March 2013 News
Durable goods orders rise
New orders for manufactured durable goods increased 5.7 percent to $232.1 billion in February, the U.S. Census Bureau announced.
ABC Supply buys Lee Wholesale
ABC Supply Co. has acquired Lee Wholesale Supply Inc., a Michigan-based distributor specializing in steep-slope roofing, siding and windows.
Is a U.S. manufacturing resurgence possible?
A new econometric forecast model shows ample potential for U.S. manufacturing to undergo a resurgence by 2025.
Midwest manufacturing on the rise
The Chicago Fed Midwest Manufacturing Index increased 0.1% in January, to a seasonally adjusted level of 97.0.
Chicago Fed National Activity Index increases
Led by gains in production-related indicators, the Chicago Fed National Activity Index (CFNAI) increased to +0.44 in February from –0.49 in January.
Industry veteran Chartier remembered
Allan Chartier, former president and chief executive officer of Midwest Industrial Tools in Omaha, Neb., passed away on March 21 following a lengthy illness.
TTI sales up 5.1 percent
Hong Kong based global power equipment and floor care company Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. said its 2012 sales rose by 5.1% to $3.9 billion.
Philly Fed: Manufacturing uptick
Manufacturers responding to the March Business Outlook Survey reported slight increases in business activity this month.
IDC-USA launches redesigned website
IDC-USA, the U.S.-based independent distributor-owned organization in the power transmission industry, has launched a redesigned website.
ISA EIR expands in February
The monthly Economic Indicator Report (EIR) from the Industrial Supply Association continued its expansionary trend that began in January.
Industrial production up in February
Industrial production increased 0.7 percent in February after having been unchanged in January.
Weir Group buys R. Wales
The Weir Group PLC has purchased the R. Wales group of companies, a Canada-based manufacturer of wear resistant linings.
Osborn adds reps
Osborn announced a new sales force strategy that includes adding 50 sales professionals from three independent manufacturer rep firms.
MAPI: Manufacturing should outperform GDP
Recent trends suggest a reason for optimism for the U.S. economy and its manufacturing sector.
Timken acquires Interlube Systems
The Timken Company announced its acquisition of Interlube Systems Ltd., which makes and markets automated lubrication delivery systems and related components.
ABC Supply to buy out minority owners
ABC Supply has entered into a definitive agreement to redeem all of the shares held by its minority shareholders, an investor group led by Advent International.
KKR to buy Gardner Denver
Gardner Denver agreed to a buyout by private equity firm KKR & Co LP for $3.74 billion.
MRC Global forms alliance in Iraq
MRC Global, the distributor of pipe, valves and fittings (PVF) products and services, and NAWAH LLC announced an exclusive logistics alliance to serve Iraq's oil and gas market.
Interline Brands reports loss
Interline Brands reported a net loss of $15.6 million for 2012, primarily as a result of merger related expenses and debt payments.
Grainger sales rise in February
Grainger reported sales for February increased 6 percent versus February 2012.
NN sales decline
Bearings manufacturer NN Inc. reported net sales for the fourth quarter of 2012 were $80.2 million, a decrease of 16.8%.
Manufacturing technology orders fall
January U.S. manufacturing technology orders totaled $370.62 million according to AMT - The Association For Manufacturing Technology.
BSA convention to feature industry updates
The Bearing Specialists Association (BSA) 2013 Annual Convention will feature industry updates from a distributor and manufacturer perspective.
Job gains in February
The nation added 48,000 construction jobs in February, while manufacturing gained 14,000 jobs.
Graybar opens three locations
Graybar announced the opening of new branches in Texas and North Dakota, and a new sales office in Illinois.
HD Supply to file IPO?
According to published reports, the private equity backers of HD Supply plan to take the company public through an initial public offeirng (IPO) of stock.
Manufacturing productivity rises
Manufacturing sector productivity increased 2.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, as output increased 2.5 percent and hours increased 0.4 percent.
ISC Companies opens ND location
Minneapolis-based ISC Companies has opened a facility in Williston, N.D.
Fastenal February sales up 3.1%
Fastenal reported that its February sales were up 3.1% to $254.8 million compared to $247.2 million in the same month last year.
RBC Bearings buys Western Precision Aero
RBC Bearings has acquired Western Precision Aero for approximately $2.6 million.
RBC Bearings to halt bearing manufacturing in Houston
RBC Bearings announced plans to discontinue manufacturing large bearings at its Houston plant later this month.
Manufacturing expanded in February
Manufacturing activity expanded in February for the third consecutive month, according to the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business.
INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The May/June issue of Industrial Supply magazine features an in-depth cover story about GHX Industrial. Plus, we're featuring articles by contributing writers Dr. Bharani Nagarathnam and Frank Hurtte, as well as interviews with numerous product and distribution industry experts.
