BioLab Fire Cause Still Under Investigation
Authorities are still investigating a fire that destroyed approximately $14 million worth of materials in BioLab's Conyers, Ga., chemical warehouse May 25.
Losses include 8 million pounds of chlorine-based pool sanitizers and 7 million pounds of other sanitizers, as well as assorted pool maintenance products, such as water-balancing chemicals, clarifiers and patio furniture cleaners.
The company says that although it was able to fulfill many orders without disruption, the warehouse contained inventory for distributor and private-label customers.
BioLab has replaced the 260,000square-foot warehouse, and says its seven other warehouses located across the United States are distributing products to make up for any delays their customers might have experienced.
"We are confident that in all cases, we will soon return to the level of service our customers have come to expect from us," says Charlie Schobel, executive vice president.
The fire began at the warehouse at approximately 4:30 a.m. The warehouse was used as a storage location for finished goods and packaging supplies such as boxes, labels, pallets and other containers. According to CNN.com, the three main chemicals stored in the warehouse were trichloroisocyanuric acid, dichloroisocyanuric acid and calcium hypochlorite, which are sanitizers. The building also housed offices, a training room, a conference room and a break room.
Hayward Buys Goldline Shares
Hayward Pool Products, Elizabeth, N.J., recently purchased all outstanding shares of La Mesa, Calif.-based Goldline Controls.
With this purchase, Hayward and Goldline will integrate product offerings and marketing efforts, but the agreement will not alter the day-today operations of either company.
Hayward says it selected Goldline to enhance its line of pool equipment, which includes pumps, filters, heaters and heat pumps. "The acquisition will enable us to enhance our Totally Hayward System with a more complete line of pool management tools, including a full line of salt chlorinators and pool and spa controls," says Robert Davis, president and CEO of Hayward.
For more information, contact Hayward at 908/351-5400, ext. 207, or visit haywardnet.com.
Council Seeks Nominations
The Hot Tub Council is accepting nominations for this year's Inspire and Eagle awards, which recognize a company and an individual for their commitment to the hot tub industry.
To qualify for the Inspire award, companies should encourage employee involvement in the industry by establishing programs that promote education related to career growth, regularly communicating the benefits of hot water therapy through advertising, and promoting the industry as a whole. The company must also be a current NPSI member in good standing.
Individuals nominated for the Eagle award must also be current NSPI members.
In 2003, the Inspire award was presented to ThermoSpas for its support of the industry and its efforts to elevate sales and product relevance to hot tub consumers. The Eagle award was given to Lauren Stack, marketing consultant for HotTubLiving.com.
Submissions cannot come from within the company being nominated or from within the company for which a nominated individual works.
To nominate a company or an individual, complete the application on the NSPI Web site, nspi.org, or e-mail Dina Murray at [email protected]. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Sept. 24.
Expanding Facilities
- Beachcomber Hot Tubs, Surrey, British Columbia, recently opened a Tilburg, Netherlands, development center, which will streamline the company's European manufacturing and warehousing, as well as establish an international Beachcomber showroom.
- San Juan Pools of Lakeland, Fla., recently opened a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Wolcott, Ind. In addition to this new facility, San Juan has manufacturing plants in Lakeland, Fla., and Eloy, Ariz.
- Cal Spas has expanded its Ponoma, Calif.-based manufacturing facility to 1 million square feet. Along with the expansion, the company is hiring 600 new employees, bringing the company's total workforce to 1,200.
Awards Of Excellence
- The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development has awarded the employees at Lebanon-based Lochinvar Corp. with the Governor's Award for working 800,000 man-hours without a lost workday due to injury.
- Bob Hallum, founder and CEO of Dimension One Spas, has been named a 2004 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the San Diego, Calif., Consumer Products category. Hallum was selected by an independent panel of judges made up of local community and business leaders. Hallum is now eligible for the 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year national program, which is held in November.
- David Ludlow, founder of Bullfrog Spas, has also been named a 2004 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in the Sandy, Utah, Manufacturing category, making him eligible for the 2004 Entrepreneur of the Year.
- The Zodiac G4 automatic pool cleaner, from Zodiac Pool Care, Pompano Beach, Fla., recently won a Silver IDEA in the 2004 Industrial Design Excellence Awards presented by the Industrial Designers Society of America. Zodiac says it earned the award, sponsored by BusinessWeek Magazine, because of the G4's design achievements. A complete listing of winners is featured on the IDSA Web site at idsa.org.
Donate Overstock, Save On Taxes
The National Association for the Exchange of Industrial Resources says companies can save money on taxes while reducing product overruns, returns or usable seconds.
The not-for-profit organization says by donating, C corporations may deduct the cost of the goods plus half the difference between cost and fair market value. S corporations, partnerships and sole proprietorships earn a straight cost deduction.
The overstock inventory is redistributed to schools, churches and nonprofit organizations nationwide.
To learn more, contact NAEIR at 800/562-0955 or e-mail [email protected].
