Global Steel Prices Poised For Double-Digit Increase

That's the opinion of London-based MEPS, which contends that U.S. mills appear to be busy with delivery lead times stretching out to early April.

The global steel research and market forecaster noted that mill transaction prices have soared since its previous report in January, driven by volatile input costs and higher energy and transport charges. The major steel makers have all announced further substantial hikes for second quarter supplies.

M.A. Stewart Buys B.K Thorpe Co.
Canadian PVF distributor M.A. Stewart & Sons (Surrey, BC) has acquired the B.K. Thorpe Co., headquartered in Long Beach, CA and with a branch office in Bakersfield, CA. Founded in 1970, Thorpe is an oilfield PVF and equipment distributor. Thorpe co-founder Gary Dohman will remain with the company as a director and executive consultant.

Brandy Cowart Named Powell's Exec VP
David "Brandy" Cowart will assume the responsibilities of executive vice president, The Wm. Powell Company (Powell Valves).  He  will continue to be accountable for Powell's global sales and marketing growth, as well as, new areas of responsibility and accountability, according to an announcement by President/CEO Randy Cowart.

New Location For Pipe-Valves Inc.
Industrial PVF distributor Pipe-Valves, Inc. has moved to a 144,000 sq. ft.  facility at 1200 E. 5th Avenue in Columbus, OH, three miles east of its former location. 2008 marks the company's 45th anniversary.

Tyco Opens New Grinnell Warehouse
Tyco Fire & Building Products has opened a new Grinnell Mechanical Grooved Products warehouse he opening of this warehouse along with our existing warehouses in Anniston, AL; Brea, CA; Norristown, PA; and Avon, MA.

Cameron Acquires Austrian Oilfield Firm
Cameron has acquired SBS Oilfield Equipment GmbH, doing business as SBS Drilling-and-Production Systems GmbH, an Austrian manufacturer of artificial lift systems. SBS designs, builds and installs in-well rod lift pumping and progressive cavity pumping systems and associated services. These systems include sucker rods, pony rods, rod guides, pumps and anchors associated with artificial lift in producing wells. 

Flowserve Completes Takeover Of Japanese Firm
Flowserve Corp. announced it has acquired the remaining 50% of shares needed to have full ownership interest in Niigata Worthington in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan. Flowserve previously owned 50% of Niigata Worthington in a long-term joint venture. Niigata Worthington manufactures certain Flowserve pumps and other rotating equipment and reported sales of approximately $64 million in 2007.

Zy-Tech Changes Name To Global Flow Technologies
Zy-Tech Global Industries announced last week that it has changed its company name to Global Flow Technologies. The name change is effective immediately. In addition to the name change, DSI and PBV are being separated from the legacy Zy-Tech business as individual operating companies, while a Corporate Engineering and Sourcing Services group has been established.

Jordan Controls Is Now Rotork Process Controls
Rotork Controls has renamed its Jordan Controls unit Rotork Process Controls (RPC). RPC will be an independent group within the Controls division encompassing ex-Jordan products as well as CVA.

A Simple Copper Elbow

Although his specialty is hydronic heating rather than PVF, Supply House Times columnist Dan Holohan is a masterful writer capable of engaging any audience. You'll see what I mean if you devote a couple of minutes to reading " A Simple Copper Elbow," which is one of my all-time favorites among the hundreds of articles of Dan's that I've read and edited.

Things You Should Never Say At Work

All of us at one time or another have put our foot in our mouth. This article gives some guidance on how to avoid being regretful afterward.

AEC Store’s FEATURED Product

Valve Selection Handbook

Though there are only four basic types of valves, there is an enormous number of different kinds of valves within each category, each one used for a specific purpose. No other book on the market analyzes the use, construction, and selection of valves in such a comprehensive manner.

Click here to purchase, or visit AECstore.com to view our entire product selection.  Call Stephanie at 248-244-1275 with any questions.

PME's Hydronics Webinar Series Continues in 2008

This series of 90-minute Webinars presents the latest concepts for modern hydronic heating system design in both residential and commercial applications.  CEU/PDH Credit is available.

This year’s Webinar topics include:

Mar. 20

A Survey of Modern Mixing Methods

Thursday, March 20, 2008 at 1:00 pm ET

May 1

Active Solar Heating–New Opportunities For Hydronic Professionals

Thursday, May 1, 2008 at 1:00 pm ET

June 12 

Home Run Distribution Systems – An Outstanding Alternative to Metal Piping

Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 1:00 pm ET

Presented by:

John Siegenthaler, P.E. John is a licensed engineer with more than 28 years of experience in hydronic heating. He also is a writer, software developer and columnist for PM and PM Engineer magazines.

Register today at::http://webinar.pmengineer.com.  If you're busy that day, sign up anyway. You have 12 months to play back the scheduled broadcast any time you like.

Missed one of our 2007 MEC Webinars? No Problem! They are now available On-Demand! Visit PME's webinar archives  to view these and other Webinars.

AEC Store’s FEATURED Product

Piping Materials Guide

This book covers the entire piping process, including the selection of piping materials according to the job, the application of the materials and fitting, trouble-shooting techniques for corrosion control, inspections for OSHA regulations, and even the warehousing, distributing, and ordering of materials. There are books on materials, fitting, OSHA regulations, and so on, but this is the only "one stop shopping" source for the piping engineer on piping materials.

Click Here to purchase, or visit AECStore.com to view our entire product selection.