Technology

Knoxville, Tenn.-based regional hardware distributor House-Hasson Hardware completed its $2 million, 100,000-sq.-ft. expansion of the company’s Prichard, W.Va., warehouse.

“We’ve moved in, the racks are up, and the bins are being filled,” said Don Hasson, House-Hasson president. “Our West Virginia warehouse will have the same items as are available through our Knoxville warehouse. This means faster and more efficient shipping and delivery of all our products to our customers.”

Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. has introduced a tool for cutting large diameter cable.

The M12 600 MCM Cable Cutter has a compact design and powerful cutting mechanism. It takes care of two cutting challenges: fitting the cutting tool in panels/boxes and generating enough force to get the job done.

Arlington, Va. — At last year’s Home Improvement Research Institute (HIRI) Spring Conference, the assembled researchers, guests and partners — all thirsty for good news — were told by Morgan Stanley analyst Ian Sugarman that the modest, pre-bubble year of 1999 is the “new normal.”


Fast-forward to this year’s event, held here at the Doubletree Crystal City, and a very similar group of attendees were told to brace for even more simulated time travel — this time to 1996.


According to an article in the Garden City (Kan.) Telegram, a Menards will break ground this month on the perimeter of the city.

The paper described the new project as the first phase of a $67.2 million retail shopping center. Leading the development is Charlotte, N.C.-based commercial real estate firm Collett & Associates. The 60-acre development is expected to eventually include a Sam’s Club, but not until a later phase of construction. 

Lighting manufacturer Leviton has announced the appointment of Steve Nikrant to the position of VP supply chain. Nikrant will be responsible for designing, developing, implementing and recommending policy and procedures for the distribution, transportation, order fulfillment, procurement/sourcing and customer service functions.  He will also be accountable for ensuring customer satisfaction and controlling costs.

On a month-to-month basis, total housing starts moved the needle 14% in January, but single-family starts continue to drag.

Elsewhere on the Industry Dashboard for Feb. 22, retail sales for home centers, pro dealers and hardware stores showed a surge in December 2010, compared with the same month in 2009. And stocks on the Home Channel Stock Roundup showed gains across the board relative to both last month and last year.

Central Garden & Pet has announced the appointment of Frank Palantoni as executive VP and president of the pet segment, effective Feb. 14, 2011.  Palantoni will report to William Brown, Central's chairman and CEO.

In the early 80s, Independent dealers turned to in-house computing.