Noland is leasing the facility and is using many of the Heat-Cool employees to staff the new branch. It also said it gained distribution rights in the geographical area to the complete line of Ruud heating and cooling products. Matt Weaver, Southeastern regional sales manager, said in a statement that he expects the Charlotte branch to grow and it will be an important base for increasing the wholesaler's business in Western North Carolina.

Tim G. Kress, who was manager of Noland's Hanover, Pa., branch, has been appointed manager. Noland has 101 branches in 13 states. It was ranked No. 12 in the 2004 SUPPLY HOUSE TIMEs Premier 150. <<