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The Granite Group, a leading supplier of plumbing, heating, cooling, piping, water systems and energy products in the Northeast, has announced it has finalized the acquisition of United Plumbing Supply (UPS). Based in Springfield, Massachusetts, UPS consists of one wholesale branch located at 377 Cottage Street and a decorative plumbing showroom called, “The Bath & Kitchen Gallery,” located at 1060 Memorial Avenue in West Springfield. Effective April 1, 2022, both locations began operating under The Granite Group umbrella.

For better or for worse, elections have consequences. That has now been proven yet again, even though the federal government is experiencing some of the slimmest partisan margins in its history. With former President Trump still in the background, the Biden administration quickly set out with a wide-ranging agenda to implement its vision for America. However, much of this has been stalled with the COVID-19 pandemic still with us and its continuous viral variants, an economy expanding amid inflation and foreign policy challenges that seem to present themselves daily.  

We all realize the need for a robust online offering as eCommerce continues to be a growing share of the market. However, as the group discussed and debated the topic, we realized how much more complex the situation is currently.

Winsupply welcomed more than 1,800 attendees to its annual meetings and vendor showcase in Dallas, Texas. The conference was held from March 13-18 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center. Vendors and Local Company Presidents attended annual meetings, president and manager meetings, vendor one-on-one meetings, a town hall with the Winsupply Leadership Team and training sessions on various topics. The vendor showcase had more than 200 exhibitors in attendance.

AD associates participated in a giving back event on March 17 by supporting Cradles to Crayons, a Philadelphia-area nonprofit organization providing children from birth through age 12 living in homeless or low-income situations with the essential items they need to thrive. AD’s volunteer efforts, monetary donations and children’s item collection will support approximately 3,200 children in the Philadelphia region.

Famous Supply is mourning the loss of second-generation company chairman, Jay Blaushild. He passed away March 10 at the age of 88. Famous has lost a passionate leader, dear friend and an inspiring mentor. The industry has lost a humble man of exceptional character and integrity who carried on his father’s founding principles to be honest and do what you say you will do.

The federal gift and estate tax exemption is currently the highest it has been since the tax was enacted over 100 years ago. President Joe Biden has proposed drastically changing the estate tax in order to raise revenues for his infrastructure plans. 

Supply House Times did a quick spot check with a few valve manufacturers to get their take on the commercial/industrial landscape heading into the new year and beyond.

In terms of trends, Rick Wentzell, marketing division executive at Bonomi North America, says designers, engineers and industrial end-users are now looking to ensure the valves they order are chemically correct.

When a company doubles in size every five years, you know it’s doing something right. At least this is true for Lebanon, Pennsylvania-based APR Supply Co., as it’s celebrating this exponential growth as well as 100 years in business under three generations of family leadership.

There’s an undeniable sense of entrepreneurship that flows throughout the independent distribution industry. PVF master distributor Wayland Industries is a prime example, with 103 years of history behind it; for four generations now, members of the Kurstin family have started master distribution companies within the PVF sector.