Franklin Electric signs agreement to acquire Barnes de Colombia
Franklin Electric has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Barnes de Colombia S.A., a manufacturer and distributor of industrial and commercial pumps based in Cota, Cundinamarca, Colombia. This acquisition aligns with Franklin Electric’s long-term growth and diversification goals, providing opportunities for expansion in Latin America. Barnes de Colombia, also operating under the WDM brand in certain countries including the U.S., is headquartered near Bogotá, Colombia. It has two manufacturing facilities and over eight stocking locations in Colombia, as well as assembly facilities in Mexico, Brazil and Argentina, as well as local warehouses in Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Peru and Chile.
IAPMO releases Peak Water Demand Study
IAPMO released “Peak Water Demand Study: Full Study,” a comprehensive analysis redefining water supply system sizing for residential and multifamily buildings. Based on real-world data from more than 1,000 households, the study provides an evidence-based approach to right-sizing plumbing systems — demonstrating reductions in water waste, construction costs and public health risks. IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator accurately predicts peak water demand in single-family homes and multi-family buildings. Key parts of the study include results and recommendations for the end use of fixture and appliance flow rates; description of the fixture use probabilities that were observed as part of a more than 1,000-home data set; and explanation of the algorithms used in calculating peak flow rates as part of the Water Demand Calculator.
Trelleborg Group finalizes acquisition of NuFlow Technologies
Trelleborg Group, through its business area Trelleborg Industrial Solutions, that its acquisition of NuFlow Technologies has officially closed. Tom Bowman, president of NuFlow, says in a release, “This partnership is a huge boost to NuFlow and to our worldwide network of certified contractors. Being able to leverage not just their leadership and shared resources, but also the technologies and expertise of their pipe repair offering will allow us to expand our solutions into new markets and serve more customers than ever before.”
Zoom Drain announces Jim Foley as new brand president
Zoom Drain has appointed Jim Foley as the organization’s new brand president. In this role, Foley will focus his efforts on growing and strengthening Zoom Drain’s growing franchise network while overseeing marketing, business consulting, operations and human resources. Most recently, Foley served as senior vice president of master franchise operations at Vanguard Cleaning Systems, where he was instrumental in expanding the system’s revenue and driving annual growth.
Marcone debuts new name, mSupply
St. Louis, Missouri-based Marcone, the parent company of the North American distributor of residential and commercial kitchen appliances, HVAC, plumbing and pool/spa repair parts and equipment, announced its new name: mSupply. The “m” pays homage to its history, while “Supply” emphasizes its commitment to being the trusted source for the right products, expert solutions and exceptional service across all the industries it serves.
NTI launches centralized Career Services Department
National Technical Institute, a state-approved trade school with campuses in Las Vegas, Phoenix and Houston, has launched a centralized Career Services Department to provide standardized job placement support for students across all campuses. This change is aimed at better connecting graduates in HVAC, plumbing and electrical fields with employers. Led by career services professional Nanci Munoz, the new department will focus on employer outreach, expanding career workshops and engaging students earlier in their training to better help them prepare and transition smoothly into the workforce. This shift expands NTI’s approach to career support, which was previously managed independently at each campus.
