Worldwide demand for plastic pipe will reach 4.6 billion meters - or nearly 3 million miles - by 2003.

Ferguson Enterprises will make its maintenance, repair and operations parts and supplies inventory available to customers through iProcure.

The availability of industrial space in large buildings (100,000 sq. ft. or more) slipped from 8.3% in the second quarter of 1999 to 8.1% in the third quarter.

W.W. Grainger has expanded its Internet capabilities with a Web site that provides access to industrial maintenance, repair and operating products. The company also offers MRO materials through an online auction.

Affiliated Distributors has formed a new company that focuses on integrated supply and electronic commerce, supplyFORCE.com.

A new master distributor of stainless-steel products, Sunbelt Stainless Product, a division of the Atlanta-based manufacturers rep firm Sunbelt Marketing, has opened shop in Georgia, Florida and Texas.

Pennsylvania Machine Works has acquired the Ladish forged-steel-fitting product line from the Hackney division of Trinity Industries.

The market for industrial valves in the United States is projected to reach $13.1 billion by 2003, according to a study by the Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm.

Affiliated Distributors presented awards to its affiliates and vendors at its annual meeting. In other news, A-D announced a reorganization involving both promotions and new hires.

Two Southwestern PVF powerhouses will join forces as the result of a planned acquisition of the assets and business operations of R.J. Gallagher Co. by Red Man Pipe & Supply Co.