Technology

A Menards store planned near The Heartlands subdivision of Owensboro,  Ky., would be the first Menards store to open in Kentucky.

Representatives from Eau Claire, Wis.-based Menards met with home owners this week, according to the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer. Tom O'Neil, from Menards real estate division, told the newspaper: "As the overall plan evolves, we'll be able to submit the development plan, and at that point we can show the site plan to the homeowners."

Minneapolis-based paint and coatings giant Valspar posted first-quarter sales of $842.4 million, up 25.3% compared with the same quarter last year.

Net income for the quarter ended Jan. 28 was $33.4 million, down 1.5% from $33.9 million last year.

“Results for the quarter were in line with our expectations,” said William L. Mansfield, Valspar chairman and CEO. “Our Australian paints acquisition and the continued success of our pricing and new business efforts drove our double-digit top line growth." 

The issue of anti-dumping has faced the home channel marketplace before, most recently with the import of steel nails. Now it is hardwood flooring’s turn at the epicenter of an anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation.


Members of the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) anticipate a more business friendly atmosphere in Washington.

That's one of the findings of the association's monthly hot topic survey, which is administered along with its Industry Confidence Index.

A recent study by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center compared moisture resistance among typical residential exteriors and found brick veneer provided the highest in moisture resistance and dryness.

Ashland City, Tenn.-based A.O. Smith signed on as the Official Education Sponsor for Quality Service Contractors (QSC). 

QSC is a trade organization serving plumbing and HVAC service and repair contractors.

As sponsor, A. O. Smith will provide many of the tools and resources used to supply contractor education to QSC members throughout the year as well as at the upcoming QSC Power Meeting XXXIV April 7-9 in Nashville, Tenn. A. O. Smith will also provide bi-weekly tech training, QSC HR consulting, and other online resources to contractor members.  

CertainTeed has announced the launch of a new website, designed in partnership with ARCAT Inc., that offers architects, contractors, spec writers and building engineers a comprehensive line of Building Information Modeling (BIM) objects for use in project design and specification.

The objects, 3-D models with embedded data, enable a project to be shown in a three-dimensional model and include all the additional properties that go along with it -- including specification documents, technical data sheets and relevant product websites.

Parsippany, N.J.-based bicycle manufacturer Kent International sees momentum in bike sales in the hardware channel. The company now has six styles stocked in Orgill's distribution system.

In addition to Mintcraft brand men's and women's steel frame and aluminum frame cruisers, Kent has men's and women's Giordano fitness cruisers in the warehouse, ready for shipment, said Kent's Ron Lippner, VP sales.