Industry News

We would like to take this opportunity to give a special thanks to this month's sponsor -- Caroma, leaders in high efficiency dual flush toilets (HETs) and urinals (HEUs). New Caroma Smart Technology provides significant water savings, averaging 0.9 gallons/flush, saving up to 44% compared to 1.6 gpf and 74% compared to 3.5 gpf toilets. The Smart technology is also used in the recently introduced waterless and 1 pint urinals. All Caroma toilets have a large trapway, virtually eliminating blockages. With 41 WaterSense labeled toilets, Caroma provides exceptional performance while conserving valuable water resources.

Visit www.caromausa.com  today for more information.

 

To find out more about special e-newsletter advertising opportunities, please contact your Wholesaler sales rep by visiting www.thewholesaler.com.

 

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A ‘firmly flexible’ organization

 

Kendrick Reaves has a way with words. No slicing, dicing or mincing -- he tells it like it is. That openness and honesty has propelled both Reaves and Cash Acme into a leadership position within the PHCP supply chain. Reaves’ tenure at Cash Acme has paralleled its significant resurrection of sorts in the market. Just to give you a flavor of Cash Acme’s growth under Reaves’ leadership, the company has experienced more than a six-fold growth in the last five years with generally a 50% growth rate every year -- on multiples of tens of millions of dollars. Read the full story here.

 

GBG opens branch in Syracuse, N.Y.

 

GBG Inc., a distributor of HVAC equipment, supplies and accessories to contractors in New York and Pennsylvania, opened their newest branch at 5823 Widewaters Parkway, East Syracuse, N.Y. Rick Fowler, new Syracuse branch manager and a native of Utica, N.Y., joined GBG with 23 years experience in management, including seven years directly related HVAC industry management experience.

 

To contact the Syracuse branch, phone 315/449-9400. For more information about GBG, visit www.gbgsupply.com.

 

George T. Sanders purchases Houston Supply Company

 

At the end of January 2009, George T. Sanders Company (GTS) acquired Houston Supply Company (HSC) in Wyoming. The two companies signed an agreement under which GTS acquired the assets and operations of HSC.

 

"We are excited about the opportunity to leverage our past success in Colorado into the state of Wyoming, with the acquisition of HSC," said Gary Sanders, GTS executive chairman. "HSC has been in business 50 plus years, and has strong customer and employee loyalty, which are vital ingredients for success."

 

HSC has two Wyoming store locations, in Casper and Cody. They service a broad region of the state from these locations. GTS is one of the largest independent plumbing wholesale suppliers in Colorado, with 12 locations serving the major population centers in the state. HSC will continue to operate as Houston Supply Company, a division of GTS. Present HSC personnel will continue the Wyoming operations, reporting to GTS management.

 

NIBCO expands its PEX operations

 

NIBCO has combined its PEX extrusion operation and post-processing/distribution operations into a new facility in Lebanon, Ohio. The 130,000-square-foot facility has ample room for expansion of manufacturing and distribution operations. This location will make NIBCO’s DURA-PEX manufacturing operations more efficient.

 

“The move was made in anticipation of NIBCO’s future growth in the PEX market,” said Randy Doering, NIBCO general manager -- PEX piping systems. “NIBCO has built its success in the PEX business by leveraging the synergies between NIBCO’s strong brand recognition and commitment to high service levels and the acquisition of a plumbing products company with strong core manufacturing capabilities.”

 

NIBCO DURA-PEX tubing had previously been manufactured at a location directly across the street from the new facility. The tubing was then post-processed and shipped from the Franklin, Ohio, facility, which is located 15 miles from Lebanon. All Lebanon and Franklin associates will be relocating to the new Lebanon location at 2800 Henkle Drive, Lebanon, Ohio 45036.

 

Taco Inc. makes acquisition

 

Taco Inc. has acquired the assets of Innovex Technologies, a Lewiston, Maine-based manufacturer of Intelligent Building Systems products (IBS) that include stand alone control devices and accessories that offer a complete control solution for both residential and commercial buildings. Taco president and CEO, John Hazen White Jr. Mr. White said, “The addition of the Innovex Technologies product line is consistent with Taco’s strategy to expand its electronics product offering and our continued focus on system selling. This is another way in which Taco will create value for our customers, further diversify the Taco product line and continue to move away from the industry’s tendency of simply selling cast iron by the pound.

 

“This acquisition will provide Taco with a technology platform that will incorporate our existing line of pumps, hydronic controls and electronic control products along with our unique LoadMatch single pipe heating and cooling system into a networked controls solution that provides comfort in an energy efficient and environmentally friendly manner. This is a huge opportunity for Taco, its employees and the industry as a whole.”

New Products

Extreme water-conserving high efficiency toilet www.caromausa.com The Sydney Smart high efficiency dual flush toilet from Caroma utilizes breakthrough technology for optimum performance and water conservation. The Sydney Smart provides significant water savings over other toilets: 1.28/0.8 gallons per flush (full/half flush), averaging 0.9 gallons per flush, saving up to 44% more water than a single flush 1.6 gallon toilet and up to 74% more than a 3.5 gallon toilet. All Caroma toilets have a large trapway, nearly double the industry average, virtually eliminating blockages. Caroma

Corrugated water tubing www.easyflexusa.com The Water Line System of corrugated stainless steel tubing for water distribution is ideal for tankless or solar water heater installation, boilers and furnaces, and residential or commercial construction. Featuring durable, corrosion and scaling resistant 304 stainless steel, “stab-type” easy-fitting brass fittings, and a 50 year warranty. Operating pressure of 147 psi at 212°F and higher. Available in rolls of 50', 100', 150' and with or without blue or red polyethylene coating. Easyflex.

Compact rooter www.drainbrain.com The improved Mini-Rooter xp features a new “up-right” frame with roll bars to protect the motor when taking the machine up and down stairs, or loading it into the truck. Variable speed power cable feed enables the operator to feed or retrieve the cable at up to 16' per minute. Quickly adjusts for 1/2" and 3/8" cables without tools or additional parts. Rolls easily on 8" semi-pneumatic wheels; rubber feet hold it solidly in position on the job. General Pipe Cleaners, a division of General Wire Spring Co.

Variable voltage circulator www.taco-hvac.com The Variable Speed 00 circulator is now available in an all-in-one pump/control variable voltage version for a wide range of commercial building hvac applications. The Variable Voltage 00-VV Circulator is designed to operate the pump at different speeds based on an externally generated analog voltage signal input. Easy to wire with a snap-in pc board and plug-in low voltage wiring terminal; integrates seamlessly with ddc or building management systems. Applications include pressure differential maintenance or setpoint temperature. Taco.

Movers & Shakers

Zoeller Company announced the retirement of Mike Babrowski, vice president-marketing, effective February 20, 2009, after 26 years with the company. During his tenure, Zoeller Pump Company became an acknowledged leader in the sump and sewage market in the U.S. He was an active member of the Vendor Member Division and the American Supply Association, as well as other business and professional organizations in Louisville.   Blue Angel Pumps proudly announces Drew Dempsey as their new West Coast regional sales manager. Dempsey joined the ?company as a sales associate, and proved with his can do attitude, that he was an ideal choice for new opportunities. Dempsey will oversee the rep agencies, training and new product placement to ensure the growth and expansion in that region.   Bradford White promoted Robert G. McKenney to region sales manager for the Mid-Atlantic region. McKenney will report to Jim McGoldrick, director of sales. He?joined Bradford White in 2001 and has held positions of increasing responsibility in the organization.   Todd Talbot joins Mega Western Sales as a principal partner effective immediately. Talbot?brings a wealth of industry experience and business savvy that will elevate all aspects of our organization.? He has spent his entire 26-year career in the building products industry, starting in 1982 as a sales representative for Hoyt Water Heater Company.? In 1988 he began his 19-year career with Masco Corporation, where he last served as president of BrassCraft, Alsons and Cobra Products.? In addition he is a former Board Member and president of the Plumbing Manufactures Institute (PMI) and also served on the board of the Vendor Member division of ASA.