By Dianne M. Pogoda
COMPANY NEWS
FERGUSON OPENS NEW DISTRIBUTION CENTERS: Ferguson has opened two automated Market Distribution Centers (MDCs) with a substantial robotic presence in Aurora, Colo., and Chandler, Ariz. The MDCs are energy-efficient and operate 24-7 to fulfill orders quickly with minimal manual handling. The MDCs have also added 75 new “human” jobs in Arizona, bringing the total employed there to 200. Ferguson expects to build two or three MDCs over the next few years. KBB has more.
DREXEL BUYS MCMAHON: Two leading Wisconsin supply firms have agreed to join forces as of Dec. 31. Drexel Building Supply, based in Campbellsport, is acquiring McMahon & Co., a Jackson-based supplier of doors and millwork. The combined entity will be known as Drexel Doors & Millwork and will have more than 700 employees. The company expects to double capacity with a state-of-the-art facility employing 100 workers and scheduled to open in 2024. For more on both companies, go to Drexel and McMahon.
TULIP BLOOMS IN U.S.: Tulip Cooking has introduced a modular cooktop system with gas and induction burners for seamless integration into countertops. There are 20 basic configurations, including one to six burners, and gas and induction may be combined for a custom set-up. Tulip is based in The Netherlands with a U.S. office in Connecticut. The company plans to introduce additional products at KBIS 2023, Booth N1766.
INDUSTRY NEWS
BATH TRENDS DOWN THE DRAIN: Getting tired of oversized tubs, ornate vanities, all-white everything or big, rectangular tiles? These are among the bath trends that might be ready for retirement. Tanya Smith-Shiflett of Unique Kitchens and Baths in Halethorpe, Md., and a member of the NKBA Baltimore/Washington Chapter, weighs in on the bath designs that might be on the wane. Read more here.
KCMA, AKCA AT ODDS WITH COMMERCE DEPT: The U.S. Department of Commerce’s decision not to impose antidumping duties on 16 Chinese exporters has drawn criticism from the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association and American Kitchen Cabinet Alliance. In a report issued on Nov. 3, the Department of Commerce said it reviewed earlier decisions and said it wouldn’t change its order, assigning zero dumping margins (import duties) on the 16 companies, which the associations allege constitute unfair trading practices and threaten U.S. manufacturing jobs. KBDN reports.
CHAPTER NEWS
WALK THE RED CARPET IN CENTRAL FLORIDA: Join the Central Florida Chapter for a holiday gala on Dec. 9, 6 to 11 p.m., at The Brew Hub, 3900 Frontage Road S in Lakeland, for food, fun, drinks, dancing, awards and more. Dress up and walk the red carpet to celebrate the season. Tickets are $55; register here.
PARTY IN JERSEY: The Northern New Jersey Chapter will host its holiday party on Dec. 13 at the new showroom, corporate office and training center of GPS Plumbing, 300 S. Randolphville Road, Piscataway (relocated from its Edison facility). A board meeting will be held from 5 to 5:30 p.m., followed by the holiday party from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Enjoy food, drinks and giveaways, thank outgoing chapter officers and induct the new officers for 2023. Space is limited, registration is $25 for all attendees.
