The NAHB’s Women’s Council, with the help of InSinkErator, continues its promotion of building industry careers through student scholarship programs and awards.

At a special ceremony this week, Herbert L. Pirkey, corporate director for safety, health and environment for A.O. Smith Water Products Co, presented the 380 McBee, S.C., employees with a commemorative plaque along with a letter signed by Paul Jones, chairman and CEO of A.O. Smith Corp., for their outstanding safety record in achieving two-million hours without a lost-time accident.

Combined U.S. factory shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for December totaled 330,698, a 16 percent drop compared with December 2006 totals, according to the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI).

Danze Inc. has promoted Michael Wurth to Director of Design. Wurth (IDSA) previously served as Product Manager/Fittings for the company.

Power tool manufacturer, DeWALT, has collaborated with Ford Motor Co. to launch Tool Link, an RFID asset tracking system that lets contractors tag and track detailed inventory of their tools and equipment stored in the pickup box or van.

Victaulic recently announced plans to open a distribution center in Redlands, Calif., by February 2008.

For the second consecutive year, Hubbard Enterprises/HOLDRITE has been named one of the Best Places to Work in San Diego County.

Johnson Controls bought Skymark International, an indoor packaged HVAC products manufacturer headquartered in Ontario, Canada.

Elkay Plumbing Products Division announced it has committed to a substantial investment to transform its Broadview, Ill., sink manufacturing facility into the Elkay Technology Center, which will include a new “rapid production facility.”

The 3rd annual Accubid User Conference will be held April 24-26, 2008, at the Toronto Marriott Bloor Yorkville Hotel.