Industry News

Dynabrade president/CEO Hamann to retire

President and chief executive officer Hardy Hamann to retire March 31 after four decades in the industry.

Mallory and Dirteeze win contract in San Diego

City buses and all fleet vehicles in the police and fire departments are currently using this “Best in Class” wiping solution.

Mule-Hide promotes Steven Litaker to Territory Manager – West Central and Southwest Florida

Litaker joined Mule-Hide in 2019 from ABC Supply.

Point of Rental announces David Austin as Global Operations Manager

Austin joins Point of Rental from ECI Software Solutions.

Wooster Products celebrates 100th anniversary

Company fetes a century of safety leadership.

Huttig Building Products announces Q4 and full year 2020 results

Company sales grow 2.3 percent in Q4 but slip 2.4 percent YOY.

John Randall is named new Sullair president and CEO

Current Sullair president and CEO Charlie Takeuchi will become President of Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems.

The Engineered Wood Association announces new president

Mark Tibbetts takes role as Ed Elias plans to retire.

Marcum JOLTS Analysis: Construction Labor market tightness persists

Shortage has driven average hourly earnings of construction employees to their highest level on record in January.

GAF taps Alma Garnett to lead Commercial Roofing sales

Garnett formerly was President of Convoy Supply and served as Interim President of the Western Division of Bothwell-Accurate.

JLG joins ALI’s Ladder Safety Month initiatives

American Ladder Institute (ALI) hosts the 5th annual National Ladder Safety Month, February 22-March 31.

Western Specialty Contractors hires Kourtney Graham as Business Development Manager of Special Projects

Graham previously worked for Western as a Project Manager and Business Development Manager since 2016.

Topcon partnership with CyArk bolsters cultural site archival efforts

Cyark has produced 3D digital documents of more than 200 sites around the world.

Osborn hires new CEO

Brian Cassady was president and CEO of Municipal Parking Services, Inc.

U.S. construction spending advances 5.8 percent in January YOY

Private and public construction spending both rise 1.7 percent for the month.

Dodge: Construction starts down to begin 2021

Strong warehouse and manufacturing activity not enough to offset wide-ranging weakness.

Wright Tool promotes Tom Futey to President

Futey started with Wright in 1993 and has excelled at key roles in the company ever since.

Fabcon acquires Oldcastle Infrastructure's Building Services Division

Deal expands Fabcon's geographic footprint and concrete product portfolio.

All America Threaded Products names new NSM

Al Bate joins AATP with 30 years of international fastener industry experience.

NCCER Announces 2021 Board of Trustees

Turner Industries' president Stephen Toups becomes 2021 board of trustees’ chairman.

Minnich Manufacturing adds Darragh Company to dealer network in Mid-South

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Darragh adds 11 branches to Minnich's dealership network.

U.S. new home sales increase 4.3 percent in January

Average selling price was $408,800.

Quikrete to acquire Forterra for $2.74 billion

Forterra is the largest producer of concrete drainage pipe and precast products by sales volume in the U.S.

Seaco offers POP rope displays for spring and summer

Displays feature paracord and derby rope in 50- and 100-foot hanks.

HD Q4 2020 sales rise 25 percent YOY

For the year, company sales grew 19.9 percent over 2019.

Vortex Technology Group acquires VeriCure brand

Popular name for curing monitoring system is well known to trenchless cured-in-place pipe contractors.

Wausau Supply opens three new DCs

New DCs expand company's presence in Montana, Ohio and Tennessee.

Case Studies: RIDGID products make a difference in Elyria City Schools building project

Local contractor relies on RIDGID to help crews maximize time on new Elyria School construction sites.

ACI issues 8th edition of Guide to Formwork for Concrete

Guide lists current standards and practices, new developments in formwork technology and includes 500 photos.

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index returns to mid-single digits

Index reports a five percent increase for week YOY.

JLG and Oshkosh partner to develop battery technologies

Partnership with Microvast will advance development of new electric JLG products.

Industrial Magnetics acquires Walker Magnetics

Walker produces magnetic products for workholding, lifting, material handling, scrap magnets and separation applications.

Housing permits climb 10.4 percent in January

But starts slide 6.0 percent and completions slip 2.3 percent for month.

Simpson Strong-Tie releases 2021 Concrete Catalog

New edition has updated engineering and design tables, code listings and a quick guide to choosing anchoring products for corrosive environments.

Mike Marks and Electro Federation Canada offer Webinar on Supply Chain Resiliency

Webinar takes place Thursday, February 18 at 1:00 PM EST

PTI: Can the choice of a power tool’s battery affect contractor safety?

Power Tool Institute warns of failure, fire from third-party batteries.

Antidumping: Cast Iron Soil Pipe Institute responds to US CBP findings to antidumping and countervailing orders

U.S. CBP has found that two importers of cast iron soil pipe have been evading U.S. antidumping & countervailing orders.

Plaskolite wins 3M 2020 Supplier of the Year Award

Plaskolite manufactures thermoplastic sheet and specialty acrylic polymers.

WSJ: Lumber prices notch records on building, remodeling boom

Futures have surged over the past three weeks as the pandemic’s hottest commodity continues to be in high demand.

Dodge: U.S. construction starts drop 4 percent in January

Strong warehouse and manufacturing activity not enough to offset wide-ranging weakness.

ARA forecasts rental will grow more than 1.5 percent in 2021

Market is expected to regain all pandemic loses by 2022.

NAHB: Builders remain bullish as high demand offsets higher costs – for now

But surging lumber prices and regulations are throttling back the market.

BuildFax Monthly Housing Health Report shows 2021 off to a strong start

Single-family permits grow nearly 10 percent YOY.

IAPMO issues 2021 solar, hydronics, geothermal, pool, spa and hot tub codes

New codes govern the installation and inspection of solar, hydronic, and geothermal energy systems.

Southwire to install new SCR system in Carrollton, GA

Investment will strengthen company’s modernization efforts, sustainability commitment and long-term strategy.

NAHB: Residential remodeling has fully recovered from the beginning of COVID-19

Sector is expected to grow 4 percent in 2021 and 2 percent in 2022.

GreatStar Tools USA establishes new executive leadership team

GreatStar elevates Gary DuBoff, Melissa Karlovitch and James O’Rourke to new senior executive positions.

Curry Supply hires Cory Wilson as VP of Operations

Wilson joins Curry from JLG.

Fecon acquires Vermeer's Forestry Mulching Products and enters global distribution agreement

Deal will allow Fecon dealers access to Vermeer mulching products.

Core & Main to acquire Triple T Pipe & Supply

Acquisition will expand company presence in West Texas.

Dodge Momentum Index increases 3.1 percent to start 2021

Commercial planning hits its highest level since before the Great Recession.

F.W. Webb welcomes new Director of Plumbing in Tri-State

Stanley Graser has been appointed the Director of Plumbing to oversee the company’s markets within New York City’s five boroughs, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Exclusive: Effective networking in a virtual world

Networking is about building relationships, not making sales.

NIBS convenes BIM executive roundtable on construction industry digital transformation

Business and government leaders discussed the need for a National Building Information Management (BIM) Program to improve the relationships, performance and profitability of the increasingly digitalized U.S. AECO industry.

Makita U.S.A. buys more land in Georgia

The 80-acre plot will be site for planned development to address continuing growth in the United States.

Max USA Corp. releases webinar schedule

Webinars are offered for dealers and end users.

Mule-Hide Products renames and updates packaging for modified bitumen membranes

Products are unchanged and are compatible with their previous counterparts.

Mayhew Tools to sponsor six-time champion Doug Coby for fifth year in the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour

This will be Doug Coby’s second year racing as owner and driver of the #10 car in the WMT Series.

Exclusive: GPS tracking enables social distancing, optimal construction fleet productivity during pandemic

Real-time vehicle tracking allows immediate response and adjustment to emergencies and changing demands.

Meridian Adhesives Group acquires Convergent Concrete Technologies

Orem, Utah-based Convergent specializes in high-performance concrete treatments and products.

JCB North America named Supplier of the Year for second year running

United Rentals named JCB North America its 2020 Supplier of the Year in recognition of value, delivery, product support, training and procurement excellence.

Portable generator manufacturers set new standard for safe generator use

ANSI/PGMA G300 is the only comprehensive standard for safe, rigorously tested, high-performing portable generators.

KIOTI Tractor announces 2021 product additions

Offerings revealed at “Savage Instinct”-themed virtual dealer meeting.

Rob Messina Returns to JLG

Messina becomes Senior Vice President Product Development and Product Management.

KAI Build promotes Steve Kizer to VP of Operations – Construction

Kizer has over 25 years of construction management experience and has worked in the construction industry for 42 years.

Festool USA launches Systainer3 Systainer Systems

Festool USA launches its largest collection of new Systainer Systems in company history.

New Home Depot Dallas-Fort Worth DC will create 1,500 jobs

Just opened, new 1.5 million square-foot distribution center has a hydrogen fuel cell charging station and six miles of conveyor lines.

December U.S. new home sales rise 15.2 percent YOY

An estimated 811,000 new homes were sold in 2020.

Simpson Strong-Tie adds dealer locator to Deck Planner Software

New features is also included in Pergola Planner Software.

AD opens business unit in Canada

New AD Canada business unit signals further commitment in Canadian market.

Viega launches new press tool line

Pressgun 6 and Pressgun 6 Picco offer an affordable entry to pressing technology.

Air Pros USA hiring 250 HVAC technicians and installers

National company offers free training depending on skill level.

NAVAC Inc. names Ice-Kold as official repair center partner

Wisconsin-based company with four decades of HVAC/R experience to handle repairs for NAVAC’s full portfolio of tools.

Industry prepares for National National Construction Safety Week May 3-7

Holistic safety is this year's theme.

Styrofoam XPS insulation introduces reduced GWP formulation

Reduced Global Warming Potential (GWP) product contributes to DuPont's sustainability goals.

US LBM expands to Delaware with new roofing and siding location

Leading building materials distributor grows product offering and reach with first in-state location in Delaware.

Cerrowire donates $50,000 to Cook Museum

The Cook Museum of Natural Science in Decatur, Alabama enables people to interact with and learn about nature.

Minnich Manufacturing signs rep agency Vanguard Marketing Group

Vanguard will represent Minnich lines in Northern California, Northern Nevada and Hawaii.

ORS Nasco names Andy Boyle Senior VP of Sales and Marketing

Boyle joins ORS from the Inteplast Group.

NetPlus Alliance transitions ownership to President Jennifer Murphy

Murphy marks fifth generation of family ownership.

Exclusive: 5 Reasons to Fire Someone & How to Do It Right

Firing employees is often more fraught with potential hazards than hiring.

ACPA pledges support, expresses optimism to Biden Administration

American Concrete Pavement Association urgfes admonistration to pursue surface infrastructure programs.

Cool News: Look out! There's a lobster on the loose!

Or, how lobsters can help make stronger 3D printed concrete.

BuildFax: U.S. housing ends 2020 on a high note 

BuildFax Housing Health Report closes out 2020 with construction activity increases nearly across the board. 

Great Business Schools releases national rankings of Construction Management Master's Programs

2021 list also includes best schools across several categories.

NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index slows slip in builder confidence

Soaring lumber prices and COVID resurgence are blamed.

Dodge: Civil contractors are optimistic about 2021

Latest findings from The Civil Quarterly show expected increases in profit margins, opportunities for work.

Hunter Industrial Fans launches lifetime warranty

Policy covers all of Hunter's HVLS industrial fan lines.

EDCO Products celebrates 75th anniversary

Customer focus and innovation have enabled this family-owned company to flourish for over seven decades.

Exclusive: Resilience gives way to dominance

Three predictions for how service emerges stronger than ever in 2021.

ePropertyCare and Wollaston Development partnership to implement smart-building irrigation systems

Technology allows for better lawn care maintenance and prevents costly incidents.

Garney Construction tests new heat stress device for workers

Simpson Strong-Tie scholarship applications now open

Simpson gives up to 100 scholarships of $2,000 per student every academic year.

MBT and Polyguard Group announce exclusive Nano Silver license agreement

Partnership will enable MBT to create products with antimicrobial properties.

ACI virtual concrete convention to be held March 28-April 1, 2021

The American Concrete Institute convention will pack hundreds of events into five days.

Makita renews sponsorship with Warnert Snocross

Makita / Ski-Doo Racing Team will compete in 2020-2021 International Series of Champions snocross racing season.

Exclusive: Honeywell addresses cold weather footwear trends

The newest designs take aim at weather's fickle nature. 

Dodge Momentum Index ends 2020 on a high note

The Commercial component of the Index rose 14 percent for the month.

Simpson Strong-Tie donates $78,000 to community organizations during the 2020 holiday season

Donations were made to communities in California, Ohio and Vietnam. 

Mule-Hide Products promotes Dan Conley to National Business Development Manager

Conley joined Mule-Hide in 2014.

US LBM acquires Gilcrest/Jewett Lumber Company

Building materials leader expands its presence in Iowa.

Fecon names Middendorf Senior VP of Sales

Mark Middendorf has been with Fecon since 2012.

IRCG Weekly Pandemic Revenue Index shows 21.3 percent increase

Three participating firms reported revenue increases greater than 50%.

MAX USA Corp. kicks off 2021 with new social media and outreach programs

New #GetSocialWithMAX, Friday@Five and more programs will inhance MAX customer interaction.

Simpson Strong-Tie announces Mike Olosky as new COO

Olosky was most recently President of Henkel North America.

Manufacturers’ shipments, inventories and orders advance 1 percent in November

New orders for manufactured goods in November increased $5.0 billion or 1.0 percent to $487.2 billion.

Regal introduces Real World Solution video series

Episodes show how customers successfully resolved costly power transmission problems with Regal products.

Exclusive: Gemtex Abrasives reviews the abrasives market  

Gemtex VP Frank Prenda discusses the latest trends and products in the abrasives market.

Greg Bennett joins HBS Systems

Bennett will lead equipment dealership and rental software sales efforts.

Walter Surface Technologies acquires Drillco and Triumph Twist Drill

Drillco and Triumph will continue to operate under their own respective brands.

Marshalltown acquires Gatorback 

Gatorback produces mortar boards and mortar pans.

U.S. construction spending grows nearly 1 percent in November

Even with the pandemic, total construction spending grew 4.4 percent YOY in the first 11 months of 2020.