North American Industrial Construction Explodes In 2008

Grassroot industrial plant construction -- ranging from ground breaking to commissioning -- in North America continues to experience explosive growth, according to Industrial Information Resources. The total investment value of grassroot industrial plants currently under construction in North America in 2008 exceeds $181 billion, 71% of which are in the U.S. ($129 billion in total value) with the remainder under construction in Canada, representing more than $51 billion in total value.

2008 is exceeding 2007, a banner year, which saw grassroot plant construction in the U.S. grow from $60 billion in 2006 to $88 billion in 2007. Since 2006, grassroot industrial plant construction activity has doubled in 2008 up to $181 billion.

Read more about it here (registration required).

Central States Hires Operations Head
Central States Group (CSG) has hired Ken Heinrich as its new director of operations, working out of corporate headquarters in Omaha, Heinrich comes to them from Hewlett Packard, where he served as distribution systems manager for eight years.  He will have total responsibility for the company's order fulfillment functions including warehouse and delivery, customer service and inventory control. Founded in 1971, CSG is a regional distributor of industrial PVF and other fluid handling products. Corporate headquarters are in Omaha, NE with branches in Cedar Rapids, IA and New Hope, MN.

Stainless Market Seen Recovering This Year
The International Stainless Steel Forum (ISSF) expects that global stainless steel production in 2008 will increase 6% after decreasing 2.6% in 2007 due to massive, unprecedented stock draws after the crash of nickel prices in May 2007. ISSF made the forecast during its recent annual conference in Paris. The growth rate is above the long-term average and is based on the assumption that real demand will be driven by an increase in industrial production.

Tracking Down Obsolete Parts

Is there any task more frustrating? Here's some advice from ThomasNet that may help ease the task in certain cases.

Unspoken Rules At Work

Every workplace has its unspoken rules. Do you or your people routinely violate them? Read on for some insight into what these rules might be. 

Pocket Guide to Flanges, Fittings, and Piping Data

Packed with pictures, definitions, and descriptions of ANSI and API piping materials, such as flanges, fittings, bolts, gaskets, and required wrench sizes, it serves as an excellent guide for "rookies" and a ready reference for "old-timers" alike. This compact reference is packed with pictures, definitions, and descriptions of ANSI and API  piping materials, such as flanges, fittings, bolts, gaskets, and required wrench sizes. It contains basic information and data to answer common questions that arise in materials handling, pipe fitting, and engineering. $60.95 CLICK HERE to order.

Visit AECstore.com   to view all of our Plumbing resources or all 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:

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

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.

NIBCO Commercial Strainers
NIBCO has introduced its Class 125 Cast Bronze Y-strainer line. These strainers are used in commercial applications to trap foreign matter in steam, water, oil or gas pipelines. The bronze strainer line includes Class 125 solder ½" - 2" and threaded ¼" - 3" rated 125 SWP / 200 CWP. They are available with the following options: threaded or solder-end connections; solid cap or tapped cap with plug; stainless steel 20 mesh or perforated stainless steel screen.