Industry News

YANMAR America sees red

New premium red color scheme will dress out company's compact equipment line-up.

House passes bill to avert government shutdown, extend flood insurance funding

Stopgap spending bill will maintain funding for government agencies until December 11.

NCCER names Boyd Worsham President and CEO

Worsham assumes role upon retirement of Don Whyte.

Pure Safety Group names Jeff Ward CEO

Ward steps up from president of the company’s international operations.

RIDGID and Greenlee launch new JobSite Live Series

Interactive format gives pros the chance to ask questions and share feedback.

MAX USA Corp. awards dedicated team members for exceptional customer support

MAX recognizes marketing, customer service, repair and parts team members for their contributions. 

OSHA introduces four new standards for power tools

SGS expands NRTL program in line with new EE safety standards from OSHA – including new regulations for Power Tools.

Exclusive: How the MAX TwinTier is helping transportation construction during COVID-19

MAX tools are helping infrastructure projects move along more quickly and more safely. 

Coxreels PC10 Series power cord reel earns UL Listing

Reel is now UL-approved in both the United States and Canada.

Simplex-USA becomes American Highway, A Simplex Company

Name change reflects company move into broader markets. 

The Blue Book Building and Construction Network introduces major upgrades

TheBlueBook.com features comprehensive new gateway to all BlueBook resources.

Simpson Strong-Tie moves Maryland warehouse and annex

New facility is nearby and adds 35,000 square feet fo floor space. 

NAHB: Builder confidence soars to an all-time high

Lumber uncertainy remains a thorn.

Dodge: Construction starts post solid gain in August

Large projects fuel gains across most broad sectors of construction.

RCA Communications Systems and Discount Two-Way Radio shatter expansion goals

Companies nearly double new dealer locations in just three months.

Makinex hires Joe Cardenas to manage West Coast business development

Flooring expert will building Makinex business from Colorado to Hawaii. 

NetPlus transitions annual meeting to virtual event

Oct. 12-23, 2020 event will be hosted on new BlueVolt platform.

Dodge Momentum Index inches up in August

1.8 percent boost for month is second increase in two months.

ESAB expands Sureweld stick electrode retail packaging options

3/32- and 1/8-inch diameter electrodes now come in 1- and 5-pound resealable plastic tubes.

Grabber names new VP of Marketing

Darren Jones takes role as Bevan Wulfenstein retires. 

AMVAL Associates to represent Perma-Patch in New England

Perma-Patch is the industry-leading asphalt, pothole and utility cut repair solution.

Dynabrade begins sanding pad manufacturing in New York

Replacement sanding pads will fit random orbital sanders.

Meghan Tranchina named Western RSM at Western Global

Tranchina joins Western Global from Hardinge Inc.

Cobra Anchors posts 20 percent sales increase so far this year

Company has invested $4.5 million over the last eight months in advanced production equipment. 

CD&R to acquire Epicor

Leading private equity group plans to increased investment in Epicor's growth.

Mar-Bal, Inc. celebrates 50 years 

Company observes five decades of growth as a thermoset composites leader.

U.S. construction spending trends up 4 percent YTD

Private construction inches up 0.6 percent for month while public construction dips 3 percent.

Motion Industries acquires Applied Machine and Motion Control, Inc.

AMMC specialties include motion control, drives, automation control, robotics, motors and mechatronics.

US LBM opens new New West Chicago branch

Building products distributor expands roofing and siding offering in the Midwest's largest market with new Hines Supply location.

Southwire announces acquisition of Construction Electrical Products

Addition will enhance Southwire's growing electrical safety and portable lighting product portfolio.

Simpson Strong-Tie renews lead sponsorship for Habitat Strong

Company renews its support for Habitat for Humanity for fifth year. 

NCCER and BYF celebrate Careers in Construction Month in 2020

October campaign will run in 39 states and counting. 

NAHB opens registration for 2021 International Builders’ Show

Show is set for Feb. 9-11 in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. 

Sphere 1 announces 2019 Award Winners

Virtual awards show draws over 480 guests to recognize 2019's top performing members. 

Simpson Strong-Tie donates $25,000 to American Red Cross to support fire relief in California

Over one million acres of land have burned since August 15.

Exclusive: Successfully managing remote employees

Working from home has been a dream for many employees, but now the reality — and the problems — begin to set in.

Buyers Products breaks ground on massive warehouse expansion 

New 280,000-square-foot expansion will double company's HQ and DC.

Milwaukee Tool Launches PIPELINE Virtual New Product Symposium

Live online symposium lets you be there even if you can't. 

Case Studies: How Interpart grew JCB aftermarket parts revenue by 15x

Online ordering has increasingly become the preference for parts buyers.

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Index edges up 0.5 percent 

Results show sales growth in two of the last three weeks.

WTO finds in Canada’s favor in softwood lumber dispute

NAHB lauds WTO decision and urges the U.S. and Canada to revisit tariff structure. 

HD mobilizes to support communities facing Hurricane Laura

Hurricane Command Center will go virtual help communities in the path of storms to prepare and minimize damage.

Infor expands Cloud-based construction solution to support industry's push into property management

Continued investment in industry boosts construction businesses' evolution from builders to holistic property managers.

New home sales rise 13.9 percent in July

Average sales price is $391,300.

National Hardware Show sets virtual show for October 12-15, 2020

Event will feature seminars, keynote presentations and virtual Jublia "booth" appointment scheduling capabilities. 

Blue Monster Products launches new website

New feature-rich website has streamlined navigation and more mobile-friendly architecture.

Fecon announces two new VPs

Robert Soehner joins Fecon as VP of Operations and Mike Kucharski as VP of Dealer Development.

Diversified Product Development breaks ground on new headquarters

New 60,000-square-foot Waco, Texas facility is set to be completed in early 2021.

Case Studies: Weitz Data Center construction continues with new worker safety measures

MākuSafe and The Weitz Company partner to use data to promote workplace safety, COVID-19 protective measures.

AD member Van Meter named most-loved company in Iowa

MSN.com recognizes the top companies in each state, with Van Meter taking the honors in Iowa.

Makita U.S.A. opens massive DC and Training Center in Reno

New 600,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility will enhance Makita's warehousing, training and tool service capabilities. 

Total Specialties USA expands sales team 

John Neucere is new DSM and Zachary Wells is new Technical Sales Representative for Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas.

HD sales grow 23.4 percent in Q2

Net earnings for Q2 of fiscal 2020 were $4.3 billion.

Core & Main completes acquisition of Water Works Supply Co.

Core & Main now has more than 275 locations nationwide.

U.S. housing permits and starts surge in July

Privately-owned housing permits rose 18.1 percent for month; starts rose 17 percent.

Dedicated sales team at MAX hits a strong first half

Two regions see 55 and 64 percent sales growth.

Safe cutting: An easy way to protect your workforce

Simple best practices can help avoid costly injuries and worker downtime.

AD’s business development SVP Tom Blue to retire 

Before joining AD, Blue served for more than 25 years at Milwaukee Tool.

PG Tool Sales Agency to represent GatorBar in eastern states

GatorBar glass-fiber-reinforced composite rebar offers several cost and performance advantages over steel.

Huttig Building Products gets an offer

Huttig confirms receipt of an unsolicited acquisition proposal from Mill Road Capital.

Milwaukee Tool integrates One-Key with Autodesk BIM 360

System seamlessly shares information between the two solutions and enhance asset tracking, project management and reporting.

C.H. Hanson acquires Superior Tool

Cleveland-based Superior Tool has been making plumbing tools since the 1940s.

Pure Safety Group leaders take new roles with Standards organizations

Matt Moreau named head of ISEA dropped objects committee; Faber named vice chair of ANSI anchorage connectors committee.

Southwire to invest $46M in expansion of Bremen, Indiana campus

Expansion will add 250,000 square feet and create 115 jobs.  

Zurn receives National Preferred Partner designation

David Weekley Homes names Zurn one of its top vendor partners. 

NCCER releases 10th edition of Electrical Curriculum

Curriculum has been updated to meet the 2020 NFPA 70: National Electric Code (NEC).

CD&R to combine HD Supply's White Cap business with Construction Supply Group

Deal will create a $4 billion group of over 400 branches nationwide. 

Uponor launches new website

New resource-rich website consolidates multiple sites into one.

Mule-Hide promotes Ken Schultz and Rob Keating

Ken Schultz becomes regional director for the West and Midwest and Rob Keating becomes regional director for the Northeast.

Peterson Manufacturing sponsors 2020 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Vehicle safety products manufacturer donates $10,000 to recognize outstanding drivers.

JM Electrical wins 2020 NECA Safety Excellence Award 

Award marks the third time JM Electrical has been won.

Sphere 1 Cooperative announces new Board of Directors

Jeff Tannenbaum, Suzanne Brunnemer and Sean Ackerman become new board members. 

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index shows 1.4% increase 

Half of index participants saw a sales gain last week.

EVERWIN USA names Charles Jackson Regional National Account Manager

Jackson brings Everwin his expertise from 25 years at SouthernCarlson. 

PaintLine partners with Florida Marketing sales team

Rep agency will focus on expanding PaintLine dealer network in Florida.

June 2020 total construction spending keeps pace with 2019 rate

Public and private construction spending both dip 0.7 percent for the month. 

US LBM acquires Maner Builders Supply

Leading national specialty building products distributor expands in Georgia and South Carolina.

Huttig Building Products announces Q2 2020 results

Net sales for quarter dip just 12.1 percent YOY, due to the pandemic.

HD announces plans for three new DC's in Georgia

New facilities are expected to create 1,000 new jobs.

KNAACK celebrates 60 years of maximum job site security 

Milestone event includes surprise giveaways and a #TributeToTan campaign.

Sonnhalter kicks off 11th annual Tool Drive 

Charitable drive has collected more than $280,000 in products for the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity.

Lind Equipment wins Norwegian military contract for tactical lighting

Contract allows Norway to provide its troops with state-of-the-art lighting for deployment anywhere.

Apex Tool Group names Acme Tools Partner of the Year 

Acme Tools operates 10 retail stores in the Upper Midwest.

Viega adds online training seminars in August

Seminar attendees can earn credits and certifications.

ASV expands dealer network in Q2

New dealers serve Minnesota, Mississippi and Texas.  

Stabila launches "True Pro Ladies" campaign 

Campaign inspires women in trades worldwide and partners with fundraising for children's hospice.

MAX USA Corp. launches new LinkedIn page

New page will expand customer engagement through industry best practices, commercial trends and product support.

FallTech launches new website

Redesigned site features smart navigation, training sections, current safety guidelines and the newest products. 

Sena Technologies targets industrial sectors with new marketing initiative and website

Company brings motorsports-proven technologies to construction and industrial environments.

Single-family starts and permits post double-digit gains in June

NAHB analysis looks at reviving market and regional hot spots.

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index shows 5.5 percent decrease

Government action in the next few weeks could have a major impact on economic trends.

AttaBox Enclosures adds two new rep groups

Border States will now represent AttaBox in New Mexico and Arizona; CJW Industrial Sales will now rep the line in Northern California.

Western Specialty Contractors launches training hub program

Program prepares new hires for future leadership roles.

MAX USA hires new Marketing Executive 

Jacqueline Marinacci brings MAX a decade of AEC experience.

Technology: Mafic USA starts operations at world's largest basalt fiber production facility

Basalt fiber is used in the construction, automotive and thermal markets among others.

Haydon H-Block Mega rooftop support promotion ends July 31

Buy one H-Block Mega and get one H-Pad for free.

New home sales surge 13.8 percent in June

Average price was $384,700.

SBLC issues proposals for next wave of COVID relief for small businesses

Proposal includes protection from COVID-related lawsuits and expanding the Paycheck Protection Program.

The Home Depot now requires masks in all U.S. stores

New policy expands mask rule from 85 to 100 percent of its stores. 

Thomas survey shows apprenticeship programs are under-utilized

Latest North American Manufacturing COVID-19 survey series shows 38% of surveyed companies are hiring.

Dodge: Construction starts show additional gains in June

lmprovement in nonresidential and nonbuilding activity push starts higher.

Exclusive: GPS tracking of construction vehicle fleets is increasing profitability

Real-time, 24/7 tracking enables optimal resource allocation across jobsites and delivery routes.

Simpson Strong-Tie issues new guide for high-wind construction

Guide covers Simpson's suite of high-performance solutions for protecting against high-wind forces.

USGBC issues new LEED guidance for cities and communities in the COVID era

Credits integrate public health and social equity with sustainability planning.

Drillco names new director of sales for Eastern USA

Jason Finch has held several senior positions at Apex Tool Group/Danaher and Corning.

U.S. construction spending dips 2.1 percent in May

Highway construction rises 2.8 percent for month.

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index shows 11.7 percent increase

Group attributes improvement to a four-day selling week this year compared to three days last year. 

Equipment Leasing & Finance U.S. Economic Outlook forecasts improvement in Q3

Manufacturing suffered in March and April but showed signs of improvement in May.

Breaking News: STAFDA cancels Anaheim convention

An important notice regarding STAFDA’s Anaheim convention.

NetPlus Alliance launches updated website

New site combines improved functionality with an enhanced user experience.

Core & Main signs agreement to acquire Water Works Supply Co.

Water Works Supply Co. operates three branches in New Jersey.

Osborn backs NHRA Top Fuel points leader in 2020 season

Sponsorship underscores Osborn’s commitment to high performance on and off the track.

STAFDA opens Anaheim convention to non-member distributors

This year only, any construction industry distributor (member or not) can attend STAFDA's Anaheim convention. 

STAFDA 's Anaheim convention center earns Gold Standard Certification in outbreak prevention and recovery

The Anaheim Convention Center is the first on the west coast to be certified in outbreak and infectious diseases preparation and response.

Haydon H-Block Mega rooftop support promotion ends July 31

Buy one H-Block Mega and get one H-Pad for free.

ISN Introduces Learning Management System

Platform features more than 40 training topics including COVID-19 workplace safety, first aid, respiratory protection, confined space, heat stress, bloodborne pathogens, fall protection and more.

Joe Angeles retires after 32 years at MBW

Angeles was MBW's International Sales Manager and sales school instructor.

ISA announces new board members

Jeff Bigelow becomes chair; Maria Ford becomes vice chair.

IRCG weekly Pandemic Revenue Index shows 11.4% decline

It's still too early to tell if the down trend is leveling off.

MTA Distributors expands to Southwest with acquisition of Tru-Power

Acquisition enhances MTA's presence in Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Southern California, Southern Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.

Meridian Adhesives Group acquires E-Chem

Albuquerque-based E-Chem produces epoxy polymer products for concrete. 

JCB secures new U.S. military deal 

$269 million deal supply High Mobility Engineer Excavators (HMEEs) to the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.

Exclusive: Building good supplier relationships

Supplier relationships are a two-way street; use these tips to stay in your suppliers' good books.

WEATHER GUARD celebrates everyday heroes with new digital campaign

Campaign during July and August encourages people to recognize their favorite  professional contractors or tradesmen.

U.S. construction spending dips 2.1 percent in May

Highway construction is the bright spot, rising 2.8 percent over April.

Woodworking industry sees solid recovery from pandemic

Woodworking Network survey shows 46 percent of respondents never slowed down at all. 

Evergreen elects new board members

Group also installs new Supplier Advisory Council.

MSA's Summer Service Special offer ends July 31

Mention "Summer Service Special" when requesting service and receive an additional 10% off your standard price for service or rental.

STAFDA Anaheim registration is open!

STAFDA's 44th Annual Convention & Trade Show is set for November 8-10, 2020 in Anaheim, CA.

Cobra Anchors announces PARAWEDGE expansion with Home Depot

PARAWEDGE line joins other Cobra lines already sold in HD stores.

Top Blogs: Price Increases & Cost Reductions: A Recipe for Channel Conflict – or Harmony?

Firms driven by strategy rather than short-term earnings consider the long run when making price and cost decisions.

Syncron announces Friedrich Neumeyer to become CEO

Former proALPHA and SAP executive positions Syncron for next stage of growth and innovation.

NAHB: Fewer builders cutting home prices as a result of the pandemic

Average price cut was 5 percent. 

ZSi-Foster acquires Hydra-Zorb

Deal consolidates leaders in pipe, hose and tube clamping.

Handling Systems International releases Quotinator online quote tool for dealers

Online tool provides scale drawings and simplifies quote process for crane and gantry dealers.

Valley Forge & Bolt introduces Rick Bailey as Chief Metallurgist

Bailey's career spans four decades of steel industry experience.

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index shows 8.5% decline

Decline is smaller than any of the prior declines between March and mid-June.

Pure Safety Group names new western U.S. sales manager

Randy Fernandez will lead sales for PSG's western region, including Louisiana and Texas.

Airmaster introduces helpful ventilation and portable cooling device guidelines amid COVID-19 pandemic

Company offers useful, easy-to-understand best practices for using ventilation and cooling equipment in the workplace during coronavirus pandemic. 

Grabber welcomes new Vice President of Sales

Mike Toole joins Grabber after 20 years with USG. 

New home sales surge 16.6 percent in May

2020 rate is 12.7 percent above May 2019.

STAFDA releases Anaheim convention safety update

STAFDA is working with Anaheim city and convention center leadership to ensure that convention attendees can enjoy safe facilities and attractions as scheduled events resume.  

Hy-Brid Lifts updates sales team

Nik Fleischfresser will cover the western U.S.; Dave Wanta will serve the East.

Industrial production increased 1.4 percent in May

Manufacturing output—which fell sharply in March and April—rose 3.8 percent in May.

US LBM Foundation donates $100,000 to support Meals on Wheels' COVID-19 response

Funds target hardest hit communities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.

U.S. housing permits and starts rebound in May

Permits surge 14.4 percent over April as starts advance 4.3 percent for month.

White Papers: UVGI in HVAC Systems for Air Sanitation

Larson Electronics explains the differences between bacteria and viruses and how ultraviolet irradiation combats them. 

Dodge: Construction starts post small gain in May

Increase influenced by several large projects; COVID-19 continues to influence starts activity.

Builder confidence surges in June

NAHB/Wells Fargo report indicates a housing rebound is underway.

National Women In Roofing and RoofersCoffeeShop launch industry recruitment opportunity

Campaign allows companies to submit job postings for Roofers Coffeeshop to share.

Point of Rental’s 2020 International Conference goes virtual

Web-based event will take place November 2-5. 

Zurich North America content series helps businesses get back to work in the wake of COVID-19

Guidance on hazard analysis, disinfecting facilities, employee anxiety, improving cyber resilience and more added to Zurich’s Coronavirus Resource Hub.

Kraft Fluid Systems becomes first distributor for Vanguard commercial lithium-ion battery line 

Batteries will power electric off-highway vehicles.

Stahlin Enclosures adds three rep firms

Agencies will represent Stahlin lines in the Northeast, Oklahoma and Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator inches higher in May

Contractor confidence continues to rebound.

HD Supply remains committed to business unit split

Separation of Facilities Maintenance and Construction & Industrial businesses will likely take place no later than early 2021.

Marcum Commercial Construction Index highlights 1 million jobs lost from March to April

Report notes that the pre-crisis labor shortage will hinder the sector's recovery. 

Simpson Strong-Tie launches eight-episode deck-building video series

Series shows contractors and homeowners how to build a stronger deck.

MSA asks industry professionals to request reusable elastomeric respirators be added to the Strategic National Stockpile

Reusable elastomeric respirators are not currently in the government's plan for rebuilding the stockpile; an oversight which should be corrected. 

Royal Building Products expands virtual selling capabilities

New RoyalPros.com site offers tools and training materials facilitate shift to virtual building product sales.

Case Studies: Asphalt Anchors BoltHold products help pop-up COVID clinics weather spring storms

Outdoor Covid-19 testing tents withstand Colorado snow storms and keep testing.

Outdoor Power Equipment Institute offers storm preparedness and cleanup tips

OPEI offers tips to help home and business owners prepare ahead of storms, hurricanes and floods.

USGBC releases new LEED guidance to address COVID-19 and building reopening strategies

LEED guidance outlines sustainable best practices for cleaning, workplace re-occupancy, HVAC and plumbing.

Businesses with PPP Loans Now Eligible for Payroll Tax Deferral

Businesses should view this as an interest-free loan, as these delayed taxes must be repaid. 

Rockford Systems adopts digital delivery for machine safeguarding seminars

Three coming seminars will be presented on Zoom.

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index shows 0.34% increase 

Small increase comes after 10 weeks of sales declines including nine weeks of double-digit declines.

AD’s slate of fall meetings moves to virtual setting

Virtual meetings will include member and supplier business updates and strategic supplier briefings.

Dodge Momentum Index trends flat in May

Data suggests that construction may begin a modest recovery in the third quarter.

Simpson Strong-Tie redirects $75,000 in Habitat for Humanity funding to Organization’s COVID-19 relief

Habitat's Homes, Communities, Hope + You (HCH+Y) campaign is helping families who’ve been hit hard by the economic impact of COVID-19.

ITR Economics to host two live online events

Join leading economists Alan and Brian Beaulieu on June 23 and July 22. 

Exclusive: Point-and-Measure moisture meters speed construction, ensure quality

Instant handheld analyzers that can be operated by virtually any construction worker in the field deliver lab-quality moisture readings in seconds.

ECP Push Pier systems secure ICC-ES ESR-4471

Kansas company first to receive ESR under new criteria for push pier systems.

Endries International acquires All-West Components

All-West was formed in 1978 in Seattle as a wholesaler of industrial fasteners and power tools.

Makita promotion encourages framers and fine woodworkers to cut the cord

Promotion offers special pricing and free batteries on three popular tools.

CRC offers technical bulletin on workplace cleaning

Free-to-download bulletin provides best practices for cleaners and disinfectants, and highlights frequently-touched areas in facilities that must be cleaned and disinfected regularly to minimize risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

NAHB sees Coronavirus adding momentum to home building in smaller markets

Study finds the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to hasten a trend in lower density markets such as smaller cities and rural areas.

Pettibone picks Super Equipment as new dealer for Québec and Maritime provinces 

Super Equipment, located near Montréal, has acquired a new 14,000-square-foot facility to improve customer service. 

Asphalt Anchors Corp. offers free calculators for installing fences and signs on asphalt

Free online calculators guide design of cost-effective placements. 

U.S. Department of Labor issues safety Alert for stockroom and loading dock workers

Safety tips are intended to protect stockroom and loading dock workers from exposure to the coronavirus.

U.S. manufacturing declines 13 percent in April 

Slide follows an 11 percent decrease in March.

Southwire names Tim King president of Southwire Canada 

King steps up from Director of Finance, HR and Administration for Southwire Canada.

Kärcher North America names new CEO

Elliot Younessian takes role after previously serving with company from 2009 to 2014.

IAPMO cancels 2020 annual conference, moves 2022 event to Charlotte

Plumbing and mechanical association cancels event was set for September. 

U.S. construction spending drops just 2.9 percent in April

Through April, total spending was up 7.1 percent YoY.