These industry movers and shakers are making headlines.

LA-CO Industries announced the winners of its Summer 2006 Regular Flux® promotion, which sent winners to cheer on their local teams as they took the field in the race for play-off potential.

Mechanical pipe-joining systems producer Victaulic announced the grand opening of a new 35,000-sq.-ft. distribution branch. It provides customers more flexibility and added convenience throughout the Northeast with same-day pick up

Roth Industries Inc. offers training for its double-wall tank installation at various times throughout the month, conducted by the sales force as well as the manufacturer reps. Since the training

State Water Heaters recently held a media event to announce its new branding campaign - the State Racing Program.

REHAU opened a new plant in Monterrey, Mexico. It houses 28,000 sq. ft. of manufacturing space, in addition to a 16,000-sq.-ft. warehouse facility.

Rutherford, N.J.-based Steamist Co., a maker of steam bath and sauna equipment, has been acquired by RAF Industries of Jenkintown, Pa.

Victaulic Co. recently acquired full ownership of NVent LLC, a joint venture of the two companies located in Allentown, Pa. Under terms of the agreement, all manufacturing, sales, marketing and distribution efforts will now reside with Victaulic.

Canadian manufacturer Selkirk recently purchased the assets of venting manufacturer Heat-fab Inc. (Turner Falls, Mass.). The present operation will remain intact and continue to manufacture a full range of products under the well-established brand names of Saf-T Vent, Saf-T Liner and Saf-T Pipe.

During the 1896 presidential campaign, the big political debate of the day centered on whether to stick with the gold standard or go with the silver standard. Meanwhile, a Michigan plumbing company was getting its start thanks to a metal of a different sort.