In working closely with hundreds of manufacturers to syndicate product content across increasingly diverse sales channels over the last several years, DDS found virtually every supplier was struggling to gauge how their product content is ultimately being displayed (not to mention how it is performing) across their partner websites. This digital shelf analysis has become a major sticking point for manufacturers in evaluating and improving their e-commerce and digital content efforts.

Reed Manufacturing in Erie, Pennsylvania is celebrating 125 years of supplying industry with pipe tools and vises for the professional trades. Carl Reed, scion of one of Erie’s pioneer families, along with three partners, started the business in 1896. REED started by manufacturing pipe wrenches and plumbing supplies, as is still the case, but also scales, bicycles, and laundry machinery. 

SupplyHouse.com has made a $30,000 contribution to the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association (PHCC) Educational Foundation, plus provided another $30,000 in support for training and workforce development projects. 

Walter Morris Co., a manufacturers' representative firm serving plumbing, heating, refrigeration, water filtration, kitchen/bath and decor trades throughout eastern New England, commemorates its centennial year in 2022. Morris kicks off its Centennial at the Massachusetts PHCC Event in Marlborough Massachusetts on March 5, 2022.

The latest people news within the PHCP-PVF industry and supply chain.

Throughout 2022, the focus of this column will be on strengthening your network. Don’t worry, this isn’t about cybersecurity, and you won’t need an information technology degree to make the most of these articles. We are not talking about that kind of system. Instead, we’re going to cover the basic nuts and bolts of building strong networks of people within your company and with outsiders. 

Since diving into the wholesales-distribution corner if the PHCP-PVF industry, I’ve spent a lot more time thinking and learning about family-owned businesses, small-to-mid-sized businesses and all of the behind-the-scenes that goes along with building a career in one of these businesses. I’m proud to say that from learning from you all, I’m much more aware of the importance of supporting the independently-owned businesses within my community. And I don’t think I am alone in this attentiveness.

Do you want the OK news first or the bad news first? How about we try to stay somewhat positive out of the gates. ASA recently released findings from its second special compensation/benefits study that it commissioned business intelligence partner Industry Insights to conduct in the latter part of 2021.

I was listening to James Trane the other day. He was speaking from Chicago in 1902, telling me that his system of steam heating using small pots of mercury was the best way to go. Mercury. That got me thinking about how my classmates and I used to play with mercury while our science teacher smiled as he wandered the room, watching us poke the dangerous stuff with our adolescent fingers. Life in the 1950s sure was interesting.

According to a global supply chain report compiled by IHS Markit, delays and disruptions for manufacturers and deliveries is currently on a higher scale than ever recorded in the company’s more than 30 years of conducting Purchasing Manager Index’s (PMI) — monthly surveys of more than 40 economies worldwide. Distributors across the U.S. can vouch for that, as supply chain disruptions they endured throughout 2021 have yet to show signs of correction.