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November 2023 News

Ziegler Energy Solutions and Heliene, Inc. partner on solar power for Midwest industries
As traditional energy costs continue to fluctuate and renewable energy technologies become increasingly competitive and sophisticated, like-minded companies Ziegler Energy Solutions and Heliene, Inc. are partnering to provide clean, efficient and affordable solar power solutions to municipal, commercial and industrial companies across the Midwest.

Sandvik wins large mining equipment order in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sandvik has received a large underground mining equipment order from Jimond Mining Management Co. (JMMC), a subsidiary of the Chinese global mining services provider JCHX Mining Management Co., Ltd. to be used in the Kamoa-Kakula copper mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The order is valued at around SEK 200 million and will be booked in the fourth quarter 2023.

Core & Main completes acquisition of Enviroscape
Core & Main Inc., a leader in advancing reliable infrastructure with local service, nationwide, has closed its previously announced acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Enviroscape ECM, Ltd. and three affiliated entities (collectively, “Enviroscape”), a provider of geosynthetics and erosion control products located in Deshler, Ohio.

BradyIFS + Envoy Solutions bolsters presence in Texas with acquisition of Sierra Packaging
BradyIFS + Envoy Solutions, a leading distributor of janitorial/sanitation, food service disposables and industrial packaging products, has acquired Sierra Packaging, Inc. ("Sierra"), a distributor serving the East Texas marketplace. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

IDCO welcomes newest member
IDCO, a cooperative for independent distributors serving the industrial community with hose, fittings, gaskets, rubber materials, and related products, announced Rubber and Gasket Co of America (RGA) as the newest member of its growing network.

EMUGE-FRANKEN wins ANCA 2023 tool of the year award
EMUGE-FRANKEN USA, a manufacturer of high-performance taps, thread mills, end mills, drills, and other rotary tools, announced the research and development team at EMUGE-FRANKEN global headquarters was the winner of the ANCA 2023 Tool of the Year Award, presented at EMO in September.

Edges Electrical Group joins AD’s Electrical US division
AD, the largest contractor and industrial products wholesale purchasing cooperative in North America, announced that Edges Electrical Group will join AD as a new owner/member in the U.S. effective January 1, 2024.

AFFLINK announces Abbott Label as preferred supplier
AFFLINK has announced Abbott Label, one of the largest label, tag, and ribbon manufacturers in the U.S., has joined AFFLINK as a Preferred Supplier.

Motion names new automation intelligence group vice president
Motion Industries, Inc., a distributor of maintenance, repair and operation replacement parts, and a premier provider of industrial technology solutions, named Mike Esposito to group vice president, Motion Automation Intelligence, effective immediately.

Emerson invests in Frugal Technologies
Emerson, a global automation technology and software company, announced it has made a strategic investment in Frugal Technologies, a Danish-based company that offers fuel optimization technologies that reduce energy use and emissions in shipping fleets.

Falls, ladder misuse among OSHA's top safety violations
It’s a streak no one should be happy about. For the 13th year in a row, fall protection (general requirements) is OSHA’s No. 1 safety violation. Additionally, ladders came in third, and fall protection (training requirements) was eighth on the agency’s annual list of Top 10 violations.

October durable goods orders drop 5.4%
New orders for manufactured durable goods in October, down three of the last four months, decreased $16.0 billion or 5.4% to $279.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced on November 22.

Index suggests economic growth declined in October
Led by declines in production-related indicators, the Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) fell to –0.49 in October from –0.02 in September. All four broad categories of indicators used to construct the index decreased from September, and all four categories made negative contributions in October. The index’s three-month moving average, CFNAI-MA3, decreased to –0.22 in October from a neutral value in September.

Leuze U.S. relocates
As part of its global growth strategy, the U.S. Leuze sales, production and development departments will, in the future, be located in Duluth, Georgia, northeast of Atlanta.

Core & Main to acquire Granite Water Works
Core & Main Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Granite Water Works Inc., a provider of water, wastewater and storm drainage products in Minnesota.

Lucas Systems, Carnegie Mellon University partner to solve logistics industry challenges
Distribution center technology provider, Lucas Systems, announced its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) on new research with potential significant environmental and commercial impact for the logistics industry.

Lucas Systems awarded top honors
Lucas Systems, a distribution center technology provider, was named the winner of the Innovative Tech category by the Pittsburgh Technology Council at its annual Tech 50 Awards event.

Black Friday fun facts from BBB Wisconsin
Black Friday is quickly approaching, and if you haven't started thinking about your marketing activities yet, it's time to jump on it. However, before you can jump into the creative process, you need to take the time to study last year's trends and stats to create marketing campaigns that will perform.

Kimball Midwest centennial honored
Kimball Midwest, a national industrial supplier based in Columbus, was recognized this month for reaching 100 years in business. The company’s milestone was honored November 15 during the Conway Center for Family Business’ 25th Annual Family Business Awards at the Hilton Easton in Columbus.

Allient CFO to retire in '24
Allient Inc. (formerly known as Allied Motion Technologies Inc.) announced that Michael R. Leach, senior vice president and chief financial officer plans to retire at the end of April 2024 after a nearly nine-year career with the company.

ERIKS North America acquires Branham Corp.
ERIKS North America (ENA) announced it has acquired the assets of Branham Corp., a prominent fabricator and distributor of industrial hoses, gaskets, conveyor belts and related services.

DG Fuels selects Emerson to support sustainable biofuels production
Emerson, a maker of industrial software and technology, has been chosen by DG Fuels to provide comprehensive automation and project engineering to help transportation sector decarbonization efforts through production of advanced biofuels.

AMMEGA invests $100 million in Ammeraal Beltech, Megadyne facilities
AMMEGA—a global provider of belting solutions for conveying and power transmission—recently invested $100 million to boost U.S. production, warehousing, and innovation. The company's dedication to American manufacturing is reflected in its state-of-the-art facilities and in its ability to provide hands-on support, customized solutions, and ensure supply chain consistency and business agility.

Cutting tool consumption up 8% year to date vs. '22
September 2023 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $201.4 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. This total, as reported by companies participating in the Cutting Tool Market Report collaboration, was down 8.1% from August’s $219.2 million and up 4.3% when compared with the $193.1 million reported for September 2022.

Turtle names chief strategy officer
Turtle has named transformational leader Teesee Murray as its chief strategy officer. At a time when Turtle is accelerating the transition to sustainable energy by advancing innovative customer solutions, Murray brings C-suite experience as a growth-oriented changemaker with a deep knowledge of technology that includes AI and enterprise automation.

EnPro announces name change
EnPro Industries Inc. announced it will change its corporate name to Enpro Inc., effective at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 1, 2023.

Advanced Drainage Systems underscores benefits of plastic pipe
In recognition of America Recycles Day, Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc., a provider of innovative water management solutions in the stormwater and onsite septic wastewater industries, recognizes the importance of sustainable and economically viable products to capture, convey, store and treat water. As evidenced by a recent study from the National Academies of Sciences, (NAS) titled "Recycled Plastics in Infrastructure: Current Practices, Understanding, and Opportunities," the use of recycled plastics, which are utilized in ADS pipes, “has been perfected and is economically viable.”

Registration opens for ISA24 Annual Convention
The Charlotte Convention Center will become the epicenter of the industrial supply industry as the Industrial Supply Association (ISA) gears up for its Annual Convention, ISA24, April 15-17, 2024. Registration is now open at https://isa24.isapartners.org/.

Registration opens for STAFDA’s Excellence in Distribution program
Registration opens Monday, November 20, for STAFDA’s highly anticipated Excellence in Distribution program.

STAFDA names new officers
Members of the Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) elected new leadership for 2024 during the Association’s 47th Annual Convention & Trade Show, November 5-7, in San Antonio.

Dallas Industries adds two dealers
Dallas Industries, a manufacturer of coil handling, press feeding equipment and controls for the stamping industry, has appointed Midwest Press & Automation, LLC (MPA) as its new dealer in Ohio and Kentucky. MPA is also the exclusive dealer in Michigan. This represents an expansion for Midwest Press & Automation into those states. Dallas also appointed Southern Press Solutions as its new dealer in Alabama and Georgia.

SpinDrive secures funding to cut industrial energy waste, pollution with magnetic levitation bearings
SpinDrive, a Finnish company providing affordable active magnetic bearings for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), has secured a €3.8M Series A funding round.

American Nitrile joins AFFLINK as preferred supplier
AFFLINK has welcomed American Nitrile, the largest and only fully operational manufacturer of nitrile gloves in the U.S., to its network of preferred suppliers.

Viega promotes Marki Huston to chief operations officer
Viega, a manufacturer of press technology, announced the promotion of Marki Huston to the position of chief operations officer.

3M announces two segment leadership changes
In conjunction with its planned spin-off of the Health Care Business, 3M announced the departure of Jeff Lavers, group president, Health Care Business Group, effective Dec. 1. The Health Care Business will continue to be led by the CEO of Health Care, Bryan Hanson, as the company works toward a successful spin-off.

RBC Bearings reports strong Aerospace/Defense results in second quarter '24
RBC Bearings Inc., an international manufacturer of highly engineered precision bearings, components and essential systems for the industrial, defense and aerospace industries, reported net sales of $385.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2024, an increase of 4.4% over the same period of fiscal 2023. Aerospace/Defense was up 22.9 % and Industrial down 2.8 %.

NIBCO promotes Martin to president & CEO, announces other appointments
NIBCO Inc., a provider of flow control solutions, announced its Board of Directors has approved several executive leadership appointments, which are effective immediately and reflect the company’s commitment to its long-term growth strategy.

Martin Supply appoints new CFO
Martin Supply, a provider of custom solutions for maintenance, repair, operation, and production supplies, announced the appointment of Steve McClanahan as its new chief financial officer.

DSG embarks on expansion project in Iowa
Dakota Supply Group (DSG), a distributor of innovative products and services, celebrated the groundbreaking ceremony for its new facility in Ames, Iowa, on November 6. The new facility is slated for opening in 2024.

Starrett hosts successful 'Manufacturing Day' for students, community
The L.S. Starrett Co., a global manufacturer of precision measuring tools and gages, metrology systems and more, announced it opened its doors to students and the community on October 6 for Manufacturing Day at Starrett corporate headquarters.

Airgas awarded the 2024 'Military Friendly' gold recognition employer designation
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, has earned the Gold Level Recognition and was named by VIQTORY to the 2024 Military Friendly Employers list for the second year in a row, following three consecutive years with Silver Level Designation.

Tom Sellars recognized with Titan 100 award
Tom Sellars, CEO of Sellars Absorbent Materials, has been named to the 2024 Wisconsin Titan 100, which recognizes the state’s top 100 CEOs and C-level executives who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision and passion.

Watson-Marlow announces launch of Bredel NR transfer hose
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) announced that Bredel hose pumps has expanded its range of hoses by releasing the new and versatile Bredel NR Transfer hose for general fluid transfer applications at pressures up to 12 bar (174 psi).

Walter to deliver robotic solutions for metalworking businesses
In its quest to become a global leader for productivity solutions, WALTER Surface Technologies has recently launched a new service to expand on its automation and robotic solutions for industrial manufacturers.

September manufacturing technology orders down, but above historical averages
By Christopher Chidzik
New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $398.9 million in September 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. September orders declined 2.8% from August 2023 and 23.4% from September 2022. Year-to-date orders reached $3.64 billion, 13.8% lower than the first three quarters of 2022.

NAW urges Department of Labor to withdraw proposed overtime rule
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) has filed comments urging the Department of Labor to withdraw the overtime pay proposal.

MRC Global sales improve 2% for third quarter
MRC Global Inc. reported sales of $888 million for its third quarter 2023, a 2% improvement compared to the second quarter of 2023.

NIBCO promotes Dawn Bloch to chief people officer
NIBCO INC. has announced the promotion of Dawn Bloch from vice president, customer engagement, to chief people officer (CPO).

Manufactured goods new orders up about 3%
New orders for manufactured goods in September, up six of the last seven months, increased $16.1 billion or 2.8% to $601.5 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported last week.

New teaching robot developed for AGVs, AMRs
Industry 4.0 and Intralogistics 4.0. change the production environment and thus impact AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots). To enable the industry to keep pace with trends through quick and cost-efficient development, Markus Fenn and Prof. Dr. Stefan May developed Eduard, a teaching and prototyping platform that can be used to map current trends.

Parker’s Sustainability Report highlights progress in protecting the environment
In its fiscal year 2023 Sustainability Report, Parker Hannifin Corp. highlights the success of Parker’s most recent actions to protect the environment, advance clean technologies, create safe industrial workplaces and strengthen its communities.

Global Industrial selected for Vizient floor care equipment contract
Global Industrial Co., a value-added national distributor of facilities equipment and industrial products and supplies, announced November 7 it has been awarded a Vizient contract for floor cleaning equipment.

Pfannenberg announces partnership with GMN
Pfannenberg, Inc., a global manufacturer of thermal management, liquid cooling, and signaling technologies, announced its partnership with GMN USA, a supplier of machine tool spindles, drives, lubricators, and cord sets. This collaboration will supply GMN USA with Pfannenberg’s chillers, a liquid cooling solution that will be sold as a companion product alongside GMN’s spindle motors.

Fastenal net sales climb 6.8% over October '22
Fastenal reported October net sales of $6.4 million, a 6.8% increase over October 2022.

Variable speed motor maker Infinitum receives funding injection, partners with Rockwell Automation
Infinitum, creator of the sustainable air-core motor, announced $185 million in recent funding that will be used to expand the company and increase production to meet customer demand and drive decarbonization in the industrial sector, one of the largest and hardest-to-abate emitters of greenhouse gases.

Singer Industrial adds Hotsy to Watts Steam Store
Singer Industrial has acquired Greely, Colorado-based Hotsy Equipment of Colorado and Wyoming, which will operate within the Watts Steam Store Division of Singer Industrial.

PTDA Foundation awards Sylvia Silveira and Alex Vitou
At the recent PTDA Industry Summit, Sylvia Silveira, NTN Canada, was honored as the 2023 recipient of the PTDA Foundation Wendy B. McDonald Woman of the Year Award and Alex Vitou of Dodge Industrial, Inc. received the PTDA Foundation Robert K. Callahan Advancing Leaders Award.

University of Innovative Distribution set to host 30th annual program
University of Innovative Distribution (UID) will be held on March 11-14, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana, marking its 30th consecutive year of uniting professionals within wholesale distribution for four intensive days of learning and networking.

Parker reports Q1-24 sales up 15%
Parker Hannifin Corp. reported record $4.8 billion sales for the first quarter of its fiscal 2024 ended September 30, an increase of 15%, compared with $4.2 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.

Lawless Group hires chief operating officer
The Lawless Group announced the hire of long-term industry driver Sonya Bynum as COO. Bynum has more than 29 years’ experience in industrial and safety distribution, driving sales results, and streamlining operation efficiencies.

October employment down in manufacturing
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 150,000 in October, and the unemployment rate changed little at 3.9%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on November 3. Employment declined in manufacturing due to strike activity.

Streamlight promotes Danny Williams
Streamlight Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, announced the appointment of Danny Williams to national sales manager – West, supporting the company’s Industrial/Fire division.

Austin Hardware & Supply names Southeastern manager
Austin Hardware & Supply, Inc. has announced that Allen White has accepted the position of Regional Key Account Manager for the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

Purvis Industries acquires Torque Drives
Purvis Industries announced that, effective November 1, it has substantially acquired all the assets, brand rights, websites, personnel, and intellectual property of Torque Drives, Inc., of Youngstown and Canton, Ohio.

Third quarter revenue up over 24% for Distribution Solutions Group
Total revenue for Distribution Solutions Group's third quarter increased $91.8 million, or 26.4%, to $438.9 million, which included $106.3 million of revenue from 2022 and 2023 acquisitions. Consolidated organic revenue declined 4.2% for the quarter, primarily driven by softness in the Industrial Technologies (TestEquity) vertical.

Wesco grows Q3 net sales 4% year over year
Wesco International, a provider of business-to-business distribution, logistics services and supply chain solutions, announced third quarter net sales of $5.6 billion, up 4% YOY. 

Allient reports 32.7% gross margin
Reporting its financial results for its third quarter ending September 30, Allient Inc. (formerly known as Allied Motion Technologies Inc.) said its gross margin was 32.7%, up 50 basis points from the prior-year period as higher volume and favorable mix more than offset elevated raw material costs.

Ingersoll Rand reports record third quarter results
Ingersoll Rand Inc. reported record third quarter revenues of $1,739 million, up 15%. The company said its backlog remains near historically high levels, up 6%.

Founder of Sellars retires
After 38 years, company founder John Sellars has retired from his day-to-day role at Sellars Absorbent Materials. He will continue as a member of Sellars’ board of directors and will provide consulting services to the company for the next two years.

Chris Bursack, ISC Companies, honored with PTDA Warren Pike Award
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) has named Chris Bursack the 32nd recipient of its Warren Pike Award for lifetime achievement in the power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) industry. He received the accolade during the PTDA 2023 Industry Summit on October 20 in Amelia Island, Florida.

Singer Industrial expands rubber division in North Carolina
On October 31, Singer Industrial announced the acquisition of Viking Hose and Fittings, based in Randleman, North Carolina, which will operate within Singer's Catawba Rubber Division.

Construction spending rises over 8.5% YOY
Construction spending during September 2023 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,996.5 billion, 0.4% (±1.2%)* above the revised August estimate of $1,988.3 billion.

Manufacturing sector contracts in October
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in October for the 12th consecutive month following a 28-month period of growth, say the nation’s supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

Turtle appoints co-CEOs
As part of ambitious plans for transformational growth in its second century of innovation, the board of directors of Turtle, a large independent electrical and industrial distributor, announced November 1 that Executive Chairman of the Board Jayne Millard and fourth-generation family leader, Luis Valls, president of Turtle’s electrical division, will head the company as co-CEOs.

Columbus McKinnon reports record sales
Columbus McKinnon Corp., a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of intelligent motion solutions for material handling, said today its growth strategy drove record sales of $258.4 million for its fiscal Q2 2024, up 12% over same period in the prior year. Results for the quarter ending September 30 include the addition of montratec, which was acquired on May 31.

Flat sales reported for Kennametal's first fiscal quarter 2024
Kennametal Inc. today reported results for its fiscal 2024 first quarter ended September 30, 2023, with sales of $492 million, compared to $495 million in the prior year quarter.

Global Industrial Co. reports near-19% sales growth
In third-quarter reporting October 31, Global Industrial Co. said its consolidated sales increased 18.8% to $354.6 million compared to $298.5 million last year.