Around the Industry - Dec 7, 2012

NEMA Lighting Systems Index drops 3.3% in 3Q 2012

The Lighting Systems Index published quarterly by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), Rosslyn, Va., declined in the third quarter of 2012 after a positive performance in the first half of 2012, falling 3.3% on a quarter-to-quarter basis. On a year-over-year basis the index decreased by 1.1%. Lighting equipment demand has struggled to gain traction since the recovery began and remains well below the levels observed during the previous economic expansion. Of the five categories of lighting systems products included in the index, only miniature lamps and fixtures registered solid gains in sales value compared to the third quarter of 2011. NEMA says lighting output gains are likely to pick up over time as construction activity gradually improves.

Check out EW podcast on 2012 trends in distribution technology

EW Chief Editor Jim Lucy made his picks for the biggest trends in the distribution technology arena in a new podcast available for listening at www.ewweb.com ‘Sponsored by SAP, the podcast includes Lucy’s thoughts on Grainger’s growth plans for its online storefront and the impact of mobile credit-card readers and video chats on the electrical market.

Madison Electric Products opens distribution center in Golden State

Madison Electric Products, Bedford Heights, Ohio, opened a 35,000-square-foot distribution center in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Carrying Madison’s full product line, the facility will be the company’s first distribution center on the West Coast. The new distribution center complements Madison’s existing facility in Bedford Heights, Ohio, and is part of a network that includes 16 independent manufacturers’ rep warehouses. Facility features include wire-guided order pickers, more than 1,800 active pick locations, and more than 3,100 overstock locations. Madison will hold a grand opening at the facility on Jan. 17.

“This new distribution center is a testament to Madison’s growth and the additional demand for our innovative products on the West Coast,” said Brad Wiandt, president of Madison Electric Products, said in a press release. “The addition of this distribution center allows us to achieve higher fill rates and reduce backorders, continuing Madison’s customer-focused approach to the market.”

EMCOR nails contract for Army base in Arizona

EMCOR Government Services, Inc., a subsidiary of EMCOR Group Inc., Norwalk, Conn., recently won a contract by the U.S. Army to perform support services at Fort Huachuca, in Sierra Vista, Ariz. The contract began Nov. 1 and provides for a one-year term with an option by the U.S. Army to extend it for up to four additional years. If the project extends over the five-year period, EMCOR Government Services will be paid an aggregate of $42.7 million. EMCOR will provide operation and maintenance of the base’s electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, and water and wastewater systems.

PG&E names OneSource as Green Supplier of the Year

OneSource Supply Solutions/Sonepar, Oceanside, Calif., has been named “Green Supplier of the Year” by PG&E. OneSource’s Green Supply initiative review process began with an extensive case study performed by the University of California, Berkeley. Their analysis and recommendations of the company’s Greenhouse Gas footprint (GHG footprint) with relation to the products and services provided to PG&E was the initial stepping stone toward the award. Darrin Allen, OneSource’s director of quality and process, led the way to successful ISO 14001 certification of four OneSource facilities in California (Oakland, Oceanside, Buena Park and San Diego). Both initiatives were sponsored by PG&E.

OneSource’s green practices include: implementing an environmental tracking system to track comprehensive reductions in greenhouse gases; using a web-based tracking system to measure and track overall environmental goals including recycling of packing and shipping materials, wood, paper, plastic, cans and bottles; and retrofitting all facilities with energy-saving lamps and energy management controls to minimize energy consumption.