is hiring workers, adding about 90 employees, including warehouse workers, truck drivers and sales staff, bringing its head count to 365.

 

PACE is looking to diversify by entering new markets in the Bay Area's urban core. It's a new direction for the company, which, until now, focused on Northern California's suburban and rural construction markets. With the expansion, PACE will be selling equipment for high-rise office buildings and other large commercial projects.

 

Along with the expansion of its commercial division, PACE has brought on board a team of people whose expertise is commercial hydronics - a business that has close ties to the mechanical contractors in the Bay Area.

New Products

Water-saving showerhead

www.cfgonline.com

This water saving showerhead for the multi-family market flows 1.75 gpm; can also contribute toward a building’s eligibility for LEED certification in the Water Use Reduction category. Certified to the iapmo Green standard. Available as a stand-alone item, or an option on the tub & shower products of the Capstone® or Cornerstone® collections. Diameter of the spray formers was decreased to maintain the velocity of the water streams hitting the body, treating users to a full, powerful spray. Cleveland Faucet Group®, a Moen Inc. brand.

Prevent water theft

www.conservco.us

With more droughts has come more water theft. The Hose Bibb Lock protects any standard 3/4" outdoor faucet or hose spigot. Its brass fitting assembly screws securely onto the end of any standard garden hose bibb, yard hydrant or vacuum breaker. A plated brass cover is placed over the fitting locked with a commercial padlock. Cover and padlock spin freely around the fitting so the lock can’t be removed. Prevents water flow even if the handle is turned fully open. ConservCo.

Exhaust fans

www.continentalfan.com

CDD direct drive downblast exhaust fans provide quiet operation. Ideal for roof- or wall-mounted applications. Exhaust heat and humidity from attics, storage rooms and other areas and allow fresh air in from the outdoors. Backward inclined, non-overloading wheels. Spun aluminum, weather-resistant housing; variable speed control. 110°F max temperature rating and direct drive capacities to 2,750 cfm. Continental Fan.

New lav faucet offerings

www.danze.com

Reflecting the popular new minimalist look, the Parma Collection has expanded with 3 new single-control Trim Line variations. Parma Trim Line lavatory faucets complement a simple, contemporary design aesthetic in the bath or powder room with 1 single-control vessel filler faucet and 2 single-control lavatory faucets, 1 of which features a unique, angular spout shape. Danze.

Movers & Shakers

Brian Peelver was promoted to general manager of Ferguson's Evansville, Ind. branch. Peelver began his career with Ferguson in 1999 as a management trainee in Naples, Fla., and was promoted to a variety of positions in the Florida market, including outside sales associate, branch manager and sales manager.

 

Lawson Software named Peter Quinn chief customer officer. Quinn, who has more than 20 years of experience in business software and business management, heads Lawson's new Customer Experience Office and leads a team that will be the customers' advocate at Lawson, keeping customer concerns at the forefront of all levels and all departments. Quinn joined Lawson in 2006 and has served as vice president of marketing operations since 2007.

 

Mestek Inc. appointed John Looes Mid-Atlantic regional sales manager for distributor products. Looes will oversee the company's sales efforts for Hydrotherm, RBI, Smith, Ray, Sterling and Beacon Morris. Previously a member of Mestek's commercial sales team, Looes rejoins Mestek following eight years experience with a manufacturer's rep organization.

 

Webstone Company Inc. appointed Grant Dow Western regional sales manager. Dow is responsible for all western United States and western provinces of Canada. His duties l include sales enhancement, training, new product launches and representative management. Dow has extensive industry experience in sales management and is a licensed plumbing contractor and a member of IAPMO.