New Retail Assortments Available Fall 2024 For over 100 years, the iconic American brand, SK Professional Tools, has been committed to manufacturing innovative and high-quality mechanics tools for American professionals. Today, SK Professional Tools is proud to continue that tradition by relaunching its 100 plus-year-old brand with special assortments, including those for independent hardware stores, discounted Read more
Industry News
New Retail Assortments Available Fall 2024
For over 100 years, the iconic American brand, SK Professional Tools, has been committed to manufacturing innovative and high-quality mechanics tools for American professionals. Today, SK Professional Tools is proud to continue that tradition by relaunching its 100 plus-year-old brand with special assortments, including those for independent hardware stores, discounted 50%, and available when purchased through SK Professional Tool’s sister company, Arrow Fastener, at these upcoming fall trade shows:
- ACE Hardware Fall 2024 Convention – Chicago, IL. Aug 8-10
- True Value Fall 2024 Reunion – Orlando, FL. Sept. 9—11
- Blish-Mize Fall Customer Buying Market – Overland Park, KS. Sept. 12—14
- Wallace Hardware Fall Dealer Market – Sevierville, TN. Oct. 2 – 3
- United Hardware – Oct 9-11
- House-Hasson Hardware Fall Dealer Market – Charlotte, NC.
Oct. 10–12 - Orgill Winter 2024 Online Buying Event – Nov. 4 – 17
Now a part of the family of companies owned by GreatStar Industrial, SK Professional Tools continues to manufacture select products for industrial and independent tool truck partners in the USA. At the same time, SK Professional Tools is now able to expand and democratize its product line to offer the highest level of quality and performance, as well as offering more affordable price points, to a broader audience by leveraging the global footprint of its parent company – GreatStar Industrial.
“For 100 years, we have been providing our customers with our top-notch tools and service,” says Christopher Woolley, Vice President Product and Brand Management, SK Professional Tools. “We are so proud of the rich history and exceptional reputation of our company. And now, going forward, we are excited to have the dual opportunity of staying true to our roots of manufacturing products here in the U.S., while at the same time, being able to broaden our range of offerings by utilizing the wide-ranging experiences and resources of GreatStar Industrial.”
SK Professional Tools’ sister company, Arrow Fastener, has its global headquarters located in Saddle Brook, NJ, which also serves as GreatStar Industrial’s U.S. headquarters for sales, marketing, and distribution of its branded tool product portfolio. According to Justin Sumner, Vice President Sales, Arrow Fastener, “This proximity provides expanded opportunities for proven brands like SK Professional Tools to be available to the independent hardware dealer channel conveniently through the sales division at Arrow. At the fall shows, we will be offering special assortments, such as a range of drive tools, screwdrivers, pliers, and shears, curated for our customers, including independent hardware stores, with a special discount of 50% and with hot open stock deals.”
GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) published the company’s Sustainability Review 2023. The Review, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and assured by an independent third party, details the company’s ambition, work, and achievements in sustainability throughout the year, as well as highlights people leading sustainability development in different parts of the Read more
GF Building Flow Solutions (formerly Uponor) published the company’s Sustainability Review 2023. The Review, prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards and assured by an independent third party, details the company’s ambition, work, and achievements in sustainability throughout the year, as well as highlights people leading sustainability development in different parts of the organization. Sustainability initiatives in 2024 and beyond will be reported on GF.
In 2023, Uponor implemented aggressive global sustainability initiatives that were created in collaboration with clients, customers, employees, and other key stakeholders. The company’s ambition is to lead the construction industry towards net zero, decarbonize its operations, and maintain its strong track record of advancing sustainable innovations. In Europe, the company partnered to produce the world’s first circular PEX pipe from its own production waste, received validation for new greenhouse gas emission reduction targets from the Science Based Targets initiative, and celebrated a factory in Nastola, Finland, achieving complete carbon-neutral operations.
“Our industry has a strong influence on sustainable ways of life. With our products and systems, we want to continuously reduce the CO2 footprint of buildings. On the one hand, our innovation focus lies in making our products easy to use and, on the other hand, making the production and materials of our products even more sustainable,” says Michael Rauterkus, president, GF Building Flow Solutions. “To support our commitment to leading the construction industry towards net zero by example, we have created a Carbon Neutral Factory concept, which highlights our efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Our objective is to replicate the concept in our other factories.”
Sustainability and innovation at the core
Rauterkus adds that GF Building Flow Solutions is committed to finding new ways to conserve, manage, and provide water responsibly.
“The combination of Uponor and GF products and solutions allows us to serve our existing and new customers even better and help them making an impact,” says Rauterkus. “Our shared sustainability approach is ambitious, holistic, and strategic. We are well-positioned to seize the opportunities created by the growing demand for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, as well as for sustainable systems for safe and clean water. As we continue our sustainability journey, I want to express my gratitude to all our stakeholders for the excellent cooperation and outstanding achievements. My warmest thanks go especially to all our employees for their uncompromised sustainability commitment.”
The Sustainability Review 2023 can be found from the company website at Sustainability Review 2023 | Uponor
Finding the perfect mix of glycol and water in a hydronic system doesn’t have to be hard. Guest presenter John Panasewicz will discuss the best ways to specify and maintain water-glycol blends in boilers, chillers and other heat transfer applications. This pre-heating-season webinar will clear up the confusing aspects of antifreeze for designers and installers Read more
Finding the perfect mix of glycol and water in a hydronic system doesn’t have to be hard. Guest presenter John Panasewicz will discuss the best ways to specify and maintain water-glycol blends in boilers, chillers and other heat transfer applications. This pre-heating-season webinar will clear up the confusing aspects of antifreeze for designers and installers.
→ How do you know what percentage of glycol is best for your project?
→ What is the best way to maintain system fluid?
→ What is the difference between freeze and burst?
→ How can recovered glycol be reused?
→ How do air and dirt separation affect system fluids?
John was a founding member of the ASTM D15.30 Subcommittee on Heat Transfer Fluids and will provide both technical and practical insights on this topic. He is the Director of Technology at G2 Solutions in Denver, Colorado.
Washington, D.C. — In a landmark event, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) along with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) officially signed a strategic alliance agreement on July 10, 2024. The importance of all four associations Read more
Washington, D.C. — In a landmark event, the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) along with the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA), the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association (SMACNA), and The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC) officially signed a strategic alliance agreement on July 10, 2024.
The importance of all four associations coming together emphasizes the combined commitment to collaboration and innovation through all facets of the construction and maintenance industry. The agreement solidifies a unified front among these prominent organizations to address industry challenges and leverage collective strengths. It also highlights the value of cohesive efforts in advocating for policies that support the growth and stability of the construction sector at national and regional levels.
By working together NECA, MCAA, SMACNA and TAUC aim to develop and promote best practices, enhance safety standards, and drive technological advancements across their respective sectors.
David Long, CEO of NECA said, “Today’s agreement represents a pivotal moment for our industry. By uniting four leading trade associations, we are reinforcing our dedication to collaboration and innovation across every aspect of the construction and maintenance sector. This enables us to address the complexities of modern construction more effectively and deliver unparalleled value to our members and their clients.”
Timothy J. Brink, CEO of MCAA, echoed this sentiment, stating, “MCAA is thrilled to enter into this Strategic Alliance Agreement with NECA, SMACNA, and TAUC. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in unifying our efforts to address the critical issues impacting the construction and maintenance industry. Together, we will drive innovation, enhance safety, and foster growth for our unionized contractor members, ensuring the continued leadership of America’s construction capabilities on the global stage.”
Aaron Hilger, CEO of SMACNA conveyed, “Trade associations set a high bar for what it means to work together for the benefit of everyone. SMACNA is pleased to formalize ways that we will collaborate with our colleagues to advance practices and procedures that will grow our professions and help the people dedicated to building a better America and world.”
Daniel Hogan, CEO of TAUC, added, “This agreement is a great step forward for the construction and maintenance industry, and formalizes something we have known for a long time – we are at our best when we work together. TAUC is all about collaboration, and bringing all of these associations together will benefit all of us in the industry for years to come”
The strategic alliance is expected to deliver tangible benefits to the members of MCAA, NECA, SMACNA and TAUC by fostering a collaborative environment that encourages the sharing of knowledge and resources. This alliance is poised to set a new standard for industry cooperation and pave the way for future innovations.
Propane Council recognizes Fisher Vineyards with Energy For Everyone Hero Award for its environmental stewardship for six decades and counting The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is proud to present Fisher Vineyards with its prestigious Energy for Everyone Hero Award. Since 1973, Fisher Vineyards has remained steadfast in its mission to produce wines that Read more
Propane Council recognizes Fisher Vineyards with Energy For Everyone Hero Award for its environmental stewardship for six decades and counting
The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) is proud to present Fisher Vineyards with its prestigious Energy for Everyone Hero Award. Since 1973, Fisher Vineyards has remained steadfast in its mission to produce wines that honor the land they come from, and propane is an important component of this commitment.
PERC’s Energy for Everyone Hero Award recognizes the ways propane is revolutionizing businesses nationwide — contributing to enhanced efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. The award honors outstanding propane users and celebrates the success propane has brought to their operations and communities.
Located in beautiful Napa Valley, California, Fisher Vineyards is a family winery with locations in Calistoga and Sonoma County. Inspired by the passion and founding vision of their parents, three second-generation siblings lead the winery today. In 2018, Fisher was certified Napa Green for meeting the highest sustainability standards in the wine industry.
“For six decades, we have remained steadfast in our mission to produce wines that pay tribute to the land, as well as each member of our winery team, striving for classic balance and style that transcends time,” said Rob Fisher, owner of Fisher Vineyards.
Propane provides reliable, affordable, and efficient energy independent from the electrical grid system, offering protection against power outages. Fisher Vineyards utilizes propane for multiple applications critical to its operation, including:
- Refrigeration: Maintaining optimal temperatures during the barrel-aging process.
- Grape Preparation: Powering equipment used in grape processing and fermentation.
- Power Generation: Offering critical backup power during harvest and during electricity outages.
- Frost Prevention: Running fans to protect crops during frost events.
- Water Heating: Using propane boilers for efficient water heating.
- HVAC Systems: Ensuring consistent climate control across the facility.
“The Fishers excel in providing top-notch customer service while also meeting the highest sustainability standards in the industry,” said Bert Warner, director of commercial business development at PERC. “It’s extremely impressive, and we’re proud to present this award to their team as they continue to utilize propane as part of their ongoing efforts of contributing to a clean energy future.”
To learn more about Fisher Vineyards’ story of resilience, high-quality production, and unwavering focus on environmental stewardship, visit FisherVineyards.com.
For more information about propane’s role in commercial applications, visit propane.com/commercial.