2008 - Page 24 of 59 - Modern Distribution Management

2008

Huttig Building Products Sales Decline 18% in 2Q

Huttig Building Products, Inc., St. Louis, MO, a domestic distributor of millwork, building materials and wood products, reported a net loss of $2.5 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008. Huttig reported a profit of $1.1 million for the same quarter 2007. Sales were $195.4 million in the second quarter, a decline of 18% from the same period a year ago.
 
Sales continued to be impacted by the persistent weakness in the new housing starts.
 
In this challenging environment, we continue to focus on controlling expenses, improving operating efficiencies, reducing inventories, generating cash, and gaining market share,” said Jon Vrabely, president and CEO. “Our 2008 second quarter sales decline of 18%, year-over-year, is well below the 30% decline in housing …

Huttig Building Products Sales Decline 18% in 2Q Read More »

Parker Hannifin Sales for 2008 Grow 13.3%

Parker Hannifin Corp., Cleveland, OH, manufacturer of motion and control technologies and systems, reported sales for the fourth quarter ended June 30, 2008, were $3.3 billion, an increase of 13.3% over fourth quarter 2007. Profit was $252.6 million, 16.3% more than the same period a year ago.
 
For the 2008 fiscal year, the company reported sales of $12.1 billion, an increase of 13.3% over 2007. Profit increased 14.4% to $949.5 million, compared to the prior year. Organic sales growth was 4.8% for the year.
 
Despite challenging economic conditions, our continued focus on the core goals of the Win Strategy has enabled us to consistently produce record results for our shareholders,”said CEO and President Don Washkewicz. “Our sales growth also demonstrates the …

Parker Hannifin Sales for 2008 Grow 13.3% Read More »

Advance Estimates: U.S. GDP Rises 1.9% in 2Q

Real gross domestic product -the output of goods and services produced by labor and property in the U.S. -increased at an annual rate of 1.9% in the second quarter of 2008 (from the first quarter to the second quarter), according to advance estimates released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. In the first quarter, real GDP increased 0.9 percent.
 
The Bureau emphasized that the second-quarter advance” estimates are based on source data that are incomplete or subject to further revision by the source agency (see the box on page 3). The second-quarter “preliminary” estimates, based on more comprehensive data, will be released on Aug. 28, 2008.

More details …

Advance Estimates: U.S. GDP Rises 1.9% in 2Q Read More »

Legrand Sales Up 3.4% in First Half 2008

France-based electrical manufacturer Legrand reported sales for the first half of 2008 were up 3.4% from the same period last year. Profit was up 19%.
 
In the U.S. and Canada, sales were down 4.1%. In France sales rose 2.6%. Italy says rose 3.2%. In the rest of Europe, sales were up 2.1%, with firm growth in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Romania.
 
Sales growth was in the double digits in China, Thailand, Brazil and Chile. It topped 30% in India, Egypt and Peru.
 
Legrand’s performance in the first half of 2008 further illustrates our resilience and capacity to keep step with change. Amid difficult economic conditions, we reported growth in sales excluding currency effects of close to 7% and achieved margins on a par with those for the first …

Legrand Sales Up 3.4% in First Half 2008 Read More »

Grainger Buys Stake in Indian Distributor

Grainger, Lake Forest, IL, distributor of broad line facilities maintenance products, has bought a 49.9% stake in Asia Pacific Brands India Ltd., based in India.
 
Grainger paid $5.4 million; at the same time, the company matched a $1.1 million capital infusion with its joint venture partner intended to help grow the business.
 

India was chosen for expansion because it is large, fragmented and growing rapidly, Bonnie McIntyre, Grainger’s vice president for International Market Development, told MDM. Asia Pacific Brands has a well established infrastructure in the market, making it an ideal candidate for Grainger’s entrance.
 
We’re leveraging Grainger’s strengths in supply chain management, product breadth, and superior customer service in emerging …

Grainger Buys Stake in Indian Distributor Read More »

Electroindustry Business Index Slips in June

The National Electrical Manufacturer Association’s Electroindustry Business Confidence Index (EBCI) for current North American conditions slipped to 37.5 in June, a decline of 10.5 points from a month ago.
 
The index has trailed the 50-point threshold -a level indicative of deteriorating industry conditions -in each month since November 2007.  Over that period, index values have moved in a relatively tight range between 27.3 and 48.
 
Meanwhile, the EBCI for future North American conditions extended its modest rebound to a second month as the index climbed 5.5 points. That performance came on top of the 2.5 point gain seen from April to May.
 
Despite these recent signs of life though, June’s reading, at 37.5, continues to paint a dour picture of …

Electroindustry Business Index Slips in June Read More »

BlueLinx Sales Fall 22.9% in 2Q

BlueLinx Holdings Inc., Atlanta, GA, a distributor of building products in North America, reported sales for the second quarter ended June 28, 2008, were $835 million, a decline of 22.9% from the same period a year ago. Profit totaled $6.6 million, an increase of 22.2% over second quarter 2007.
 
The decline in revenue reflects a 26% drop in structural product sales and a 20% sales decline in specialty product sales from the year ago period.
 
For the six months ended June 28, 2008, BlueLinx reported a net loss of $4 million on revenues of $1.55 billion, compared with profit of $5.2 million on revenues of $2.04 billion a year ago.
 
While we are pleased with our results, we expect the current housing market downturn to continue through 2009,” said Howard …

BlueLinx Sales Fall 22.9% in 2Q Read More »

Timken Sales Up 14% in 2Q

The Timken Company, Canton, OH, reported sales of $1.54 billion in the second quarter of 2008, an increase of 14% over the same period a year ago. Profit improved 60% to $88.9 million from second quarter 2007.
 
Strong sales in global industrial markets offset the impact of weaker North American automotive demand. During the quarter, the company benefited from its capacity-expansion initiatives, as well as the favorable impact of pricing, surcharges and currency.
 
For the first half of 2008, sales were $2.97 billion, an increase of 13% from the same period in 2007. Profit for the first six months of 2008 was $173 million, up 33.5% over the same period a year ago.
 
Segment Results
The Bearings and Power Transmission Group had second-quarter …

Timken Sales Up 14% in 2Q Read More »

Survey: Middle-Market M&A Professionals Frustrated With Market

The latest survey of middle-market merger professionals by the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Thomson Reuters reveals frustration with the current M&A environment, but cautious optimism for the next six months.
 
According to the ACG-Thomson Reuters Mid-Year 2008 DealMakers Survey, the percent of middle market mergers and acquisitions professionals who say the current M&A environment is good or excellent has dropped to 43% from 93% 12 months ago. The figure was 72% in December 2007. 
 
The more than 500 investment bankers, private equity professionals, corporate development executives, lawyers, accountants and business consultants polled say the greatest obstacle to M&A activity is the weak economy (45%).
 
According to Thomson Reuters, …

Survey: Middle-Market M&A Professionals Frustrated With Market Read More »

International Sales Remain Strong for Industrial Manufacturers

International sales remained the bright spot for industrial manufacturers in a recent survey by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. International sales in the second quarter 2008 remained strong for those who sell abroad, increasing for 66% of respondents in the firm’s quarterly Manufacturing Barometer. International sales projections for the next 12 months increased slightly to 38% of revenue, three points higher than both the prior quarter and the second quarter 2007.
 
However, of those industrial manufacturers selling abroad, almost two-thirds are either pessimistic (27%) or uncertain (36%) about the world economy over the next 12 months, an increase from 22% a year ago.
 
Overall, pessimism and uncertainty about the domestic and world economies reached a five-year high …

International Sales Remain Strong for Industrial Manufacturers Read More »

Linde Canada Acquires P&B Industrial Sales

Linde Canada, Mississauga, Ontario, a member of The Linde Group, has acquired P&B Industrial Sales Inc., a Sudbury, Ontario-based distributor of welding gases and equipment.

P&B was a privately owned company that has been in business since 1992, serving customers ranging from small to mid-sized manufacturers and fabrication shops in Sudbury and the surrounding areas.

P&B’s employees, some of whom have over 30 years of experience with welding gases and equipment, bring expertise coupled with strong customer relationships in the Sudbury area. They will make an excellent addition to our already strong team in that region,”said Chris Ebeling, vice president and general manager, Linde Canada.

Linde Canada is a supplier of gases, welding equipment and safety …

Linde Canada Acquires P&B Industrial Sales Read More »

Crane Co. Sales Up 5% in 2Q

Crane Co., Stamford, CT, a diversified manufacturer of industrial products, reported second quarter 2008 sales of $693.5 million, an increase of 5% over second quarter 2007. Second quarter profit was $59 million, a 29% increase from the prior year period.
 
The increase in sales includes a 1% growth in core business, 1% benefit from acquisitions and divested businesses, and a favorable foreign currency translation.
 
For the first six months, sales were $1.37 billion, an increase of 6% over the first six months 2007. Profit was $107.4 million, a 20% increase from the prior year same …

Crane Co. Sales Up 5% in 2Q Read More »

Charlotte Winnelson Opens Kitchen and Bath Showcase

Charlotte Winnelson Co., Charlotte, NC, has opened the Win Kitchen and Bath Showcase where contractors and their customers, as well as architects and designers, can view and see in action the latest items for homes and businesses.
 
Charlotte Winnelson is associated with WinWholesale Inc., a national wholesale distributor serving Charlotte and the surrounding area. The 3,500-square-foot showroom also provides cabinetry and countertops.
 
We created the showroom as a one-stop shop for kitchen and bath needs in new construction and remodeling,”said Steve Technik, Charlotte Winnelson president.
 
Among the many products in the showroom are 53 working displays of faucets, sinks, toilets, whirlpool tubs, a steam unit, showerheads and fireplaces that allow …

Charlotte Winnelson Opens Kitchen and Bath Showcase Read More »

A.M. Castle Sales Up 6.6% in 2Q

A. M. Castle &Co., Franklin Park, IL, a distributor of specialty metals and plastic products, reported sales for second quarter ended June 30, 2008, were $397.1 million, an increase of 6.6% from second quarter 2007. Profit was $11.3 million, down 30.7% from the prior year.
 
Overall demand in our key strategic end-markets remained solid during the second quarter of 2008,”said Michael Goldberg, president and CEO of A. M. Castle. “In particular, we saw continued healthy demand from our heavy equipment and oil and gas end-markets, and when combined with increasing tons sold per day and higher prices for certain products, we experienced solid revenue growth compared to the prior year. However, significant material cost increases for carbon products pressured our margins resulting …

A.M. Castle Sales Up 6.6% in 2Q Read More »

Lean: It’s About the Little Things

Lean operation -finding ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency by improving internal processes -is not a new concept. Companies, starting with Toyota, began exploring the idea more than half a century ago, according to the Lean Enterprise Institute. But it wasn’t until the 1980s that most U.S. manufacturers began recognizing how the process could help them. And it’s taken roughly 20 years for many distributors to follow suit.
 
Chuck Cohen, president of Benco Dental, attributes the hesitancy of U.S. companies to embrace lean operations on the simple fact that we are a Big Gulp society”-we’re looking for the one thing that will slake our thirst instead of realizing that the best results may actually come in smaller packages.
 
“We have to stop asking ourselves …

Lean: It’s About the Little Things Read More »

Building Materials Holding Corp. In Danger of Breaching Loan Covenants

San Francisco, CA-based Building Materials Holding Corp. announced it is out of compliance with financial covenants under its current credit facility, based on preliminary evaluation of its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008.
 
The company has been in discussions with lenders to address the default and prevent disruption to business operations. BMHC expects it will reach an agreement on a temporary waiver of covenants to preserve liquidity and an amendment to the credit facility that will better reflect current market conditions.
 
Continuing weakness in the residential housing market has troubled the provider of building materials and construction services for the past year, leading to facility closures in California and Arizona. Employee …

Building Materials Holding Corp. In Danger of Breaching Loan Covenants Read More »

Owens & Minor Sales Up 5.4% YTD

Owens &Minor, Richmond, VA, reported revenue for the second quarter ended June 30, 2008, was $1.79 billion, up 6.9% from the prior-year period. Profit was $23.6 million, an increase of 29%.
 
For the six months ended June 30, 2008, revenue was $3.55 billion, up 5.4%. Profit for the first half was $47.8 million, up …

Owens & Minor Sales Up 5.4% YTD Read More »

Barnes Group Sales Up 6% in 2Q

Barnes Group Inc., Bristol, CT, aerospace and industrial components manufacturer and distributor, reported second quarter 2008 revenues were up 6% to $382.9 million driven by strong demand in the aerospace manufacturing and aftermarket businesses and international industrial businesses.
 
Profit was $34.6 million, a 22% increase.

Barnes Aerospace sales were $114.4 million in the second quarter, an increase of 24% from the prior-year period. Second quarter sales reflect growth of 30% in aftermarket sales. Barnes Group reports it remains optimistic about continued growth of the aerospace sector even though industry dynamics including higher fuel prices and recently announced plans to retire older aircraft have created additional levels of caution.”
 
Growth …

Barnes Group Sales Up 6% in 2Q Read More »

NorthEast Electrical Distributors Opens New Location

NorthEast Electrical Distributors, Canton, MA, a subsidiary of Sonepar USA, has opened a new branch in Milford, MA. The new location occupies 7,400 square feet, including a 1,400-square-foot storefront and merchandised counter area.
 
NorthEast has been serving contractors in this area for quite some time, and in order to meet all the needs of current and future customers, we elected to be closer to their day-to-day business,”said Don Block, president of NorthEast Electrical Distributors.
 
The new facility will hold an inventory valued at over $300,000. A grand opening event is planned for September.
 
NorthEast has 33 …

NorthEast Electrical Distributors Opens New Location Read More »

Grainger Settles Government Case for $6M

Chicago, IL-based Grainger has agreed to a settlement of $6 million with the U.S. Department of Justice to resolve a Trade Agreements Act and Sourcing complaint, which alleged that Grainger overcharged the government and illegally relabeled products manufactured in non-trade agreement countries so they could be sold to the U.S. government.
 
The whistleblower case was unsealed in January 2008 in a federal court in Wisconsin.  Grainger said it resolved the complaint to avoid further costly legal fees.” The complaint was initially filed by Brian M. Holbrook, a former district sales manager of government sales at Grainger, in 2006. He worked for Grainger starting in December of 2004.
 
“We value our reputation with our customers and are committed to operating …

Grainger Settles Government Case for $6M Read More »

Register for full access

By providing your email, you agree to receive announcements from us and our partners for our newsletter, events, surveys, and partner resources per MDM Terms & Conditions. You can withdraw consent at any time.

Learn More about Custom Reports

Request a Market Prospector Demo

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Get the MDM Update Newsletter

Wholesale distribution news and trends delivered right to your inbox.

Sign-up for our free newsletter and get:

  • Up-to-date news in a quick-to-read format
  • Free access to webcasts, podcasts and live events
  • Exclusive whitepapers, research and reports
  • And more!