The Toolbox E-Newsletter

Industry News

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd & Epic Alliance Buying Group sign Shareholders Agreement

PRESS RELEASE (February 25th, 2011)

The Board of Directors of Epic Alliance Buying Group is pleased to announce the signing of a Shareholders Agreement between Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. of Mississauga, Ontario and TORBSA Limited of Bolton, Ontario.

Epic Alliance Buying Group, representing 340 locations nationally, will allow both groups to benefit from the consolidation of buying power and provide distribution for our "key" vendors across Canada.

Both Castle and TORBSA are shareholder-owned groups. Each has a longstanding history of success, strong membership base and excellent relationships with the vendor community. Through development of this national alliance, Epic Alliance Buying Group intends to work together to create opportunities that will benefit its vendors and position our individual members for success.

We will be contacting our "key" vendors to arrange a meeting with the Board of Directors of Epic Alliance Buying Group to discuss our new organization and identify mutually beneficial opportunities.

All Weather Windows Recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies for the Third Consecutive Year

For the third year running, All Weather Windows retains its position as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies.

Gord Wiebe, CEO of All Weather Windows, is proud of the excellence exhibited by employees and business partnerships, which drives corporate success. "I especially appreciate the ongoing teamwork, accountability and community spirit displayed by everyone who has a stake in All Weather Windows."

Going into 2011, the company continues to lead industry innovation. The launch of new products such as Apex Alloy and initiatives such as Lean, a program implemented in 2007, will ensure ongoing growth and efficiency to achieve best business practices and customer satisfaction.

Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies targets businesses with revenues of over $10 million. Qualifying companies must demonstrate excellence in every facet of their business, from high stakeholder and customer value to a sustained focus on a core vision and growth throughout the year.

Furthermore, companies must demonstrate healthy corporate culture and values that go beyond financial success. In an age when business relationships routinely cross borders, companies must demonstrate corporate citizenship and a strong awareness of global responsibility and integrity.

All Weather Windows relentlessly pursues customer satisfaction by responding with effective strategies and innovative thinking. This, combined with the excellence of its products and services, has led the company to maintain its place among Canada’s corporate front-runners.

Durabuilt Windows & Doors Inc. is first Canadian Window and Door Manufacturer to Receive IMS Certification

Edmonton, Alberta – March 2011

Durabuilt Windows & Doors Inc. ("Durabuilt"), a leading window and door manufacturer headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, announced it is the first window and door manufacturer in Canada to receive IMS (Integrated Management Systems) certification.

IMS is based on international recognized best practices and is achieved when three critical management systems are implemented and audited: ISO 9001:2008 – Quality; ISO 14001:2004 – Environmental and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety.

IMS is based on systematic processes and approaches that are implemented throughout the entire lifecycle of a project. Quality consciousness is paramount in every decision and procedure that is implemented throughout the organization, without compromising the final product quality or customer experience. IMS certification is another component of Durabuilt’s continuous improvement process and reaffirms Durabuilt’s mandate and promise of the Ultimate in Quality.

Harry Sunner, Vice President and Amar Randhawa, General Manager stated: "We are very proud of our IMS certification, as it once again illustrates our commitment to our customers, employees and the communities within which we serve."

IMS certification reinforces Durabuilt’s goal of Operational Excellence throughout the entire organization, reaffirming its industry leadership and corporate stewardship. IMS certification will allow Durabuilt to be exposed to many new growth opportunities through the continued development of industry-leading products and manufacturing processes and by an increased capacity to reach new clients.

CGC Introduces SHEETROCK® Brand Interior Glass-Mat Liner Panel

Only Manufacturer to Offer Complete System of Interior Liner Panels and Steel Components

Mississauga, Ontario — March 1, 2011 — CGC Inc. announced the introduction of SHEETROCK® Interior Glass-Mat Liner Panel, available now across Canada. This high-performance, mould and water resistant glass-mat panel is for use in shaft wall systems and gypsum fire wall systems.

"We can’t control the weather on the construction site, but we have manufactured a product that can better withstand exposure to the elements," says Brian Milbury, Associate Product Manager, Panels, CGC Inc. "The SHEETROCK® Interior Glass-Mat Liner Panel enables you to stay on schedule, on spec and on budget."

The SHEETROCK® Interior Glass-Mat Liner Panel has improved mould, mildew and water resistance compared to standard liners. The mould-resistant core allows the panels to be exposed to the weather for up to 12 months after application. Installation is dry and quick via a simple score-and-snap process, eliminating the need for sawing or special tools. Panels are 1" (25.4 mm) thick x 24" (610 mm) wide and available in 8' and 10' standard lengths, with other lengths available by special order. Each panel weighs approximately 4 lbs/sq.ft.

"Customers who’ve already tried SHEETROCK® Interior Glass-Mat Liner Panel tell us they are easier to cut and rasp, fit more snugly in a stud, are less brittle and less likely to break while moving than competitors’ glass-mat liner panels," says Julie Delmonte, Product Manager, Panels, CGC Inc. "This is great feedback on an important addition to our family of interior panel products."

SHEETROCK® Interior Glass-Mat Liner Panels are cUL Classified and ULC listed for fire resistance, surface burning characteristics and non-combustibility. Comprehensive product and system testing ensures long-term performance and safety. They are guaranteed for five years against manufacturing defects and have a 12-month limited-exposure warranty. More information on SHEETROCK Glass-Mat Liner Panels can be found at www.cgcinc.com.

Morneau Sobeco announces Name Change

On January 1st, 2011, Morneau Sobeco converted from an income trust to a new corporate structure. Concurrent with the conversion, the name of the company changed to Morneau Shepell Ltd. Please be assured that this does not affect your business relationship in any way. Everything remains business as usual.

Ply Gem Canada earns Certificate of Recognition for National Safety Programs

Ply Gem® Canada, a leading manufacturer of window and door products for residential construction in western Canada, announced that it earned a Certificate of Recognition (COR) from the Alberta Construction Safety Association for the development and implementation of safety programs across all Ply Gem Canada operations in Alberta. The company earned an overall score of 99 per cent on its COR audit, one of the highest scores achievable through the program. This achievement is a result of the integration of safety into the company’s culture and effective management of the complex safety systems required for a large multi-location business.

To meet and exceed the standards outlined in the COR, such as employer policy and management commitment, employee competency and training, hazard identification, incident reporting and investigation and emergency response planning, Ply Gem Canada recently launched a new series of ongoing associate safety programs. The programs include classroom training on safe job procedures, daily meetings for every associate to discuss safety protocol for that day’s projects, an associate mentoring program and a weekly inspection program by company managers.

"Achieving the COR level of safety compliance is a significant milestone for Ply Gem Canada and is a declaration that our safety programs are effective and well-managed," said John Newman, vice president, operations, Ply Gem Canada. "This accomplishment is just the first step in our commitment to an ongoing approach to safety, not an invitation to relax our safety programs. In fact, we’ll be instituting more safety programs over the coming months."

Moving forward, Ply Gem Canada plans to implement a new behaviour-based safety system to measure activities that proactively prevent accidents from occurring. Continual feedback from associates and management will indicate what steps associates take to avoid accidents before they occur. The approach aims to continue the culture of safety that is already in place at Ply Gem Canada so that complacency in the workplace does not set in.

"Safety is something that’s important to each associate at Ply Gem Canada, whether they are manufacturing products or managing production teams," said Newman. "Top-quality safety practices translate into top-quality manufacturing processes, and that’s reflected in our products."

The process for obtaining COR certification comprises completion of a six-day COR safety management and training course by at least one full-time employee, passing a peer audit and then passing an external audit that assess how well a company meets COR standards.

CGC Launches Pixels™: Unique offering enables image display on CGC’s metal ceilings and wall-mounted systems

Mississauga, Ontario — February 14th, 2011

CGC Inc. announced the launch of Pixels™, the first design product of its kind in Canada, aimed at the commercial marketplace. Pixels™ turns a CGC metal ceiling or wall-mounted panel system into a "canvas" upon which images can be displayed, transforming blank surfaces into customized, interactive visuals.

"Pixels™ exemplifies CGC’s tireless commitment to innovation and industry leadership," said Scott Mahony, Product Manager - Ceilings, CGC Inc. "It opens the door to a new realm of creative possibilities for interior designers, architects, and their clients in the commercial arena."

Pixels™, enabled by Intelliperf Technology™, software proprietary to CGC, displays images, such as photographs and company logos, via perforations of various sizes in metal panels. The perforations give the display an optical art appearance close up and resolve into a clear image when viewed from a distance.

Pixels™ is available in CGC’s CELEBRATION™, PANZ® (FL OR SQ) and CURVATURA™ ceiling panels and CELEBRATION™ wall panels. The perforations provide the panels with the added benefit of acoustic properties, making them ideal for interior spaces.

A colour or black and white image can be displayed on a single panel of 2'x 2', 2'x 4' or 2'x 6’, or displayed as a mural across multiple panels, with no upper limit to the size of the display. Images can appear either as a negative, in which the light part of the image is perforated, or as a positive, in which the dark part is perforated. Typically, a higher-contrast image will produce a better result. CGC’s Ceilings Solutions Group will help qualify an image during the design process and a lighting consultant can advise on the best way to illuminate the display in order to achieve the desired effect.

Lighting
There are a number of lighting options available, determined by the design parameters of the display. Fluorescent strip fixtures provide non-directional illumination of space. Optional reflectors direct light downward and reduce upward spill light. Point source incandescent or halogen fixtures enable the perforation pattern to be projected onto the walls and floors of the space. CGC’s optional white Acoustabond™ backer diffuses light to create an even glow. Programmable LEDs add an additional level of interest by changing the colour of the projected perforations.

Flexibility and Choice
Pixels™ provides the flexibility to choose between higher resolution images and lower resolution images, either for artistic considerations or to reduce cost. Lower resolution images require fewer perforations which translates into a lower cost. As well, if an image takes up only part of the canvas, the entire surface has a smaller percentage of perforations overall, which also reduces costs.

"Now any space can be dramatically enhanced by incorporating images into the décor, simply, beautifully and cost effectively," says Scott Mahony. From a stunning showpiece to a subtle backdrop, there’s really no limit to the promise of Pixels™."

To find out more about CGC’s Pixels, click here.

TIM-BR MARTS LTD announces First Round of Divisional Appointments in New Company Structure

MONDAY, February 7, 2011 (Calgary, AB)

TIM-BR Marts Ltd. announced the first round of Divisional appointments as it moves to restructure the company and further integrate the newly acquired Distribution Operations into its business.

"Under this new structure," comments Tim Urquhart, President and CEO of TIM-BR MARTS Ltd., "we're creating an organization that will quickly become the buying group and support solution of choice for entrepreneurs in any region of the country. Each of these appointments represents individuals with in-depth experience in the industry who understand our business and have an unwavering commitment to Dealer success."

The new TIM-BR MART Divisional structure, reporting President and CEO:

Commercial
This Division will continue to be lead by Philippe La Roche. This includes vendor programs for Drywall, Insulation and Light Gauge Steel.

Corporate Development
The key function of this newly created Division will be managing strategic vendor partnerships for national programs and new Dealer Recruiting. Corporate Development will be lead by Steve Stremecki who will depart his role as VP of Retail Services and provide leadership to a number of different departments and business functions. Reporting to Steve will be a team of national Recruiters, TIM-BR MART Essentials (formerly TSG Essentials), and Communications plus a newly created Events position.

Finance
As interim Chief Financial Officer, Craig Malone (currently Director of Finance) will continue to oversee the functions of the Finance Division. The structure will remain unchanged; however, there will be close working relationships with staff in finance roles in Chalifour plus I.T.

Human Resources
Robert Scalesse, an experienced HR professional, will expand his current role as Director of Human Resources for Chalifour Canada and oversee activities for TIM-BR MART Ltd. as well.

Marketing
Jon Irwin will lead the Division, whose main objective will be the development and management of national retail programs that build the TIM-BR MART brand. Two other key reporting departments will be Merchandising, and Store Planning and Design.

Hardware Procurement
This Division will continue to be lead by Randy Martin who will provide direction and leadership to a team of Category Merchants, SPANCAN, Import and ACE Product Managers as well as a team of Re-buyers.

LBM Procurement
John Morrissey will retain his position as head of the LBM Procurement Division with four reporting Regional Buyers for the West, Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic.

Sales and Operations
This Division will be lead by Andrew Allen, previously the General Manager for CanWel Hardware. The core structure of this Division brings together two teams that directly impact our Dealers businesses: those responsible for bringing merchandise into stores and those that oversee its storage and distribution.

Other key departments that will report into Sales and Operations are Commodity Traders, I,T, (serving TIM-BR MART and Chalifour Canada), plus a Chalifour Controller.

TRUSERV CANADA announces dates for Spring 2011 National Buying Market

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA — February 2011

TruServ Canada will hold its Spring National Buying Market April 16-18, 2011 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

Over 750 independent retailers have the opportunity to attend the Market to plan their business and to coordinate their seasonal product purchases. Over 400 major manufacturers showcase a wide selection of upcoming products for the season as well as timely specials on everyday products.

TruServ Canada is proud to support independent retailers and to be able to offer products and services to help them grow their businesses. On Saturday April 16th, to kick off the Market, Best Practice seminars will be offered, as well as a Customer & Partner Welcome Event that evening.

TruServ Canada has some of the country's most efficient warehousing, product buying and distribution systems. TruServ Canada remains committed to supporting independent retailers and each of its retail banners: True Value, V&S and Country Depot Stores. Visit TruServ Canada at www.truserv.ca.

The dates for the Fall Market are October 1-4, 2011 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.