Lee Brass Co., a unit of Amcast's Flow Control Div., named Steven Ross director of sales.

The Shaw Group (Baton Rouge, La.) named Ron McCall president of the newly formed Maintenance Division.

The Steel Tube Institute of North America named William Wolfe executive director.

Crane Valve North America has acquired Corva Corp., one of Crane's largest manufacturers representatives in North America.

The Central Wholesalers Association reported 31 member firms reporting flat sales through the first half of 2002.

July's slowdown in manufacturing growth caused consternation in the stock market and among economists.

A joint survey by ISM and Forrester Research recorded a surge in online purchasing in the second quarter of 2002.

Wolseley's board recently approved a new distribution center to be located somewhere in the U.S. northwes.

NS Group recorded second quarter sales of $54.9 million.

Northwest Pipe Co. reported second quarter sales of $64.4 million and net income of $2.1 million.