Industry News
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Aqua Glass® launches customer-driven innovation
Aqua Glass has launched a customer-driven innovation process that is rewriting the company’s rules of engagement. The company is using deep customer research to drive improvements in quality, service and products. Among new initiatives are:
• Quality — Aqua Glass has re-engineered its manufacturing processes, established a reliability lab that uses advanced statistics and materials analysis to improve products.
• Trendspotting — The company has named a director of innovation and launched an ethnographic research program that integrates with the manufacturing team to make improvements in everything from product design to instructions to packaging.
· Customer service — Customer support is both skilled— every service representative receives technical training on every product — and live (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.)
• Technology — A number of new products are made with a material that is lighter, stronger and easier to install.
“We’re giving customers a better experience throughout the entire product lifecycle,” said Joanne Torcivia, director of new product development and innovation.
Sonepar Canada acquires assets of HD Supply Canada
Sonepar Canada and HD Supply Canada have entered into an agreement for Sonepar Canada to purchase substantially all of the assets of SESCO/QUESCO, a division of HD Supply Canada..
SESCO/QUESCO provides business customers a complete line of electrical products – offering major brands from leading manufacturers. While focused mostly on commercial, residential and institutional markets, SESCO/QUESCO has been continually growing in the industrial and OEM sectors.
“This strategic acquisition supports our goals to grow our business in Ontario and strengthen our place in the Canadian electrical wholesale market. Our expanded coverage in Ontario, particularly in and around Toronto, will allow us to better serve both our existing and future customers,” said Keith Moss, president and CEO of Sonepar Canada.
Industrial Controls merges with United Control Co.
New Jersey-based Industrial Controls Distributors LLC announced its merger with United Control Company, headquartered in Richmond, VA. United Control will integrate operations with Industrial Controls to cover the Virginia territory.
This merger represents an exceptional fit for both organizations from both a business point of view and cultural perspective. There is a shared focus on providing outstanding customer service, high-quality product solutions, and excellent technical support.
Bill Ferguson of United Control Company will lead the combined Virginia organization. He has extensive experience in both the customer and technical skills needed to lead the expanded operation in the region.
Industrial Controls has 19 offices covering 22 states throughout the Northeast and Midwest, as well as three regional distribution centers.
Geary Pacific Supply celebrates 50th Anniversary
HVAC distributor Geary Pacific Supply will mark its 50th Anniversary on February 10.
Founded in 1961 by Pat Geary and his uncle, Les Sherden in Fullerton, Calif., they began by distributing Revco heating and air conditioning products. In 1964, Bard Manufacturing acquired Revco’s Air conditioning, business and a collaborative partnership began. By 1969, Pat & Les purchased Pacific Air, a distributor in Sacramento. The expansion continued and in 1974, they opened a third location in Phoenix. In 1975, Pat’s uncle retired and in 1976 the company name was changed to Geary Pacific Corporation.
Expansion continued for the next decade. Locations opened up in Redding and San Diego, Calif.; Seattle; Tucson; and Greeley Colo. Pat acquired another distribution business called Special Service Supply with locations in Las Vegas, San Jacinto, Calif., and Bullhead City, Ariz.
Today the company is headquartered in Orange, Calif., and operates 15 branch locations in five Western states. They continue to be a family owned business with the 2nd generation firmly in place. Each branch location will be hosting an anniversary celebration for customers this month.
New Products
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FlashShield™ CSST with Enhanced Protection |
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Combination boiler |
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Crest® condensing boiler
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Movers & Shakers
Gerber Plumbing Fixtures LLC has added Jeff Jackson to the company’s expanding sales team. Jackson will serve as the territory manager for new construction for the greater metro Atlanta area and the southeast from Texas to the Carolinas. He will report directly to Brian Dougherty, Gerber’s national sales manager of new construction. Jackson comes to Gerber from its sister company Fusion Hardware Group where he held the title of director of operations.
Bill Godwin recently announced that effective March 31, he will be stepping down from G&S Sales. He took the reins of the agency (then called BBG and Associates) in April 1990. According to Godwin, a succession plan was put in place over eight years ago, and with the first half of that plan, John Schultz’s retirement/buyout, nearly completed, Godwin is now ready to hand the reigns over to Clay Smith and Dan Lowe. The agency’s 12 knowledgeable and long-term employees will remain in place. He plans to take the next 12 months off from actively pursuing any business venture.
Thirty-six year PVF distribution veteran Rick Mousa has joined Lockwood International, a Houston-based PVF master distributor specializing in a wide spectrum of valves. Mousa will serve as a management/sales executive for the company’s Southeast region. Mousa’s career stops includes the presidency of P&E Georgia Corporation, which subsequently became part of USFlow; and later heading up HD Supply’s PVF activities.
Calvin Hills, CEO of the Plimpton & Hills Corporation announced the appointment of Calvin “Tripp” Hills III, as the fifth president of the 108-year-old Hartford, Conn.-based company. “Tripp” Hills joined the family business full time over 25 years ago. He has worked at every level within the company, most recently serving as VP.
HARDI has named Emily Saving to the management team in Education Services. This position will play an integral role in the future development of HARDI’s current professional development and education portfolio including the Independent Study Institute (ISI), Distribution Learning Network (DLN) and various other offerings. With a strong foundation in instructional design, Saving will be responsible for the research, course design, implementation and evaluation of all programs and classes added to HARDI’s training and education catalog. |