Blackman Plumbing Supply, a leading distributor of plumbing, heating, and cooling supplies, reported that the company’s 2011 Trade Show attracted nearly 2,000 attendees, who took advantage of special show pricing on a range of products on display in 117 booths from more than 60 vendors.

It’s a tough crowd of consumers out there. According to distributors, consumer behavior is leading to a drop-off in the replacement market, as well as a drop-off in the high-end market. Yet despite these worrisome trends, distributors are still seeing areas of growth and employing smart tactics to keep their businesses in good shape.

The annual conference of the Heating, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) is right around the corner, and that means it’s time for a change in the organization’s leadership.

The ability of a wholesaler to grow a business and gain market share requires a multi-dimensional strategic plan that encompasses generating, managing, and sustaining growth. 

These remarks concern how to start an HVACR distribution business.

“Work hard. Play hard. That is the kind of schedule we have provided for you this year,” said Talbot Gee, executive vice president and COO of Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) as he opened the 2011 Annual Conference at the Grand Wailea Resort.

Sundberg, a leading provider of more than 75,000 brand name appliance and HVAC parts, announced that it is kicking off a coast-to-coast expansion initiative in Chicago with the opening of a new headquarters facility and two state-of-the-art warehouses.

Heating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) announced North American HVACR average distributor sales for October were up 3.4 percent from the same month last year, which is down from last month’s 5.6 percent growth.

Lochinvar has announced the opening of a new distribution center in the Chicago area. The facility is located in Elk Grove Village, Ill.

Longo’s Supermarkets needed an environmentally friendly, cost-effective warehouse refrigeration, Neelands Refrigeration Ltd. and Hill Phoenix® had an answer.