The industrial segment has missed out on the boom in the construction industry, due largely to the global economy and the accompanying sharp increases in imported goods, according to Cahners Economics.

Northwest Pipe Co. finalized its acquisition of North American Pipe for $5.6 million.

Victaulic Company of Aermica acquired Atlanta-based Brico Industries Inc.

Coon-DeVisser Co. has sold its pipe division to a new joint venture, CDv-Costa Pipe Systems.

At its spring meeting, the American Pipe Fittings Association elected itls officers for the next year.

Affiliated Distributors announced that two more companies have joined the marketing group's industrial-PVF division.

The Industrial Distribution Group said that reduced demand for maintenance, repair, operations and production (MROP) products has caused a drop in earnings for the second quarter.

Two new Web sites are designed to simplify buying letals and industrial supplies.

The latest round of acquisition activity goes to Ferguson Enterprises, which has signed a letter of intent to acquire Thrall Distribution and completed the purchase of Midwest Pipe & Supply Co.

Food-processing companies are in the market for suppliers that can perform a variety of tasks.