Sears PartsDirect Launches Commercial Web Site.

Business-to-business customers now have direct access to one of the largest selections of parts and accessories for appliances, home electronics, lawn and garden equipment and power tools online. Sears, Roebuck and Co. is expanding on the success of its PartsDirect Web site to include commercial customers through Sears PartsDirect Commercial Sales at www.spdcommercial.com. The new e-commerce site, which is a comprehensive online source for parts, and the home of genuine Kenmore parts, offers businesses access to more than 4.2 million parts from more than 400 manufacturers and includes owners' manuals for most major brands. Names like GE, Whirlpool. Amana, Kitchen Aid, Maytag, Briggs & Stratton, Kohler, Black & Decker, Panasonic and RCA, in addition to Kenmore and Craftsman, are just a few of the brands available trough the site.

Dero Debuts Fold Away Window Handle

Dero Enterprises introduced the Universal Fold Away Safety Handle. This fold away window handle has an out-of-the-way design that allows the crank handle to fold back flush with the window frame, eliminating protruding handles, which have been blamed for some hand and hip injuries. In the past, end users have removed the protruding handles to prevent them from causing injury or detracting from window decorations, which can result in misplaced handles and further safety concerns. The Universal Fold Away Safety Handles easily replace existing window cranks and are available in an array of colors and shaft sizes.

Custom Service Hardware Stocks Aqua-Cote

Custom Service Hardware, Inc., of Cedarburg, Wis., now stocks Aqua-Cote, a series of industrial grade water-based acrylic satin finishes that can be applied with a brush, sponge, high volume low pressure (HVLP) and other spray equipment. Aqua-Cote is available in a variety of finishes, including wood grains and clear satin base. The wood grain finishes are best suited for furniture, cabinets, doors moldings, tables, chairs and wood floors. The clear finishes provide a transparent coating for most interior applications on wood and non-metals, such as plastic, glass and MDF foam that won't yellow and can be coated in 30 minutes to an hour. AquaCote finishings are environmentally safe, noncombustible and nontoxic. These finishings clean up with warm water, are fast drying and are easy to use.

Safety Maker Introduces Safety Boot

Safety Maker, Inc., introduced Safety Boot, an Occupational Health and Safety Administration-compliant temporary railing system that is freestanding. The high impact polymer base is reusable and can be anchored directly into most surfaces, including concrete. These temporary safety guardrails are economical and do not require special tools or special training. Using common 2x4s as the basic building blocks, two 2x4s create a rigid post. Heavy duty slots in the Safety Boot base allow toeboards to be laid from any four directions.

AISB Publishes Model Business Plan

The American Institute of Small Business published a model business plan, Business Plan Example, which can easily be set up on a word processor and followed. Using the example company, one only needs to substitute the information gathered for his own plan. The Business Plan Example includes an executive summary, mission statement, marketing plan, advertising and public relations plans, production plan funding sources, future products, financial analysis, competitive strengths and weaknesses, key employees and advisors.

The example plan is in the style recognized by leading management organizations, banks, commercial lending institutions and the U.S. Small Business Administration. It sells for $29.95 and is available by calling the AISB at 800/328-2906.

Nail-Less Construction Tape Debuts

Alum-A-Pole Corp. introduced Pro-Trim Construction Tape`. This nail-less construction tape provides a spotless clean professional look for siding trim. It also furnishes a strong bond without nails and dented trim. ProTrim Construction Tape also allows you to reposition trim that was installed incorrectly without causing damage to the tape.

Wausau Announces New Curtainwall

Wausau Window Wall Systems in Wausau, Wis., now offers Series 8750 four-sided structural glazed curtainwall. The high performance Series 8750 compliments building aesthetics with full-size glass expanses and no visible exterior frame. Series 8750 are made at Wausau and have the option of being shipped to the project site as either preassembled units or as knocked down components with assembled and factory glazed carrier frames. It can also be special ordered with operating vent or entrance door inserts, internal structural reinforcing, integral Venetian blinds and exterior aluminum trim covers. Additional architectural aluminum may be requested for expanded design options. Wausaus' curtainwall systems are available with a variety of glazing systems and color-matched anodic or organic coatings.

Superior Adds Square Fluted Column

Superior Aluminum has added square fluted column design to its product line. Available in four standard colors, a variety of sizes and decorative caps, this elegant column design is good remodeling or new construction. The square fluted columns can be used as load-bearing structural elements and are perfect for entrances, covered walkways, lobbies, colonnades and balconies. They range in width from 4 inches to 16 inches and standard lengths run from eight feet to 30 feet. Matching caps and bases are available Standard, Doric and Charleston styles.