Briefings

Distributor news

ABC Supply opens branch

Beloit, Wis.-based ABC Supply Co. Inc. has opened a branch in Erlanger, Ky., consisting of a 3,000-square-foot showroom and 60,000-square-foot warehouse. The branch carries ABC Supply's lines of residential and commercial roofing and siding products.

"ABC Supply wants to be a vital part of the local economy, and opening a branch in Erlanger will give contractors a place to buy their building materials locally," says Branch Manager Rob Marsh.

Industry online

Eternabond has expanded its Web site, www.eternabond.com, to provide users with a video library detailing roofing projects that feature Eternabond's repair tapes. Each video provides commentated, step-by-step instructions for the projects featured. The Web site also offers a search engine that allows users to locate their nearest Eternabond distributor.

Manufacturer news

Firestone awards roofing contractors

Indianapolis-based Firestone Building Products Co. presented its 2006 Master Contractor Award to 258 roofing contractors during its 19th annual recognition event in Puerto Rico.

The award is given to Firestone Building Products-licensed contractors who have earned Quality Points for exceptional inspection ratings for Firestone Red Shield-warranted RubberGuard® EPDM, UltraPly® TPO or asphalt-based roof system installations.

Additionally, Firestone Metal Products, Indianapolis, Firestone Building Products' sister company, has announced it will open a metal manufacturing plant in Reno, Nev. The plant will be Firestone Metal Products' first metal facility in the western U.S.

Soprema plans new factory

Soprema Inc., Wadsworth, Ohio, has announced it will open a 56,000-square-foot factory in Gulfport, Miss. The facility will provide additional production capacity for Soprema's SBS-modified bitumen product line.

Additionally, Soprema has opened a 1,817-square-foot laboratory in Wadsworth to study liquid membranes for the roofing and waterproofing industries. Soprema's goal is to develop a nonasphaltic product from liquid polyurethane.

Up the ladder

Open Energy Corp. has named Mark Bettis western regional sales manager.

Metal-Era Inc. has appointed Joel Brieske to its inside sales department.

Carlisle SynTec Inc. has named Kris Costas and Dre Didriksen FleeceBACK® technical specialists.

APOC,® a division of Gardner Industries, has appointed Mike Griffin northwest sales manager.

Tarco has named Shaik Mohseen vice president of technology and innovation.

Stevens Roofing Systems has named Paul Shepard vice president of its eastern sales region.

DECRA Roofing Systems Inc. has appointed Jeff Whyte to its sales and marketing team.

Affiliate news

SMRCA awards scholarships

The Southeastern Michigan Roofing Contractors Association (SMRCA) Inc. and United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Local No. 149 have awarded four scholarships to college-bound students. The scholarships are awarded each year to dependents of employees of member roofing contractors.

Amanda Kleisinger of St. Clair, Mich.; Darren Swan of Commerce Township, Mich.; Erin Thompson of Trenton, Mich.; and Jennifer Tomczyk of Sterling Heights, Mich., are this year's recipients.

Applicants wrote essays answering the question "How important is the roofing industry?" Each winner received a $1,000 scholarship.

Students receive MRCA scholarships

The Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Inc. Foundation has awarded 12 scholarships for the 2006-07 academic year. Winners were recognized at the 57th Annual MRCA Convention and Trade Show opening luncheon Oct. 11.

Following are this year's recipients: Dane Bernau of Waterford, Wis.; Joshua Dvorak of Altura, Minn.; Andrew Engelhart of Minneapolis; John Gardner of Vicksburg, Mich.; Michael James Geary of Carmel, Ind.; Todd Hoebing of Menomonie, Wis.; Rufus Kerr of Lawrence, Kan.; Jacob McQuaide of Cincinnati; Terese Reisinger of Shorewood, Wis.; Gary Rizzato of Kyle, Texas; Brian Sheehan of Plainview, Minn.; and Roderick Sparks II of Batavia, Ohio.

The scholarships are offered to students interested in pursuing careers in the construction industry.

Contractor news

Oklahoma contractor announces alliance

Aduddell Roofing Inc., Oklahoma City, and W.P. Hickman Systems Inc., Solon, Ohio, have formed Hickman Community Services LLC, which delivers roof systems, product development and manufacturing, and contracting and installation services for nonprofit and government agencies below the federal level. Professional Service Industries Inc., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., a consulting, engineering and testing firm, also will join the alliance to provide repairs, maintenance, restoration and replacements.

"Never before has such a broad range of capabilities been available from a single entity," says Dave D'Anza, W.P. Hickman System's president and chief executive officer.