NRCA affiliate news
MRCA convention update
Michael Gostomski, president of Winona Heating & Ventilating Co., Winona, Minn., received the James Q. McCawley Award for outstanding service in the roofing industry at the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association's (MRCA's) 2003 convention, Oct. 22-24, 2003, in Cincinnati.
Also at the convention, MRCA elected the following officers: president—Bob Swanda Jr., vice president of Independent Roofing Co., Omaha, Neb.; first vice president—Dennis Runyan, president of Dryspace Inc., Cedar Rapids, Iowa; second vice president—James Brosseau, vice president of Bennett & Brosseau Roofing Inc., Romeoville, Ill.; secretary/treasurer—Kurt Steinkuhler, president of George Groh & Sons Inc., Emporia, Kan.; and chairman of the board—Ed Williams, president of Fremont Roofing Co. Inc., Fremont, Ohio.
Manufacturer news
Dura-Loc earns energy rating
Courtland, Ontario, Canada-based Dura-Loc Roofing Systems Ltd. now offers granular-coated ENERGY STAR®-qualified metal roof systems in more colors. Autumn gold and driftwood colors reportedly decrease a roof's surface temperature by up to 100 F, keeping a building naturally cool. Because of this, it is said the ENERGY STAR-rated roof systems can reduce energy consumption and electricity bills by decreasing the use of air conditioning.
To qualify for the label, a roofing product must meet U.S. Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency criteria for reflectivity and reliability. The ENERGY STAR label promotes household and commercial building products that save energy and money.
Grace Construction helps charity
Employees from Cambridge, Mass.-based Grace Construction Products, a division of W.R. Grace & Co., Columbia, Md., volunteered for Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston, and Grace Construction Products donated waterproofing products to the home-building organization for protection against water and moisture damage. Employees who helped construct the house installed Grace Ice & Water Shield® roofing underlayment, Preprufe® weatherproofing tape, Florprufe™ high-performance vapor barrier for floors, and Vycor® Plus self-adhered flashing membrane for windows and doors.
Fletcher Building acquires Tasman
Auckland, New Zealand-based Fletcher Building has purchased NRCA member Tasman Roofing Products, Corona, Calif., the manufacturer of DECRA Roofing Systems. The business transaction consisted of the sale of all divisions, and the former Tasman Roofing Products companies joined Fletcher Building's Building Products Division. Fletcher Building is the largest building materials manufacturer and distributor in New Zealand.
"This acquisition will propel DECRA Roofing Systems sales in North America to meet the increasing demand for metal roofing," says Bo Hudson, president of Tasman Roofing Products. "The strength and financial stability of Fletcher Building will allow us to continue growth in our operations while increasing market share."
Metal distribution center opens
Aurora, Ill.-based A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply has added a new distribution center in Kansas City, Mo. The distribution center will offer all types of metal decks and is intended to save customers time and money. Other A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply distribution centers are in Chicago; Greensboro, N.C.; Indianapolis; Knoxville, Tenn.; and St. Louis.
Mehrer retires from CertainTeed
Mike Mehrer, director of contractor programs and training at CertainTeed Corp., Valley Forge, Pa., has retired. Mehrer, a CertainTeed employee since 1984, created the Professional Roofer Advisory Council, as well as Making Business Better workshops, audiotapes and CD-ROMs that teach contractors about marketing and developing strategies. Jay Butch, CertainTeed's contractor programs manager, will take over Mehrer's duties.
In other news, CertainTeed has finished construction of a production line in Shakopee, Minn. A multimillion dollar expansion project, the line will produce the company's Landmark™ Series laminated shingles. The expansion was a response to the growing consumer demand for laminated shingles.
Stevens Roofing Systems awarded
Architecture magazine has presented Holyoke, Mass.-based Stevens Roofing Systems with the 2003 Architect's Choice for Excellence Award for membrane roofing manufacturers. Winning the award for the second year in a row, the company was honored because of its customer service, system value and design, and product durability.
W.P. Hickman receives award
Asheville, N.C.-based W.P. Hickman Co. has received the Western North Carolina Regional Manufacturing Leadership Award from its peers for its commitment to excellence. Recognized as the best overall small manufacturing company for 2003, W.P. Hickman was chosen because of its manufacturing practices, devotion to employees, ensuring quality products and employee evaluation system.
The award, presented by the Manufacturer's Executive Association and Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, included a scholarship from a local college that can be used by a W.P. Hickman employee.
KRATON Polymers is acquired
Fort Worth-based Texas Pacific Group has acquired Houston-based NRCA member KRATON Polymers from Ripplewood Holdings LLC, New York, and other investors. The transaction involving the global specialty chemicals company was completed at the end of 2003.
"KRATON Polymers has accomplished a great deal since we acquired the company in 2001, enabling us to earn an attractive return for our investors," says Ian Snow, managing director of Ripplewood Holdings. " ... We are confident KRATON Polymers and its 1,000 employees worldwide will achieve continued success under Texas Pacific Group's ownership."
Up the ladder
Stevens Roofing Systems has appointed Tom Gallivan sales manager for international roofing and geomembrane sales; David Gilbert district sales manager for Maine, Rhode Island, eastern Massachusetts and the southeastern corner of New Hampshire; Vincent McPartland vice president of sales and marketing; Stew Snoddy regional sales manager for the northern region; and Roger Stark sales manager in the restructured sales region.
United Building Products Southwest Inc. has named Eric Brandenburg vice president of waterproofing and coatings and Chad Lesher vice president of roofing.
Tim Hart has been named vice president of western operations for Duro-Last® Roofing Inc.
Tarco has hired Ken Latiolais as plant manager of its Belton, Texas, plant.
Steven A. Harnish has been appointed national sales manager at W.P. Hickman Systems Inc.
John R. Cook has been named vice president and principal of George Butler Associates Inc.
RGM Products Inc. has hired Ray P. Russell as director of national accounts; Kem Scott as vice president of sales and marketing; and Robert C. Crum as president.
Other news
Union celebrates 100th anniversary
The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers (UURWAW) recently held its 2003 Roofers Convention in Las Vegas where it celebrated its 100th anniversary. Discussions during the convention focused on safety training, cooperation within the field and strike avoidance, among other topics.
During the convention, the union elected John C. Martini international president and Kinsey Robinson international secretary/treasurer. The following union members were elected international vice presidents: Alex Bodnariuk, Detroit; Don Cardwell, Nashville, Tenn.; Douglas Ziegler, Oakland, Calif.; Thomas Pedrick, Philadelphia; Paul F. Bickford, Boston; James A. Hadel, Kansas City, Kan.; Robert J. Danley, Minneapolis; Donald A. O'Blenis, South Bend, Ind.; Robert J. Lloyd, St. Louis; and Richard R. Mathis, Chicago.
In addition, Martini accepted an award on behalf of the union from the Diabetes Research Institute in recognition of the union collecting more than $1 million for Dollars Against Diabetes, an annual campaign where union members raise money for diabetes research.
FM Global opens research campus
A $78 million research campus has been opened by FM Global. The campus was built to study prevention tactics for fires, explosions and natural disasters. Trying to delve into how property can be protected from such threats, the campus includes a natural-hazards library that can simulate hurricane winds and flying debris to test the performance of building materials under such conditions and determine how businesses can protect their properties.
Organizations cut energy costs
The NAHB Research Center, a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), and Rebuilding Together teamed up to create a model house that exemplifies energy efficiency.
The project involved taking an old house and rehabilitating it by including features such as new siding, blown fiberglass wall insulation, new windows and a new roof.
"Incorporating an increased focus on energy improvements in a program like Rebuilding Together can have an enormous effect on reducing energy consumption and improving the living conditions for low-income families," says Patty Johnson, president of Rebuilding Together.
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