2021 represented the best of times and the worst of times. Companies reported record sales, record sales growth, many had record profits and backlogs grew. And then there were supply chain issues, labor shortages, rising costs of goods and the persistence of COVID.
We know, like most other distributors, that Sonepar USA had a “good” 2021. At least enough to enable it to carry out any planned acquisitions but, perhaps the recent news that it sold Vallen is a hint that they are doubling down to do more?
Recently, the Government of Ontario announced that it is investing more than $13 million dollars spread out over nine projects with a focus on apprentices and journeypersons in the electrical industry to achieve the skills they need and to assist employers in finding the skilled trade workers they need to grow their businesses.
Read more: The National Electrical Trade Council to Receive...
What is the Lumen Exhibition? It is Quebec's largest electrical industry exhibition with a surface area of 50,000 sq ft and with more than 175 exhibiting suppliers. This unique and innovative event offers the opportunity to discover the products and innovations of the industry as well as the possibility of exchanging with our supplier specialists.
Given the rapidly evolving economic situation, Statistics Canada is providing an advance estimate of sales in the wholesale trade sector for January. The advance results for January indicate that wholesale sales rose 3.9%. The increase reflects higher sales in the building material and supplies, and machinery equipment and supplies subsectors.
Manufacturing sales rose for the fourth consecutive month, up 0.6% to $64.8 billion in January on higher sales in 14 of 21 industries, led by the petroleum and coal (+6.8%) and wood (+6.5%) product industries. The gain was partially offset by lower sales of motor vehicles (-17.5%).
International Women's Day is a globally-recognized celebration of the critical social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In Canada, women entrepreneurs play a vital role in our country’s economy yet continue to face barriers to success.
The sale of counterfeit goods is a multi-billion dollar industry that can have negative impacts on consumers and fuel criminal organizations. In 2020, U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized over 26,000 counterfeit goods shipments.
Read more: How $1.3 Billion Of Counterfeit Goods Are Seized...
Robert S. Muller, former director for the FBI once said, “there are two types of companies – those that have been hacked and those who will be hacked.”
Mersen Canada is honored to receive the 2021 Ontario Supplier of the Year Award from distribution partner Franklin Empire. This award recognizes the excellent support provided by Mersen in 2021.
Contribute Your Product Knowledge to Develop the Industry’s Harmonized Data Model (HDM)
Have you heard about the industry’s Harmonized Data Model (HDM) initiative? IDEA, in partnership with NAED, is calling all product experts to get involved and be recognized by the industry. People who join the Product Expert Task Force will impact the future of the electrical distribution channel.
In the next 6 months, subject matter experts (SMEs) will be harmonizing the categorization for dozens of product categories. It’s an opportunity for industry experts to participate as a SME in the HDM initiative.
For more information Go Here.
McKenna Agencies Selected to Represent EGLO Canada in Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Parts of B.C.
By Rhonda Cox, Regional Sales Manager, Western Canada, EGLO Canada
It is with pleasure that EGLO Canada annouces the nomination of McKenna Agencies as our representation in the specification market as well as electrical distributor channel for the markets of Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and parts of B.C.
Covering various interveners within the specification market (engineers, architechts and designers), McKenna Agencies is a privately-owned-andoperated company whose history under its current ownership dates back to 1988.
Sonepar Acquires CioffiRenato in Italy
Sonepar has officially signed an agreement for the acquisition of 100% of shares in CioffiRenato. Founded in 1974, CioffiRenato is a company active in the distribution of electrical material operating in the Lecce province, with its headquarters in Casarano.
In 2021, with its two branches serving all the area, the company recorded sales of around €10 million. It employs 17 associates and 2 sales representatives. Thanks to this acquisition, Sonepar, already present in Puglia with six branches, will strengthen its business in the region.
Electrozad Announces Retirement of Sales Representative Chris Farrah
Electrozad have recently announced the retirement of Sales Representative Chris Farrah, on July 29th, 2022. Chris began his career with Electrozad on February 20th, 1983. His first position was doing deliveries as a truck driver, then advanced to a warehouse position, then a Customer service/Counter sales representative.
Finally in 1991, Chris was promoted to the position of Sales Representative where he continued to excel and increase his relationships with customers and vendors for the remainder of his career. Chris had been a valuable member not only of Electrozad's business but of the Electrozad family too.
Franklin Electric Releases 2022 Sustainability Report
Franklin Electric Co., Inc. released its third annual Sustainability Report this month, once again providing transparency, insight and data related to the Company’s performance toward Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiatives and goals. The commitment to these initiatives and goals led the Company to be named to Newsweek’s 2022 list of America’s Most Responsible Companies.
This year’s report includes several details related to product advancements, employee health and wellness programs, and manufacturing initiatives.
Changing Scene
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Bunting as Senior Sales Manager, Western Ontario District effective Aug 2nd, 2022. Doug will continue to report directly to me. Doug is a well-known industry veteran who has held many leadership positions over his 35 years with Westburne.
In this role, Doug will drive commercial sales activities and will help recruit, mentor, and develop our team of commercial account managers, branch staff, and project managers. He will focus on accelerating sales growth in the Western Ontario District and will play a key role in supporting vendor and customer relationships.
Stanpro Announces Retirement of Greg Parsons, VP Sales, at the End of the Year
It is with mixed feelings that Stanpro recently announced that Greg Parsons, Vice-President of Sales, will be retiring at the end of the year. Greg has been with Stanpro for the last 18 years as well as four years with Standard prior to joining Stanpro. Greg has been a key contributor to the success and growth Stanpro has known. He has been the face and leader of the sales force; he has built strong long-lasting relationships with customers and partners and he has been a pillar and mentor for many.
With Greg retiring, Stanpro are very pleased to announce the nomination of Adam Silverman as the National Sales Director. This nomination is effective immediately.
Magic Lite Announces the Appointment of Jennifer Penton to Management Team
Magic Lite is proud to announce the appointment of Jennifer (Jen) Penton to the position of National Sales Manager. Jen joins the team with a proven track record having spent the last 10 years in business development and project management with engineering consulting firm GHD.
Prior to this she earned a PhD at the University Of Western Australia. As the daughter of Magic Lite founder and CEO Tom Penton, Jen is very familiar with the company and its operations and is looking forward to bringing her passion and drive to the family company.
RESA Power Bolsters Its Presence in Canada With the Acquisition of Advanced Electrical Services, Ltd.
RESA Power, LLC has recently announced the acquisition of Advanced Electrical Services, Ltd. Based in Alberta, Canada, Advanced Electrical Services (AES) is a NETA accredited company that has two locations in Calgary and Edmonton from which it has been providing electrical testing services since 2008 throughout Western Canada.
AES specializes in providing medium and high voltage services and products into the renewable energy, mining, commercial, utility, and oil & gas market segments in Western Canada. RESA Power was acquired by Investcorp, a leading global alternative investment firm, in December 2021 and this marks the first add-on acquisition under their ownership.