The new distribution center will serve all of the company’s branch locations in the Upper Midwest as well as direct-to-customer deliveries Exotec®︎, a global warehouse robotics provider, announced that First Supply, the largest Wisconsin-based wholesaler of HVAC, Builder, Plumbing, Lighting, Waterworks, Industrial PVF, Pump, Well and Septic supplies, has partnered with Exotec to install cutting-edge warehouse Read more
HVAC
The new distribution center will serve all of the company’s branch locations in the Upper Midwest as well as direct-to-customer deliveries
Exotec®︎, a global warehouse robotics provider, announced that First Supply, the largest Wisconsin-based wholesaler of HVAC, Builder, Plumbing, Lighting, Waterworks, Industrial PVF, Pump, Well and Septic supplies, has partnered with Exotec to install cutting-edge warehouse robotics at its new 308,000-square-foot distribution center in Western Wisconsin.
Like many companies experiencing strong growth, First Supply was challenged with changing its operating model to reimagine the possibilities of its supply chain. This included finding a solution to manage a growing variety of stock-keeping-units (SKUs), effectively utilize available space, and reduce labor-intensive manual picking practices. By automating its warehouse with Exotec’s Skypod System, First Supply aims to improve productivity, optimize resource utilization, and ultimately better serve its customers.
First Supply’s Skypod system will consist of over 43,000 storage bins, 36 robots, three picking stations, and three induction work stations. Anticipating continuous growth, First Supply has designed the distribution center to easily scale its storage capacity by up to 30% in the system by adding bins and robots. The system will make use of Exotec’s smart conveying technology, Skypath, to feed six packing stations and a sortation loop with 12 outbound destination lanes. The distribution center will support all of the company’s branch locations in the Upper Midwest, as well as effectively supplying direct-to-customer deliveries.
“As a 127-year-old, 5th generation company, First Supply is committed to innovating how our employees experience work daily. Our rich history has laid the groundwork for success in distributing innovation and fostering partnerships in our communities, with our customers, and among our partners,” says Katie Poehling Seymour, President & CEO at First Supply. “We’re transforming our supply chain, focusing on optimizing inventory management through enhanced technology and refined procedures, exemplified by our new distribution center.”
First Supply has chosen to deploy Exotec’s Skypod system in its distribution center, with the goal of innovating its current operations to prioritize its workforce and enable further business growth. First Supply is excited to enhance efficiency while also being able to make the warehouse a more enjoyable workplace for its employees.
“We believe in working smarter, not just harder. Robotics provide us with an efficient means to store and retrieve items, enhancing efficiency and enabling us to swiftly adapt to the evolving demands of our business,” Poehling Seymour highlights. “We foresee a bright future for our company, driven by human connections in our operations while collaborating with companies like Exotec to accelerate our innovations.”
“First Supply is among the first US companies in their industry to adopt cutting-edge robotics solutions for their warehouse,” states Stanislas Normand, Managing Director of Exotec, North America. “This not only demonstrates their capability for innovation but also establishes the gold standard for the industry in building customer-centric supply chain operations.”
About First Companies
Established in La Crosse, WI, First Companies is a regional distributor with 52 locations, including: 28 First Supply distribution branches, 5 First Waterworks branches, 1 Central Distribution Center, 14 Gerhard’s Kitchen, Bath and Lighting stores, and 4 Kohler Signature Stores by First Supply in the upper Midwest. Founded in 1897, First Companies employs over 650 people, is a family-owned, single source provider of HVAC, Builder, Plumbing, Lighting, Waterworks, Industrial PVF, Pump, Well and Septic supplies. For more information, visit: FirstSupply.com
About Exotec
Exotec is a global warehouse robotics company powering the world’s largest brands. The company combines the best of hardware and software to offer elegant warehouse robotic systems that drive operational efficiency, add resiliency, and improve working conditions for warehouse operators. 50+ industry-leading brands including Gap Inc, Carrefour, Decathlon, and Uniqlo trust Exotec to improve their operations across 100+ sites worldwide. Learn more at Exotec.com.
Airzone Control, provider of intelligent and innovative HVAC control solutions, has announced the appointment of Cameron Davis as the new Regional Sales Manager for the West Territory. This strategic hire underscores the company’s dedication to bolstering its market presence and enhancing personalized customer support throughout the western United States. Cameron Davis brings a robust background Read more
Airzone Control, provider of intelligent and innovative HVAC control solutions, has announced the appointment of Cameron Davis as the new Regional Sales Manager for the West Territory. This strategic hire underscores the company’s dedication to bolstering its market presence and enhancing personalized customer support throughout the western United States.
Cameron Davis brings a robust background in HVAC sales, underscored by his impactful tenures at D-Techsales and Fieldpiece Inc., where he excelled in regional sales management roles. At D-Techsales in San Juan Capistrano, CA, Cameron led sales efforts across multiple states, achieving a 65% increase in business within his first year by providing tailored support to HVAC contractors and wholesalers. At Fieldpiece Inc., Cameron managed a network of 54 sales representatives nationwide. His strategic initiatives and hands-on customer engagement contributed to sustained revenue growth and enhanced client satisfaction across the board.
As Airzone’s Regional Sales Manager for the West Territory, Cameron will direct sales strategies, optimize team performance, and cultivate enduring relationships with HVAC dealers in the region. His approach will focus on high-touch, in-person engagements, ensuring that Airzone’s solutions are perfectly aligned with customer needs.
Victoria Garcia Massimo, Operations Manager for Airzone North America, remarked, “Cameron’s profound expertise in the HVAC sector and his track record of transformative sales leadership are exactly what Airzone needs as we expand our solution portfolio in North America. His ability to connect with clients and drive results through customized solutions will accelerate our mission of empowering dealers to offer smarter, more efficient HVAC solutions.”
“I am excited to bring my passion for the HVAC industry and personalized customer service to Airzone,” Cameron Davis stated. “I am committed to deepening our client relationships through direct interactions, helping them navigate new refrigeration regulation challenges and seize sustainability incentive opportunities with our innovative products.”
Learn more about Airzone at airzonecontrol.com.
Malco Tools, one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, has been named a 2024 Minnesota Manufacturing Award winner from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. For the second time since 2018, Malco has been named Manufacturer of the Year in the medium-sized Read more
Malco Tools, one of the nation’s leading solution developers and manufacturers of a variety of high-quality tools for the HVAC and building construction trades, has been named a 2024 Minnesota Manufacturing Award winner from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
For the second time since 2018, Malco has been named Manufacturer of the Year in the medium-sized business category. The awards celebrate the successes and contributions of leading manufacturers to the region’s economy.
Malco, which employs 150+ associates at its plant in Annandale, is a 100% employee-owned employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) company. Malco aims to be a destination company in central Minnesota and has made many significant positive changes to the business to achieve this goal, including setting new company core values and an internal “Look Good, Feel Good, Do Good” campaign to renovate workspaces, promote employee collaboration and wellbeing, and give back to the community.
Since its last Manufacturer of the Year award win, Malco has welcomed a new leadership team and strategic board members focused on driving measured and strategic growth, and strengthening the brand as it expands its product lines.
“Earning this recognition is such an honor, and an amazing way to celebrate the entire team’s work over the years to strengthen our internal culture, improve processes and bring in strategic experts to help guide our growth, all while maintaining our commitment to developing and manufacturing the highest quality tools for skilled trade pros,” said Rich Benninghoff, president and CEO at Malco. “We are immensely proud to once again be recognized among the leading manufacturers in the state of Minnesota who are doing fantastic work and promoting our local manufacturing industry.”
Malco is also a strong advocate for trade careers, donating significant quantities of in-kind products and apparel annually to national skilled trade education programs, competitions and events. Malco has also reached 85,000+ vocational students through its national “Head of the Class” Student Recognition Program, partnering with educators to recognize high-potential students and entire graduating classes in the trades.
Malco celebrates a safety-first culture, continuously maintaining its OSHA Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (MNSHARP) recognition since 2004, and earning the Minnesota Safety Council’s Governor’s Safety Award 13 times in the last 20 years.
Additionally, Malco is transitioning to environmentally-friendly recyclable packaging materials with significantly less plastic, reducing waste, conserving resources, and lessening its environmental impact.
Malco will be profiled in the July 19 issue of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal, and more information about the award can be found here.
For more information about Malco Tools, visit www.malcotools.com.
Ontario, Calif. — With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issuing the first national drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®) continues to lend its expertise and leadership to helping manufacturers and the industry navigate the changes and ensure a seamless transition. IAPMO’s subject Read more
Ontario, Calif. — With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issuing the first national drinking water standards for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO®) continues to lend its expertise and leadership to helping manufacturers and the industry navigate the changes and ensure a seamless transition.
IAPMO’s subject matter experts will participate on committees and working groups for numerous relevant standards, including NSF/ANSI/CAN 61: Drinking Water Components — Health Effects; NSF/ANSI 53: Drinking Water Treatment Units — Health Effects; NSF/ANSI 58: Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water Treatment Systems; and ASSE LEC 2006: Point of Entry Reverse Osmosis Systems. IAPMO strongly encourages manufacturers of applicable products to join the process to ensure their voices are heard as these important standards are updated. The EPA has provided a fact sheet on home filters to reduce PFAS levels.
In addition, IAPMO has published documents with vital information plumbing and product manufacturers need to know before the restrictions become mandatory, including an overview of the standards development process and how to get involved. There is also an opportunity to sign up for notifications about committees and updates. The information is available at https://iapmort.org/pfas-compliance-guide.
“The EPA rule means five PFAS chemicals will be added to the pass/failure requirements in the NSF/ANSI 61 standard. It’s a significant change,” IAPMO Chief Technical Services Officer Tom Palkon said. “IAPMO R&T is already equipped to provide testing to standards that govern products that may be affected by this new rule. We welcome questions and concerns from manufacturers that seek clarity.”
Exposure to PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancers, impacts to the immune system and thyroid, and reproductive and developmental effects.
This final rule represents the most significant step to protect public health under EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. The final rule will reduce PFAS exposure for approximately 100 million people, prevent thousands of deaths, and reduce tens of thousands of serious illnesses. The announcement complements President Biden’s government-wide action plan to combat PFAS pollution. This Final Rule will impact more than 66,000 public water systems by 2027, these public water systems must monitor and provide three years of initial monitoring. By 2029, these systems will have five years to implement solutions to reduce PFAS, and these systems where drinking water violates one of more MCLs must take action and must notify the public of the violation.
The rule establishes legally enforceable levels for several PFAS known to occur individually and as mixtures in drinking water. It sets limits for five individual PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHxS, and HFPO-DA (also known as “GenX Chemicals”), as well as a limit for mixtures of any two or more of four PFAS: PFNA, PFHxS, PFBS, and “GenX chemicals.” By reducing exposure to PFAS, this final rule will help advance public health and safety.
The EPA’s free Water Technical Assistance program (WATERTA) is providing support and access to federal funds of underserved and disadvantaged communities to comply with the new Rule. The EPA also will offer a free webinar April 30 on various aspects of the Final Rule.
Manufacturers have long trusted IAPMO R&T for its foresight in assisting them to meet the dynamic legislative demands on their water treatment products, faucets, valves, fittings and other products that contact drinking water. IAPMO R&T has been certifying products to be in compliance with standards governing their use since 1936.
As part of a steadfast commitment to world-class learning, coaching, and development within the home services industry, Minnesota-based Nexstar Network has upgraded their corporate headquarters relocating from downtown St. Paul to Bloomington, Minn. Nexstar’s new headquarters is spacious and light-filled; it features the Frank J. Blau, Jr. Training Center, a state-of-the-art learning destination, as well Read more
As part of a steadfast commitment to world-class learning, coaching, and development within the home services industry, Minnesota-based Nexstar Network has upgraded their corporate headquarters relocating from downtown St. Paul to Bloomington, Minn. Nexstar’s new headquarters is spacious and light-filled; it features the Frank J. Blau, Jr. Training Center, a state-of-the-art learning destination, as well as free covered parking and onsite security. Just minutes from the MSP airport and the Mall of America, this centralized location is close to numerous acclaimed restaurants, high-end shopping, and green spaces.
Julian Scadden, Nexstar Network President and CEO, joins with Nexstar members, leadership and VIPs during the ribbon cutting celebration at Nexstar Network’s Open House event.
Nexstar recently hosted a grand opening celebration to officially open the doors to their destination HQ. More than 100 Nexstar members, VIPs, Strategic Partners, and employees attended the celebration.
Of the new headquarters, Julian Scadden, Nexstar President & CEO, says, “We serve a membership that is built on in-person relationships. We are proud to have a space where our staff can connect with each other and our members in service to our mission to turn the world’s best tradespeople into the world’s best businesspeople.”
Nexstar Network hosted an Open House celebration to welcome members, strategic partners, current and former employees, industry VIPs, community leaders, and neighbors to their new headquarters and training location.
Designed to host Nexstar members and Strategic Partners in a welcoming space when they’re in the Twin Cities to network and train, the upgraded headquarters offers a collaborative, flexible, and productive workspace for Nexstar employees.
“We are excited to welcome our members “home” to our new headquarters,” says Carrie Fraser, Vice President of Operations. “Connecting members and providing top-tier, participant-centered training is core to who we are and the value we provide for our members.”