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December 2017 News

IWDC adds regional sales manager

The Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative announced that Barry Mitchell joined the IWDC as regional sales manager.

GDP increased 3.2 percent in Q3

Real gross domestic product increased at an annual rate of 3.2 percent in the third quarter of 2017.

Chicago Fed National Activity Index declines

The Chicago Fed National Activity Index declined to +0.15 in November from +0.76 in October.

Pelican Products names director of worldwide logistics

Pelican Products Inc. has appointed Rachael Fisher as director of worldwide logistics and warehousing.

Actuant posts 9 percent sales gain

Actuant Corporation reported first quarter sales of $289 million increased 9 percent from $266 million in the same period last year.

Affinity Tool Works rebrands as BORA PortaMate

Affinity Tool Works, a privately-owned global tool company based in Troy, Micigan, announced its rebranding as BORA PortaMate.

Tech Air to acquire Alliance Welding Supplies

Tech Air, a Connecticut-based distributor of industrial, medical, and specialty gases and related equipment and supplies, has agreed to acquire Alliance Welding Supplies Inc.

Winsupply acquires Thomas Pipe & Supply

Winsupply Inc. has purchased Thomas Pipe & Supply, a Phoenix distributor of industrial pipe, valves and fittings.

FCX Performance acquires Basin Engine & Pump

FCX Performance has acquired Basin Engine & Pump, based in Midland, Texas.

Industrial production up 0.2 percent

Industrial production moved up 0.2 percent in November after posting an upwardly revised increase of 1.2 percent in October.

ERB CEO named ISEA chair

Sheila Eads, president and chief executive officer of ERB Industries Inc., was elected chairman of the board of trustees of the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA).

Grainger gives back to local communities

Grainger celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2017 by embracing its long-standing culture of service and giving.

Cutting tool consumption up 8 percent in October

October U.S. cutting tool consumption totaled $198.00 million according to the U.S. Cutting Tool Institute and AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology.

Dillon Supply names VP of sales and operations

Dillon Supply Company, Raleigh, North Carolina, has appointed Albert “Pete” Rose III as vice president of sales and operations.

Manufacturing technology orders on the rise

October orders for manufacturing technology increased 6.3 percent over September to a total value of $428.32 million.

Milwaukee Tool expands production in Mississippi

Milwaukee Tool is expanding operations at three Mississippi locations, investing $33.4 million and creating 660 jobs.

Manufacturing and construction employment up in November

Job gains occurred in manufacturing and construction during November.

Fastenal sales up 15.4 percent in November

Fastenal said its November sales climbed 15.4 percent to $365.5 million, compared to $316.8 in November 2016.

Productivity rises by 3 percent

Productivity increased by 3 percent during the third quarter, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today.

Winsupply acquires Tacoma Electric Supply

Winsupply Inc. has purchased Tacoma Electric Supply LLC, a Washington-based distributor of electrical equipment and supplies.

HD Supply sales increased 7.5 percent

HD Supply posted net sales of $1.4 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2017, an increase of 7.5 percent compared to $1.3 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2016.

IDCO Co-op launches new website

IDCO Co-op announced the launch of its new website, idco.coop.

Manufactured goods orders declined in October

New orders for manufactured goods decreased 0.1 percent in October to $479.6 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau reported today.

Fairmont Supply adds PVF distributors

Fairmont Supply Company announced that Industrial Pipe & Supply of Omaha and Industrial Pipe & Valve of Portland have joined the Fairmont Supply family of companies.

Manufacturing expanded in November

Manufacturing expanded in November as the Institute for Supply Management purchasing index registered 58.2 percent.

Construction spending up 1.4 percent in October

Construction spending during October 2017 was estimated at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.24 trillion, 1.4 percent above the revised September estimate of $1.22 trillion.

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