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 distribution software is deeply-integrated, industry-specific software that transforms the performance of PHCP, HVAC/R wholesalers and Stocking Manufacturer’s Reps. See why DDI's inform users are getting measurable results, stronger profits, and achieving success.
To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Wholesaler sales rep by visiting www.thewholesaler.com.
Hosted Software Solutions (SaaS) Allow Smaller Companies to Compete with Businesses Twice Their Size
Distribution management software is a driving force for wholesale businesses in any industry. Remaining on the cutting edge of innovative and integrated features can be costly. Today, many small to mid-sized companies are gaining the benefit of a fully integrated ERP system at an affordable price.
DDI System announces the availability of inform software as a service - a hosted service - providing many benefits to wholesale distributors.
• Anytime Access from Anywhere – Hosted in a secure, state-of-the-art environment, your live data is accessed remotely from wherever you are with internet connectivity.
• Automatic Updates and Backup – DDI System handles the server side feature upgrades and data backup with no downtime. No need for a dedicated IT position.
• Cost Control – Software as a service avoids the large upfront capital expenditure and introduces one predictable cost. This solution avoids the constant cost of upgrading hardware and the personnel to support it.
DDI’s hosted solution provides the competitive advantage of cutting edge technology, flexibility, and scalability without the upfront capital investment and ongoing hardware costs. This alternative to an in-house server set-up solution allows smaller distributors to take advantage of the tools and techniques larger companies are succeeding with.
DDI System's inform distribution management software, now more than ever, is the end-to-end solution for wholesale distributors. Inform software combines everyday operational benefits in accounting, inventory, sales and purchasing with advanced calendaring, contact and sales management, direct marketing, and e-commerce. DDI System's inform software will maximize sales and optimize customer service – now also available as a hosted solution.
Distributors can see the many benefits of the inform software at www.ddisys.com or by calling DDI for a demonstration at 1-877-599-4334.
Milwaukee Electric Tool, Uponor form partnership
Fueled by a common passion of delivering increased productivity to plumbing and heating professionals, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation and Uponor announced a new partnership. They have developed a comprehensive solution for installing Uponor’s ProPEX® fitting system. Through this partnership, Milwaukee® will now add M12™ and M18™ ProPEX® Expansion Tools to their growing line of products designed for the plumbing and heating trades.
With Uponor’s continued support, the M12™ and M18™ ProPEX® Expansion Tools will launch later this year, offering features such as an auto-rotating head for accurate, one-handed expansion. The new tools will not only accelerate the speed in which users can install ProPEX® connections, they are also compatible with over 20 tools on their respective battery platforms.
Frank Webb Bath Center to host American Stadard tour
On Saturday, May 1Frank Webb’s Bath Center in Nashua, N.H., hosted a nationwide water conservation educational tour when American Standard rolled into town with their 60-foot mobile showroom dedicated to teaching homeowners about faucets, showerheads and toilets that can reduce water usage by up to 40%.
In addition to American Standard’s “The Responsible Bathroom Water Conservation Tour” trailer, Frank Webb’s Bath Center also hosted representatives from various plumbing fixture and bath furniture companies including Delta, Danze, Symmons, Strasser and WoodPro in a “Meet the Manufacturers” exhibition that provided key product and design information to homeowners.
“Homeowners are very dedicated to researching home projects before they jump in today,” said Dan Soroken, manager of the Frank Webb’s Bath Center showroom in Nashua. “We hosted this event to help people gather the facts they need in a pressure-free setting. While creating a beautiful bath is important, it’s equally important to customers today to conserve water and energy and find a good value.”
Franke kicks off unique customer program
The Franke Luxury Products Group has designed a unique brand integrity program called the Franke Authorized Reseller program. Its goal is to protect Franke wholesalers, showrooms, dealer partners and their customers, leveling the playing field and ensuring they will get what they pay for when acquiring products bearing the Franke name.
The mutually binding agreement commits the partners to moving beyond simple order taking to the level of assisted sales and service. Authorized Reseller partners will be distinguished by the willingness to provide proper displays, a trained sales team, and pre- and post-sale service. They reaffirm that “a good deal” involves much more than simply offering the lowest advertised price.
Valley Supply expands with new showroom
One of West Virginia’s largest privately owned wholesalers, Valley Supply Co., has expanded its century-old facility in Elkins. Now the company is competing in the bath and home furnishings marketplace – 21st century style – with a new showroom called DreamScapes.
DreamScapes manager Emily Earl remarked, “The prospect of modernizing our Elkins facility has long been a priority, and we are excited that we can now offer our faithful customers a more convenient and pleasant shopping experience, while attracting a wider customer base. Our new facility also satisfies the needs of our contractors, who have requested a modern display area.”
The comfortable, well-lit showroom displays items in a home-like setting and allows customers to view an expansive new product line. The inventory includes traditional and “upscale” merchandise, priced from mid-to-high range. DreamScapes carries a vast inventory from brands including Toto, Moen, MTI, Mansfield, and Empire Comfort Systems among others.
New Products
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Lead-free bubbler |
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Control valve |
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Outlet coupling |
Movers & Shakers
Houston-based Walworth, U.S.A. appointed U.S. valve industry veteran Ron Drews executive vice president-sales & marketing for the U.S. and Canada. Drews has amassed a 35-year record as an expert in all aspects of valves and flow control devices.
The Master Group L.P. promoted Daniel Le Tallec to vice president-supply chain management. He began his career at Master over 20 years ago as a buyer and was later named purchasing manager. His extensive experience among and at the head of this department has allowed him, not only to develop tight relationships with suppliers, but above all to acquire a thorough knowledge of the market and of the product offering.
Crane Energy Flow Solutions appointed Tony Favilla general manager for the Industrial Valve Group. In this newly created role, Favilla will have direct responsibility for the Flowseal, Duo-Chek, Crane, Center Line, Aloyco, Jenkins and Stockham brands. He will lead the sales and marketing teams in executing the long-term growth plans for Crane’s key industrial products in the North American market and will work closely with its global specialty valve products group. This is a return to Crane for Favilla after two years with Conbraco Industries/Apollo Valves
Stu Bennett was named vice president-sales for Active Plumbing Supply. Bennett joined APS in 1994 as a showroom consultant, and in 1998 was promoted to an outside sales position. In 2002 he was named manager for the Bainbridge branch, and in 2005 was given responsibility for the company’s Cleveland Branch as well. Most recently, Bennett was director of operations for the company’s six locations. |