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September 2023 News

Kimball Midwest listed among top industrial distributors
Kimball Midwest, a national industrial supplier based in Columbus, has matched its highest ranking ever on a leading annual list of American industrial distributors. This week, the company came in at No. 30 on Industrial Distribution’s Big 50, unchanged from 2022.

DSG celebrates Michigan grand opening 
Dakota Supply Group (DSG) held a grand opening on September 26 of its location at 38995 Schoolcraft Road in Livonia, Michigan.

Blackline Safety wins $3.5 million deal with North American energy company
Blackline Safety Corp., a supplier of connected safety technology, has secured a new deal valued at $3.5 million with a leading North American infrastructure company with operations in natural gas, oil and power industries.

Sandvik Coromant introduces new brand identity
Driven by a shared passion for engineering and problem-solving, Sandvik Coromant is united with its customers and partners in the pursuit of innovation and improvement. This spirit of collaboration and progress inspired the quest for a new brand identity that is geared toward today and tomorrow’s digital demands and that encapsulates the essence of its broader approach and extensive range of offerings.

YTD cutting tool orders up 9% from '22
July 2023 U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $189.6 million, according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute (USCTI) and AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Robots load trucks: Dexterity AI and FedEx unveil first-of-its-kind technology
Dexterity AI announced a collaboration this week with FedEx Corp. to leverage AI-powered robotic technology to load boxes into trucks and trailers.

2% rise in new orders led by machinery
New orders for manufactured durable goods in August, up five of the last six months, increased $0.5 billion or 0.2% to $284.7 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced September 27 in its Monthly Advance Report on Durable Goods Manufacturers' Shipments Inventories and Orders.

Triad Technologies acquires Tech-Syn 
Triad Technologies, LLC, a distributor of fluid power, industrial automation, and fluid conveyance products, has completed the acquisition of Tech-Syn Corp. and its wholly owned subsidiaries.

MRC Global extends agreement with Shell
MRC Global (US) Inc. has extended its Enterprise Framework Agreement with Shell plc. until 2028.

White Cap CEO to retire, replacement named
White Cap, a distributor of specialty construction supplies and safety products for professional contractors, announced this week that John Stegeman will retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 28, 2024. Concurrently, as part of the multiyear succession plan, the White Cap board of directors has approved the promotion of Alan Sollenberger, President of White Cap, to CEO effective January 29, 2024.

Viega to build new manufacturing facility in Ohio
Viega, a manufacturer of press technology for metal pipe fittings and valves, announced it will build a new manufacturing facility for its ProPress and MegaPress products in Shalersville, Ohio, about 40 miles southeast of Cleveland.

Holston Gases announces promotions
Holston Gases Inc, which just finished its 65th year in business, announced four promotions as it heads into fiscal year 2023/2024.

Watson-Marlow wins Massachusetts economic impact award
Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions (WMFTS) announced its Devens, Massachusetts, site has been recognized as a gold awardee at the MassEcon Economic Impact Awards in the state.

AD Building Supplies – Canada hires business development director
AD announced that Stephane Gaumond has joined the organization as director, business development for the Building Supplies – Canada division.

Walter Surface Technologies awarded by AD 
WALTER Surface Technologies, an international company offering productivity and safety solutions for the metalworking industry, announced that on September 13 it was awarded the Affiliated Distributors (AD) Industrial & Safety US Tier 1 Supplier of the Year award.

Seco rebrands for the future
Seco, a global provider of metal-cutting solutions, has launched a drastically updated visual identity as well as a long-term brand strategy.

Allient acquires Sierramotion
Allient Inc., formerly known as Allied Motion Technologies Inc., has acquired Sierramotion Inc.

Index suggests slower economic growth in August
The Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) decreased to –0.16 in August from +0.07 in July. Two of the four broad categories of indicators used to construct the index decreased from July, and all four categories made negative contributions in August.

Movu Robotics brand replaces stow Robotics
stow Group, a global provider of design, manufacturing, and implementation of advanced storage solutions and automated warehouse systems, announced launch of the new Movu Robotics brand. Developed to strengthen its robotics business unit and to meet increasing customer demand for automation and robotics solutions, the new brand replaces the name “stow Robotics” as of September 19 2023.

Evergreen Supply Network seeks new CEO
The board of directors of the Evergreen Supply Network has opened the search for a new Chief Executive Director.

Pioneer Pump brings solid-handling Vortex impeller pumps to WEFTEC
Industrial processing companies are experiencing success handling abrasive wastes with the Vortex Series from Pioneer Pump, a Franklin Electric Co. Inc. brand. These results have led Pioneer Pump to feature the products at the 2023 WEFTEC show, October 2-4 in Chicago. The recessed impeller pumps will be on display in the Franklin Electric Booth #4012.

Sonepar reorganizes for growth in West region 
Sonepar has unveiled a new growth vision for the West region of the U.S., undertaking bold organizational moves to create more opportunities for associates, enhance the customer experience, and accelerate innovation and overall growth for years to come.

Sonnhalter raises over $100K in tools for Habitat for Humanity
Sonnhalter, a communications firm marketing to the professional tradesman in the construction, industrial and MRO markets, collected over $100,000 worth of tool and building material donations for the Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity.

Pfannenberg appoints new director of channel and representatives
Pfannenberg Inc., a global manufacturer of thermal management and signaling technologies, has appointed Barbara Ross as its new director of channel and representatives.

AD Network Meeting delivers business-building strategies
The AD Bearings & Power Transmission community gathered in Charleston, South Carolina, from August 15 to 17 for the group’s annual Network Meeting, strengthening connections and collaborating for mutual growth.

BSA, PTDA add new category to PIE
Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) and the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) announced the introduction of a new product category, iron sheaves, to the PIE Technology Platform (PIE).

Columbus McKinnon board member awarded
Columbus McKinnon Corp., a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of intelligent motion solutions for material handling, announced the selection of Jeanne Beliveau-Dunn, a board member since March 2020, to the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) 2023 NACD Directorship 100, which honors the most influential leaders in corporate governance.

DSG celebrates grand opening of Sioux Falls waterworks facility 
Dakota Supply Group (DSG) recently announced the opening of its new waterworks location in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Martin Supply recognized as an AD Industrial Member of the Year
Martin Supply has received prestigious recognition as one of two Industrial Members of the Year from Affiliated Distributors (AD). This honor was presented during the “Spirit of Independence Awards” dinner at AD’s 2023 Industrial and Safety-U.S. North American Meeting, held just outside Denver.

Kimball Midwest announces centennial donations
National industrial supplier Kimball Midwest recently held an event to recognize charitable donations to organizations selected by teams at its Columbus headquarters.

Platinum Tooling Technologies Inc. releases new catalog 
Platinum Tooling, the exclusive importer of Heimatec angle heads and live tools, announced immediate availability of an expanded 32-page catalog on its comprehensive line of angle heads for the machine tool industry.

Pelican appoints new CEO
Pelican Products Inc., maker of rugged, mission-critical protective cases, coolers, outdoor accessories, and temperature-controlled packaging, has appointed of James “JC” Curleigh as the company’s new chief executive officer. He brings a wealth of experience that will guide the company through its next phase of growth and innovation.

Tools inside BlackHawk shipping totes unscathed in train wreck
BlackHawk Industrial, a distributor of metalworking and other mission-critical industrial products, gave an unexpected demonstration of the durability of its shipping totes when they faced the severe test of a recent train wreck.

Powertech Labs starts US-based subsidiary to advance hydrogen infrastructure
Powertech Labs Inc., a commercial subsidiary of BC Hydro, has launched a new U.S. subsidiary specializing in hydrogen transport and fueling infrastructure. The newly formed company, Powertech USA Inc., is the result of a strategic acquisition from LIFTE H2, a hydrogen infrastructure engineering and development company headquartered in Boston.

Sonepar pulls out all the chocks for Truck Driver Appreciation Week
From special breakfasts and lunches to recognition awards and gift packages, Sonepar is celebrating drivers across their operating companies in the U.S.

Fastenal launches trial to electrify up to 16 delivery trucks
Fastenal Company has begun an operational trial with e-mobility solutions provider ZEVX to convert select pickup trucks in its final-mile delivery fleet to electric vehicles.

Grainger names chief human resources officer
Grainger has appointed the newest member of its leadership team: Matt Fortin was promoted to senior vice president and chief human resources officer, effective September 13.

Honeywell technologies used at new battery gigafactory
Honeywell announced that American Battery Factory (ABF), a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cell manufacturer, is fully integrating Honeywell’s automation and process safety solutions in its new gigafactory located in Tucson, Arizona.

White Cap to acquire Oklahoma distributor
White Cap, a distributor of specialty construction supplies and safety products for professional contractors, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire BrownCo Manufacturing & Sales, a leading distributor of specialty concrete products for commercial and highway and bridge contractors across Oklahoma.

AFFLINK appoints new vice president of packaging
AFFLINK has appointed David Lewis as its vice president of packaging, following the promotion of former vice president, Michael Wilson, to president and CEO.

Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association unveils safety program geared toward kids
Portable generators can be life-saving sources of power in times of emergency. Unfortunately, when used improperly, they can also be deadly. It’s never too early to start educating people about the safe, proper use of these tools, which is why the Portable Generator Manufacturers’ Association (PGMA) is releasing a portable generator safety curriculum, “Generate Safety,” designed for school-aged children.

DPA buying group reports 12.8% sales growth
DPA Buying Group reported strong first-quarter 2023 distributor member sales with DPA preferred suppliers in six product categories: janitorial, safety, industrial, restoration, packaging, & public safety). DPA supplier sales have increased 12.8% compared to first-quarter 2022.

July manufacturing orders down, but reshoring helps fill gap
New orders of manufacturing technology totaled $353.9 million in July 2023, according to the latest U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders Report published by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology. Reporting on September 11, AMT said July orders declined 12.4% from June 2023 but were only 10.5% lower than July 2022. Year-to-date orders reached $2.83 billion, 12.7% lower than this point last year.

Kennametal details new multi-year growth plan 
Kennametal Inc. announced its growth and innovation strategy on September 8 and outlined operational and financial targets through fiscal year 2027.

Q2 manufacturing dips
The U.S. Census Bureau reported Q2 U.S. manufacturing corporations' seasonally adjusted after-tax profits in the second quarter of 2023 totaled $206.1 billion, down $21.8 (±0.6) billion from the after-tax profits of $227.9 billion recorded in the first quarter of 2023, and down $64.3 (±1.3) billion from the after-tax profits of $270.4 billion recorded in the second quarter of 2022.

Acme Tools names director of operations
Acme Tools has appointed Reid "Digger" Anderson as director of operations. He will be responsible for the growth and development of Acme Tools, Acme Rents and Acme Equipment consisting of 17 operations across the Upper Midwest.

NetPlus Alliance distributors optimistic about 2024
NetPlus Alliance members remain mostly optimistic going into 2024, according to the latest NetPlus Alliance Industry Outlook, a quarterly report based on a survey of NetPlus distributors.

Metso celebrates 50 years in mechanical flotation
Flotation technology has played a pivotal role in Metso’s history for over five decades. Evolving from humble beginnings at Outokumpu, and then further developed by Outotec, Metso has shaped the course of mechanical flotation and propelled the industry forward.

KBC Tools & Machinery awarded 
KBC Tools & Machinery received the A V Gauge & Fixture Inc. Supplier of the Year Award for 2022.

Deburring EXPO convenes in Germany
The deburring and surface finishing sector will meet again at DeburringEXPO at the Karlsruhe Exhibition Centre October 10-12.

Manufacturing contracts 10th month in a row
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector contracted in August for the 10th consecutive month following a 28-month period of growth, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.

July construction spending rises 5.5% YOY
The U.S. Census Bureau reports construction spending during July 2023 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1,972.6 billion, 0.7% (±0.5%) above the revised June estimate of $1,958.9 billion. The July figure is 5.5% (±1.2%) above the July 2022 estimate of $1,869.3 billion.

Fastenal reports 3.6% sales increase
Fastenal reported its August net sales were just over $668 million, a 3.6% increase. Daily new sales for the 23-day period were also 3.6% higher year over year.

Hy-Brid Lifts joins ASKO in strategic partnership 
Hy-Brid Lifts, a supplier of high-quality, low-level access equipment, has entered into a strategic partnership with ASKO, which is acquiring a majority stake in the company.

New chief commercial officer at Echelon Supply and Service 
Echelon Supply and Service, a provider of hose and fittings based in Liverpool, New York, has appointed Mike Braucher as its new chief commercial officer, effective immediately.

Martin Inc. exec VP dies
It is with great sadness that Martin Inc. announces the sudden and unexpected passing of its executive vice president of fastening solutions, Marc Strandquist on August 31. He was 61.

STAFDA San Antonio student competition goes global
The Specialty Tools & Fasteners Distributors Association (STAFDA) has connected its 2023 student Supply Chain Competition for college and university students to Inchainge, an organization based in the Netherlands that now offers this competition globally.

'We Supply America' Season 3 films premiere Sept. 6 
The We Supply America tour hit the road again this summer, championing the noble calling of distribution and gathering stories of innovation, inspiration and leadership from distributors across the country. Those stories will be told starting Sept. 6 at WeSupplyAmerica.net.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives partners with Dedeco on SUNBURST line
Saint-Gobain Abrasives, one of the world’s largest abrasives manufacturers, has announced a new partnership with Dedeco, a manufacturer of specialty abrasives since 1937.

Expanded Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show returns to Toronto 
The Canadian Manufacturing Technology Show (CMTS), Canada's largest industry event, makes its grand return at its new home – the Toronto Congress Centre – from September 25 through 28, 2023.

White Cap closes Reno deal 
White Cap L.P. has closed on its previously announced agreement to acquire RENO Hardware and Supply, a distributor of construction supplies serving commercial, multi-family and residential contractors throughout Southern California.

Census Bureau full report: July orders down 2%
New orders for manufactured goods in July, down following four consecutive monthly increases, decreased $12.7 billion or 2.1% to $579.4 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported September 5. This followed a 2.3% June increase.

Singer Industrial buys American Hose & Hardware, enters Georgia market 
On August 31, Singer Industrial joined forces with American Hose & Hardware Inc. (AH&H), which will operate within the industrial rubber division of Singer Industrial.

Applied Industrial Technologies acquires Bearing Distributors and Cangro Industries
On September 5, Applied Industrial Technologies announced the acquisition of both Bearing Distributors Inc. (Columbia, South Carolina) and Cangro Industries Inc. (Long Island, New York), providers of bearings, power transmission, industrial motion, and related service and repair capabilities. Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

Kennametal joins NASCAR competition partner program
Kennametal Inc. announced September 5 it is a new NASCAR Competition Partner, a program developed by the global auto racing company to highlight the innovations of the highest-quality auto performance suppliers.

ISA promotes Breen to CEO
The Industrial Supply Association (ISA) has promoted its president, Brendan Breen, to the position of chief executive officer, effective September 1.

Kito Crosby announces 2023 ‘Lifting for the Troops’ campaign
Kito Crosby, a manufacturer of lifting and securement solutions, announced its Lifting for the Troops campaign for 2023, supporting the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.

Blackline Safety reports 50% growth in fire-hazmat business
As the global workplace safety market continues to grow — estimated to reach $42.96 billion by 2032 with an annual growth rate of 11.8%, according to Polaris Market Research — leading safety technology provider Blackline Safety Corp. has announced a 50% increase in its fire-hazmat personal and area gas monitor business in the last year alone.

Seco appoints VP of sustainability, EHS
She becomes a member of the Seco Management Group and will continue to report to Stefan Steenstrup, president.

August warehouse employment declines
Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 187,000 in August, and the unemployment rate rose to 3.8%, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on September 1.

NAW opposes DOL overtime rule 
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) released the following statement:
“The Department of Labor’s proposed one-size-fits-all wage rule ignores marketplace discrepancies, and only further destabilizes an already strained marketplace for workers,” said NAW CEO Eric Hoplin.