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INDUSTRY NEWS
to mark 75 years Merit Brass Company will be cele-
Merit Brass Co.
brating its 75th anniversary next year. The family-owned and man- aged company is continuing to enhance its geographical footprint with the opening of a southeastern distribution center in Birmingham, alabama in the fourth quarter, 2011. The name of the venerable, Cleveland-based nipple manufacturer and master distributor of related Pvf products is a bit of a misnomer. While Merit remains one of amer- ica’s “Top Brass” suppliers, they have had a “stainless reputation” for the past 25 years. The company is continuing
to enhance its product offering and is now venturing into carbon steel forged fittings and outlets (asTM a105-n). in addition, Merit Brass has increased its stainless steel and brass product offerings with a number of new products and line enhancements including: • stainless steel Tubing (Welded and seamless) • stainless steel outlets (socket weld, threaded and buttweld) • stainless steel Plate flanges (Tube oD, iPs, Blind) • stainless steel Type-C stub ends • stainless steel PTfe Thread Tape • lead free Brass fittings and flanges • lead free Brass Meter flanges
www.meritbrass.com
CHiCago— for the eleventh consec- utive month, american supply asso- ciation members are reporting growth, showing a 7.9% rate of growth in per day work day revenues in the month of March as compared to the same month in 2010; up 7.1% as compared to 2009 and down 9.9% as compared to 2008. Plumbing, heating and Pvf distribu- tors are up 9.3 % yTD and 7.5% on a rolling 12- month basis. gross profit mar-
gins remain about the same as com- pared to last year, and there remains no clear distinction on margin trend based upon size of distributor. How- ever, the north Central region (indi- ana, Michigan, ohio, western Pennsylvania and West virginia) is clearly leading the way with the
•THE WHOLESALER® — JUNE 2011
ASA members report continued growth in March
largest increases in almost every measurement. an optimistic feeling in the indus-
try has driven its distributors to the largest monthly inventory rebuild in many years. This marks the sixth consecutive month of rebuild after 20 consecutive months of declining in- ventories. on a year-over-year basis, inventory grew at an 8.2% rate in March vs. 2010; up 1.2% as
compared to 2009 but down 9.1% as compared to 2008. This leaves distribu-
tors with decreasing inventory turns versus 2010, but improved turns as compared to each of the other time periods for the industry. Days sales outstanding at 49.2 days
is also better than last year by 1.2 days, due to improved current sales. With relative even gross profit mar- gins and employment, the bottom line for distribution is better than 2010. visit
www.asa.net.
Deacon Industrial Supply Company
John J. Fries Jr., President
OBITUARY
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania – John J. fries Jr. passed away sud- denly on May 16, 2011 at the age of 63. John had over forty four years experience in the pipe, valve, and fittings distribu- tion industry. He began his career at stockham valves & fittings in 1966 before joining Deacon industrial in 1986
John J. Fries Jr.
as an outside sales representative. John progressed to his current posi- tion of President of Deacon indus- trial, and in 1990 he was elected to serve on the executive Board. John enjoyed his summers boating
and spending time with his family at his summer residence in sea isle City new Jersey. He always treasured the time he spent with his wife, son, daughter and two grandchildren. John resided with his wife fran in Marlton, new Jersey. John will be missed by many in the
See contact information on page 86 • Be sure to visit
www.thewholesaler.com for web exclusive articles and videos! •
industry as well as his Deacon indus- trial family of 25 years.
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