IBC creates new division
Two associations join PTDA educational effort
Hagemeyer North America creates product segment
Regal-Beloit sells Illinois Gear division
Cooper Tools is now Cooper Power Tools
Applied receives supplier award
Wright Tool names Rowland director of international sales
Industrial Sales Company promotes Hayward
Motion Industries increases sales, profit in 2004
PT/MC distributors reports increased sales in January
Factory orders increase in January
Milwaukee Electric Tool unveils Web site for V28 Lithium

IBC creates new division
IBC announced that it created a new division called ChemicalManagementPlus with Phoenix Resource Management Inc. of Greenwood, Ind. The Phoenix Group, founded in 1991, is a non-manufacturing supplier of fluid and environmental management services, returnable packaging management, logistics and packaging wash services. It has 23 locations and more than 180 employees serving industrial markets in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

"ChemicalManagementPlus will really bring IBC and Phoenix to a point where we are able to enhance all aspects of a customer's operation. Our data-driven approach to cost savings in conjunction with IBC's project management philosophy will drive hard dollar savings, technology advancements and process improvements all under a minority account program," said Larry Waskom, Phoenix Group vice president.

IBC is a Hispanic Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

"As IBC continues to look for ways to add value to our distributor member, preferred supplier and end-user customers, it is critical that we stay ahead of market trends. In addition to growing our buying group model, which was our genesis, one of our goals is to be the most professional contract provider in each vertical channel we choose to participate in and to operate these contracts with leading independent distributors. With the Phoenix Group, IBC can now add another bucket of products and services, in addition to providing another sales entry point for all our members to collectively win local minority and national agreements," said Dan Burnham, IBC executive vice president of business development.

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Two associations join PTDA educational effort
The Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA) Foundation announced two new partners in its model curriculum initiative, the Industrial Careers Pathway.

The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and NAHAD - The Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution joined the Foundation’s effort to launch an industrial distribution curriculum for community colleges. The objectives of the initiative are to recruit entry-level employees to the industrial distribution channel, develop programs to teach business, technical and distribution basics, and create affordable resources for current employee development.

“Like most firms in the industrial distribution channel, finding qualified entry-level employees is a critical challenge for our members,” said Linda Western NFPA executive director. “We strongly believe that this initiative will contribute to the long-term success of our members and the entire channel and are honored to join the roster of associations that support it.”

Joan Cook, PTDA Foundation executive director, said, “The ultimate success of the model curriculum initiative depends on broad-based support. Reaching the necessary critical mass of employers to support the program by hiring graduates, offering co-ops and internships, and sending current employees for professional development is key. The Foundation is proud to welcome NFPA and NAHAD as partners.”

Including the two new partners, a total of 18 associations and one regional development organization now support the initiative spearheaded by the PTDA Foundation.

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Hagemeyer North America creates product segment
Effective March 1, Hagemeyer North America united its existing strategic sourcing and marketing groups into the Product Strategy group. Hagemeyer named former vice president of strategic sourcing Lisa Mitchell to serve as executive vice president of the group. Under Mitchell's leadership, the Product Strategy group will have ownership of product segment development, corporate brands, Encon Safety Supply, marketing, catalogs, pricing and costing. 

"We believe this organizational change will bring tremendous benefits to our customers, suppliers and company," said CEO Dave Gabriel. "This will place ownership of product marketing, margin management, inventory, return on invested capital, and supplier relationships with a single, focused group. Lisa's strategic insight and results orientation, coupled with her leadership skills, made her ideally suited to lead this team."

Steve Bottcher will continue to service as Supply Chain executive vice president, and Chris Union will continue his role as executive vice president of Sales.

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Regal-Beloit sells Illinois Gear division
Regal-Beloit announced it reached reached a definitive agreement for the sale of the Illinois Gear open gear division to Overton Gear and Tool Corporation. The sale is expected to close in the second quarter.

"The sale of this business demonstrates our ongoing strategy to continuously refine our product portfolio," said James L. Packard, Chairman and CEO of Regal-Beloit. "We are pleased to have found a strategic buyer for this business and feel that this is a positive transaction for both parties."

The sale of the business will reduce Regal-Beloit's sales by approximately $7 million on an annual basis and have a negligible impact on earnings. The sales price was not announced, however, the transaction is not expected to impact earnings in the second quarter, according to a company press release.

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Cooper Tools is now Cooper Power Tools
The Cooper Tools segment of Cooper Industries Ltd., a manufacturer of premium pneumatic and DC electric industrial power tools, assembly equipment and related software, changed its name to Cooper Power Tools. The company says the name change reflects the company's renewed commitment to providing power tool solutions to automotive, aerospace, foundries, furniture and electronic manufacturers as well as general industry.

"This change mirrors our company's deepening commitment as a world-class manufacturer of premium power tools," said John Lawson, vice president of marketing.

"With 16 powerful brands, we can offer technologically advanced power tools for assembly, material removal and fabrication, as well as responsive technical support and training worldwide," said Kirk Ashton, president.

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Applied receives supplier award
Applied Industrial Technologies received the 2004 Gold Alliance Supplier Award from Vulcan Materials Company headquartered in Birmingham, Ala.

Vulcan presents this honor annually based on a review that rates each supplier on quality of product, service, support, ease of doing business and value. Applied received the Bronze Alliance Supplier Award from Vulcan in 2000 and the Silver Alliance Supplier Award in 2001, 2002 and 2003.

"At Applied, we are committed to becoming total partners with our customers to ensure they receive high levels of support in their operations in addition to world-class products. The secret to our success lies in the dedication, persistence and compassion of Applied associates nationwide who serve Vulcan. People make the difference, and we have the finest in the industry," said Ted Carl, vice president of Strategic Alliances for Applied. "We are very pleased to receive this prestigious award from Vulcan Materials and look forward to continuing our partnership in 2005."

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Wright Tool names Rowland director of international sales
Wright Tool hired James D. Rowland as director of international sales. His responsibilities include supporting and developing existing Wright Tool international accounts while establishing new relationships in areas where Wright Tool is not present.

Prior to joining Wright, Rowland was president of Jim Rowland & Associates, a manufacturer rep firm that sells tools, hardware and related products to Latin America and the Caribbean. He was also an area sales manager for the Ridge Tool Company covering the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal areas.

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"We are pleased to allow Craig this opportunity to coordinate and streamline our sales and marketing efforts. I view Craig's promotion as an opportunity to improve our organizational structure and increase our ability to react to our customers' needs," said Industrial Sales president Howard Schloss.

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Motion Industries increases sales, profit in 2004
Motion Industries, the industrial subsidiary of Genuine Parts Co., reported fourth quarter sales of $637 million, an increase over sales of $561.4 million during the fourth quarter last year.

The company also generated fourth quarter operating profit of $48.6 million, up from $40.5 million in the prior-year period.

For all of 2004, Motion Industries posted sales of $2.5 billion, up from sales of $2.3 billion in 2003. Operating profit increased to $173.8 million, compared to $151.1 million in 2003.

"In 2004, the [Genuine Parts Co.] was able to pick up the revenue pace with solid strategies and good execution," said president and CEO Thomas C. Gallagher. "Today, we find ourselves in the position of needing to do it again with the same spirit and intensity that we had going for us in 2004. We believe all the plans are in place to do this and we look forward to 2005."

Genuine Parts' board of directors also announced its election of Gallagher to the additional position of chairman of the board.

"Tom is known and held in high esteem by all constituencies of our company, including our employees, customers and shareholders," said Larry Prince, current chairman of the board of directors. "He has been a member of the GPC team for 34 years, and for 15 of those he served as president and chief operating officer prior to his election to CEO last year. There is no person more ideally suited to lead Genuine Parts Co. in the coming years and we have pride and confidence in this important development."

Prince added that he will retire from day-to-day activities and management at Genuine Parts on March 31.

"It will be my privilege to continue to serve as a director on the GPC board and chairman of the executive committee," he said. "It has been an honor to be part of this splendid organization for 46 years and my interest will always be directed toward the success and well being of GPC."

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PT/MC distributors reports increased sales in January
In January, U.S. distributors’ sales of power transmission/motion control (PT/MC) products rose 14.7 percent vs. sales for January 2004, according to the Power Transmission Distributors Association (PTDA). Sales increased 5.3 percent over December 2004.

Days sales in accounts receivables dropped 3.5 percent compared to December 2004 and decreased 1.3 percent compared to the same month last year. Annualized sales-to-inventory ratio in January was 8.4, compared to 7.3 in 2004.

For January, the confidence level of U.S. distributors fell to 6.5 on a 10-point scale.

In January, U.S. manufacturers’ sales of PT/MC products grew 20.3 percent compared to sales for January 2004 but sales decreased 2.2 percent from the previous month.

Compared to December, sales of positioning systems/linear motion products, gear products and shaft couplings increased. Sales of mounted bearings, unmounted bearings, standard industrial motors, variable speed drives, mechanical drive systems and other PT products, and clutches and brakes decreased.

Year-to-date orders of PT/MC products from U.S. manufacturers rose 21.9 percent compared to 2004. January orders increased 1.9 percent over December. Annualized sales to inventory ratio in January was 9.7, compared to 8.1 in 2004.

For January, the confidence level of U.S. manufacturers rose to 5.8 on a 10-point scale.

To view the charts from PTDA, click here.

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Factory orders increase in January
New orders for manufactured goods in January increased $600 million, or 0.2 percent, to $380.5 billion, according to the Commerce Department. This followed a 0.5 percent December increase.

New orders for manufactured durable goods decreased $2.6 billion, or 1.3 percent, to $199.9 billion in January, revised from the previously published 0.9 percent decrease. This followed a 1.5 percent December increase.

Transportation equipment had the largest decrease, $3.1 billion, or 5.4 percent, to $53.2 billion, due to nondefense aircraft and parts, which decreased $2.4 billion.

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Milwaukee Electric Tool unveils Web site for V28 Lithium
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. launched a new Web site, www.v28power.com, to tell the full story of the power and extended run time of the new V28 Lithium Ion power tool system.

A revolution in the cordless tool category, the 28-volt battery can deliver 40 percent to 50 percent more power and up to twice the run time of traditional 18 volt models, yet the battery weighs slightly less.

This breakthrough technology allows Milwaukee to introduce new tools like the world’s first cordless band saw powerful enough for every-day professional use. The V28 line of tools also includes a hammer-drill, circular saw, Sawzall reciprocating saw, impact wrench, work light and battery charger.

Visitors can test and compare their current 18 volt or 24 volt tools against the V28 in virtual test drives. They can see how much more they can cut or drill with the revolutionary new Milwaukee technology, based on the results of extensive independent testing.

Visitors can also check out product specs, see and hear V28 product reviews from real tradespeople, register for a chance to win V28 tools, view television commercials and sign up to be notified when V28 tools are available in their area.

For more information on Milwaukee’s new V28 Power Web site, visit www.v28power.com.

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