Industry News

Evergreen Marketing Group Announces Safewaze As A Preferred Supplier

SafeWaze is a leading provider of fall protection systems. 

Southwire Acquires OBI Partners, Inc.

Addition to enhance digital services, provide utility solutions and accelerate innovation.

Southwire Acquires OBI Partners, Inc.

Addition to enhance digital services, provide utility solutions and accelerate innovation.

WORX Tools Issues Holiday Gift Recommendations

Stocking stuffers include a work light, oscillating tool and compact vacuum.

Public Construction Spending Drives Modest Uptick in October

Public construction advanced 1.8 percent for month while private sectior spending lagged 0.2 percent. 

Columbus McKinnon Expands Conveying Solutions with Acquisition of Garvey Corporation

Columbus McKinnon also acquired Dorner Mfg. Corp. in April 2021.

Inflation, Labor Shortages Weigh Down Construction Industry in Third Quarter, Finds Marcum Index

Nonresidential construction spending remains 10.7 percent below January 2020 levels but is just 1.3 lower than it was one-year ago. 

The Lawless Group East Hires New Territory Sales Manager

Micah Crossley becomes new Territory Sales Manager for North and South Carolina.

Hy-Brid Lifts Announces JJ Beimborn as Midwest Territory Sales Manager 

Beimborn will support customers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri and Wisconsin.

Dodge: Total Construction Starts Soar in October

Three large projects break ground to push starts higher, weak activity elsewhere.

Equipment Finance Industry Confidence Higher in November

53.9 percent of surveyed executives report they expect to hire more employees over the next four months.

HD to Host Virtual Career Day on Nov. 30

Company hiring for roles across the organization, including positions in Technology, Marketing and Operations.

Southwire Promotes Adkins to President of Wire and Cable, COO

Brandon Moss becomes President of Tools, Components and Assembled Solutions.

KIOTI Tractor Makes Equipment Donation to Local Nonprofit

Partnership with Rebuilding Together of the Triangle continues company’s Dirt Brigade Initiative.

MSA Discontinues ALTAIR 5X and ALTAIR 5X PID Gas Detector Models

Color Display availability issues result in product change. 

Simpson Strong-Tie Employees Participate in Annual Day of Community Service

More than 750 employees in the US and Canada participated in various activities benefiting individuals and families worldwide.

Fecon Announces New Southwestern Regional Sales Manager

Carl Seeliger will assist distributors and sales channel partners in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.

The Lawless Group East Hires New Territory Sales Manager

Micah Crossley is the new Territory Sales Manager for North and South Carolina.

The Lawless Group East Hires New Territory Sales Manager

Micah Crossley becomes new Territory Sales Manager for North and South Carolina.

Makita Launches Direct Repair Online Program

Direct Repair offers free turnaround shipping, and launches this month with free labor offer.

STAFDA Announces 2022 Officers

Allan Guthrie takes gavel as president; Harry Klassen is named vice president.

HD Hits $36.8 Billion in Q3 Sales

Sales increase 9.8 percent from Q3 2020; comp store sales increase 6.1 percent.

Honda Tests Prototype Autonomous Work Vehicle with Black & Veatch

Month-long trial at solar energy site in New Mexico tests autonomous vehicle's capabilities.

White Cup Enhances Revenue Intelligence for Distributors with Market-Leading Pricing Solution

Distributors can boost gross profits by 2 to 4 percent or more.

NAHB: Record Share of Members Report Labor Shortages

More than 55% of single-family builders reported a shortage of labor across 16 trades.

Channellock President and COO Accepts Prestigious Board Appointment

Jon DeArment is named president of the board for the Hand Tools Institute.

FleetWatcher Construction Management Solution (CMS) Simplifies Fleet Maintenance with “At a Glance” Status

FleetWatcher works across all brands of fleet equipment with a single login.

Hampton Products Acquires Commando Lock

Acquisition increases US-based manufacturing capabilities and technology. 

AD continues record-setting sales with 34% increase in first nine months of 2021

Member sales in the first nine months of 2021 hit $44 billion.

JohnDow Launches Upgraded Website Featuring New Digital Product Showrooms

The redesigned JohnDow.com provides enhanced search functions and customer experience.

ITR to Host Webinar on Labor Supply and Wage Trends Through 2025

Webinar is set for December 16, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

JCB Hydrogen Engine Wins Top Award

Company wins the prestigious Dewar Trophy for the third time.

Simpson Strong-Tie Brings Deck-Building Innovations and Software Solutions to PSP DeckExpo 2021

Simpson will offer deck-building clinics, hands-on Strong-Drive® and Deck Drive™ fastener demos, and interactive demonstrations of its popular Deck Planner Software™ and Pergola Planner Software™ outdoor living design solutions.

OSHA Issues Emergency Temporary Standard for COVID-19 Vaccinations or Testing

Temporary Standard applies to companies with more than 100 employees.

RIDGID Experience Returns; Winners Receive Trip to RIDGID World Headquarters

Winners of the all-expenses-paid, 3-day trip enjoyed a variety of VIP professional and networking experiences.

Huttig Building Products Announces Q3 2021 Results

Net sales grow 15.3 percent YOY to $245.3 million.

Exclusive: Warning Signs that Your Pipes are Frozen… and Simple Ways to Prevent It

Don’t let a cold snap put your house or business under water.

Fecon Introduces QR Codes to Enhance Customer Experience

QR codes allow customers one-click access to parts and instructions for their specific equipment.

Exclusive: What Building Material Distribution Challenges Are Contractors Facing?

A record 93% of contractors are facing at least one material shortage right now.

Evergreen Marketing Group Moves 2023 and 2024 Conferences to September

The 2023 Partnership Conference is now set for September 19-21 in San Antonio, Texas.

Hillman Named Do it Best Vendor of the Year for Third Year Running

Hillman’s Steelwork and Hardware categories both received recognition.

U.S. Construction Spending Dips in September

Residential slips 0.4 percent for month; nonresidential slips 0.6 percent.

PERC: Propane-Powered Engine Achieves EPA Certification, Compliancy with Clean Air Act

Vanguard cylinder engine becomes first in its class size to earn EPA certification. 

New South Construction Supply Acquires Increte

Increte of North Florida is a concrete construction material distributor and supplier based in Jacksonville, Florida.

Keson Hires Patrick Kearl as NSM

Well-known sales leader will oversee distributor relationships in Western U.S. & Canada.

Fecon Announces New Southeastern Regional Sales Manager

Amelia Reynolds joins Fecon from H&E Equipment.

SPAX Sales Team Continues to Grow 

Henry Canales is new Regional Sales Manager - SPAX, located in Florida.

MAX Grows its Sales Team with New National / Regional Hires

Stephen Coan joins as National Account Executive; Adam Persiano is new West Northeast Regional Sales Associate.

Lawless Acquires Interest in Rolston Hogstrom

Partnership gives Lawless Group expanded presence in in Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, upper Michigan, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska.

Acme Tools Names New Chief Financial Officer

Scott Foyt joins Acme Tools from the UnitedHealth Group.

Platinum Equity acquires Oregon Tool

Oregon Tool is a global manufacturer and distributor of professional grade cutting tools, outdoor equipment accessories and parts.

Stronger Together: NetPlus Alliance Recognizes Award Winners at 2021 Annual Meeting

Ohio Power tool wins MVP Distributor of the Year; Milwaukee Tool, Radians and Adenna are MVP Suppliers of the Year. 

Case Studies: GSSI Ground Penetrating Radar Assists Mount Everest Measurement Expedition

How tall is Earth's tallest mountain? 29,032 feet.

Hillman Doubles Jacksonville DC Capacity, Plans for 50 New Jobs 

Expanded facility runs 190,000 square feet and will employ 140 associates.

Gerber to leave ISA

Five-year president/CEO to leave association to become CEO of Summit Electric Supply.

Estwing Partners with MBI Tools

MBI manufactures premium shingle removal tools and will now offer tools under the Estwing brand.

U.S. Housing Construction Softens in September

Permits slide 7.7 percent for month on material and labor bottlenecks.

Yanmar Compact Equipment Adds Four New Dealers

New retailers bring Yanmar 15 new branches in New York, Massachusetts, Michigan, Florida, Rhode Island and Texas.

NAHB: Strong Demand Boosts Builder Confidence Despite Supply Chain Disruptions

However, building material price increases and bottlenecks persist and interest rates are expected to rise.

Louisiana to Get $4.5 Billion Blue Hydrogen Fuel Plant

Ascension Parish site will be the largest permanent carbon dioxide sequestration facility in the world.

Case Studies: MAX TwinTiers Help Maple Syrup Producers Improve Efficiency

MAX TwinTier system dramatically increases installation speed of maple sap tubing systems.

ITR Webinar: US Manufacturing – What to Expect in 2022

Webinar will look at the specific segments poised for growth next year and potential threats to manufacturing. 

Exclusive: MAX USA Corp. Presents Case for Pneumatic vs. Gas or PAT Fastening Tools

MAX PowerLite System compresses air up to 500 psi for increased fastening speed and power.

Mi-T-M Becomes an ESOP Company

Privately-owned Mi-T-M rewards its employees by converting to Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

The Lawless Group Expands Leadership Team New Hires

Group announces team expansion to accelerate growth in the Eastern United States.

Jobs Report: Holiday Hiring Ramps Up with 19 Million Jobs Posted Between August and September

Fourteen million openings are currently active.

SPAX Hires New Structural Products Manager

Brett Katsma brings SPAX his experience with major general contractors.  

Q4 2021 Economic Outlook Forecasts 13.2% Expansion in Equipment and Software Investment Growth

Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation survey indicates that equipment investment will continue to advance. 

Marcum National Construction Survey Highlights Optimism in the Construction Industry

More than half (54%) of survey respondents anticipate more opportunities in their regions in the next three years.

PaintLine Opens in Canada

Distribution and fulfillment from warehouse in Richmond, BC.

Green Industrial Cleaning Brand Introduces Fresh Look and Website

Clean, modern design focuses on the products being Made in America.

Porcelain Plus Runs BOGO Special on Cyclone Bits

Buy One, Get One offer is good through October 31, 2021. 

PaintLine Staffs Up to Accommodate Record Growth

Positions filled in operations and customer service pros.

Coxreels Exceeds Industry Recommended Salt Spray Testing Hours

Company's powder coating exceeds industry standard by 20 percent.

Yanmar Unveils New Brand Tagline – Together We Build

New tagline represents an important strategic step in Yanmar CE’s transformation journey.

Bolle' Safety Partners with SourceAmerica

New partnership will bring Bolle' PPE eyewear assembly to the United States.

Manitou North America is Hiring

Company owns Manitou, Gehl and Mustang material handling products.

Stalco Construction Promotes Joseph Serpe to Principal

New York warehouse builder is 50th largest construction manager in the United States.

NCSEA Launches Brand and Marketing Initiative

National Council of Structural Engineers Associations aims to educate the public on about structural engineering and attract young people to the field. 

U.S. Construction Spending Holds Steady in August

Residential spending rises 0.4 percent while nonresidential slips 1.0 percent for month.

Regal Completes Merger With Rexnord PMC, Creating Regal Rexnord Corporation

New company brings an expanded range of product and digital solutions aimed at helping increase customers’ efficiency and productivity.

HD Names 2021 Innovation Award Winners

Milwaukee is named top tool brand; ITW takes top hardware award.

NAVAC Inc. Names Target Sales Inc. Its Rep Agency of the Year

Offering NAVAC’s full portfolio of tools, Target Sales Inc. is among Florida’s largest HVAC/R rep agencies.

Gemtex Releases TrimKut Abrasive Disc Video

New video showcases the features and benefits of the TrimKut abrasive disc lineup.

Simpson Strong-Tie Marks WBSK Workbench and Shelving Hardware Kit Retail Expansion with Jen Woodhouse DIY Project Challenge

Woodhouse's Blog, "House of Wood" was named Best DIY Blog and Jen Woodhouse has been featured on numerous national home improvement shows.

Building Talent Foundation and Simpson Strong-Tie Form Strategic Alliance to Promote Trades

Simpson Strong-Tie and Building Talent Foundation will work together to promote construction trades education and careers.

ITR Economics announces partnership with investment banking firm ButcherJoseph & Co.

STAFDA's economic advisors move into M&A space.

Scott Wilson Joins CraneWorks as VP of Sales & Marketing

Wilson brings 40 years of crane industry experience to new role.

Exclusive: Finding the Hidden Innovators in your Company

Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Edison and the rest of us.

Weiler Abrasives Appoints Pete Hutchinson as Technical Applications Manager

Hutchinson takes on responsibility for technical product support and training. 

RectorSeal Products Now Carry 3-Year Limited Warranty

Warranty is now standard on RectorSeal products — no registration required.

Sandvik Coromant relocates U.S. headquarters

New facility in Mebane, North Carolina will be home for 170 employees.

MBW Unveils New Look

New company logo and image repesents MBW's cutting edge technology.

Dynabrade Acquires Manth Manufacturing

Manth is a high-tech production machine shop and a Dynabrade strategic supplier.

Knauf Insulation, Inc. Announces Expansion in Central Texas

Company will build a 600,000 square-foot production facility in McGregor.

Point of Rental Forms Cloud Engineering Team

Principal DevOps engineer Collin Pike named team’s chief architect.

ASV Announces Winner of MAX-Series Sweepstakes

Andrew Stewart of Alberta, Canada wins a 1-year lease of a MAX-Series RT-75 Posi-Track loader.

Simpson Strong-Tie Unveils Voortman MSI

Company hosts SteelDay attendees at state-of-the-art Yield-Link production facility.

Statewide Safety Systems Expands In Oklahoma

New Tulsa office joins recent branches in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Santa Ana, California.

NAHB: Builder Confidence Steadies as Material and Labor Challenges Persist

NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index shows market stabilizing.

U.S. Housing Permits and Starts and Advance in August   

Privately?owned housing permits advance 6 percent for month.

Jon-Don Acquires Dynamic Diamond Tooling

Leading national supplier of commercial supplies, equipment, and chemicals announces continued growth with recent acquisition.

Viega Names Two to Leadership Posts

New Chief Commercial Officer and Director of Marketing appointed.

Simpson Strong-Tie Aids Hurricane Ida Recovery with $25,000 Donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund

Ida was one of the costliest hurricanes in the United States since 2000.

Little Beaver Mourns Loss of Sales Manager Mike Hale

Hale had been with Little Beaver, Inc. for 25 years.

ITR Economics Announces Construction Market Trends for 2022 Webinar

Webinar is set for September 23, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Mule-Hide Names Chuck Miller Territory Manager for Central California

Miller is a 40-year veteran of the roofing industry.

Katja Wahl Named Marketing Manager at Nova USA Wood Products

Nova USA Wood produces hardwood siding and decking products.

FAD Equipment Store Expands Team

Lifting and rigging dealer recruits e-commerce guru Austin Helton.

GSSI to Highlight UtilityScan Compact GPR System at Utility Expo 2021

Ground penetrating radar (GPR) equipment will be on display at September 28-30, 2021 show.

American Rental Association Launches RentalHQ Mobile App

RentalHQ app makes finding equipment rental easier on-the-go.

Festool Closes in on Search for Product Testers

Trades professionals and advanced DIYers can apply from Sept. 1 – Sept. 12.

Matt Gaffin Named Point of Rental’s Director of Development

Gaffin steps up from company’s mobile development team.

Wildeck, Inc. Welcomes Angela Wurtz as Director of People Operations

Wurtz brings Wildeck nearly 15 years of industry experience.

H.B. Carbide Names New General Manager

Jon Dreher brings a strong operations background in manufacturing and association management.

Simpson Strong-Tie Webinar Series Provides Solutions and Resources for Retrofitting Concrete and Masonry Buildings

Four-part webinar series begins September 9.

Metabo USA Celebrates 50th Anniversary

Metabo marks 50 years in the U.S. as its parent nears 100 years in Germany.

RIDGID RP 350 Press Tool Tour Goes Global with Stops in Eight Countries

A part of Emerson’s professional tools portfolio, RIDGID recently completed a U.S. tour with the tool.

Garland Spotlights Fluid-Applied Roof Systems With New Brochure

Brochure explains the advantages of fluid applications and addresses industry misconceptions.

Weiler Abrasives Offers New Multi-Pass Welding Guide

Downloadable PDF provides information on proper abrasives selection and usage.

PTI Offers Cordless Tool Battery Safety Tips

The Power Tool Institute advises against adapters and third-party batteries.

IAPMO Becomes Amazon SPN Partner

Plumbing and mechanical trade group can now serve as a resource for related industry firms interested in selling on Amazon.

Channellock Launches New Learning Tool to Narrow the Skills Gap

Trades 101 allows potential tradespeople to explore trade schools in their area, offers tips for choosing the right trade and steps to take to enter into a trade field.

U.S. Construction Spending Continues to Advance in July

Total construction spending inches up 0.3 percent for month but trends up 9 percent over July 2020.

CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE

The October/November 2021 issue of Contractor Supply magazine is here! 

In this issue, CS visits with incoming STAFDA President Allan Guthrie at DXP Enterprises in Omaha, Nebraska, where Guthrie and his team lead procurement and vendor relations for one of the country's largest MROP distributors. 

This issue features our complete 2021 STAFDA Convention and Trade Show coverage, including an event agenda, exhibitor listings, show floor map, session presenter bios and more!

• CEO's Welcome from Georgia Foley
• State of the Industry Previews
• Tech Pavillion Vendors

Educational Session Previews: 

• Janine Driver: Boost Your Emotional Intelligence — 3 Sales Secrets About the New Body Language
• Kelly McDonald: Different Strokes — How to Work With and Lead People Not Like You
• Alan Beaulieu: Annual Economic Update
• Jamie Turner: The Five Common Leadership Styles — And How to Develop a Style of Your Own
• Skip Weisman: Four Workplace Conversations — How Not to Talk to the Wrong Person at the Wrong Time
• Paul Reilly :  Hot Market Problems — Selling Through Times of Peak Demand
• Mark Sangster: Cybersecurity 4.0 — Legacy Security Systems are Just Invitations to Criminals

STAFDA Consultants:

• Jon Schreibfeder: Liquidating Unwanted Inventory
• Ken Ackerman: Getting the Right Price in Logistics
  
• Nancye Combs: Attraction & Retention

STAFDA Trade Show New Products

Plus, this issue contains our popular Industry Updates on:

• Material Handling Equipment
• Lasers, Levels and Measurement Tools
• Hand Tools
• Cordless Power Tools
• Drill Bits and Cutting Tools
• Tool Boxes, Bags and Belts

And the industry's hottest New Products!

This digital edition is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!