Distributor GE Supply expanded recently with new locations in Philadelphia and Miami. The company opened a 54,000 sq. ft. branch and distribution "hub" in Philadelphia, and a Miami branch that serves customers throughout Florida's Dade and Monroe counties.

Apex Supply Co. opened a distribution center in Nashville, Tenn. A Home Depot company, Apex Supply sells plumbing, HVAC and other professional products to plumbers, mechanical contractors, heating and air conditioning contractors, and industrial manufacturing facilities.

Electrical and industrial distributor Schaedler Yesco is building a $1.2 million, state-of-the-art facility in the York City Industrial Park in York, Pa. The 22,000 sq. ft. building will include a counter/storefront, modern training center, warehouse space and offices. Construction is expected to be completed in September. For the full story and latest news updates, go to www.inddist.com.

Fluid sensor manufacturer Gems Sensors Inc. acquired Pressure Devices, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of indus-trial pressure switches … Distributor McJunkin Corp . signed a letter of intent to acquire Valvax Corp., a valve distributor with coverage in the Midwest … Gas, welding and safety supplies distributor Airgas, Inc. acquired 14 branches of Union Industrial Gas Group, an independent distributor headquartered in Irving, Texas. The branches are in Florida, Georgia and California. Airgas also announced plans to acquire Delta Safety Supply, Inc., with branches in Stockton and Santa Rosa, Calif. The deal was expected to close April 30 … Canadian distributor S.B. Simpson Group Inc. acquired industrial distributor Kingsway Industrial Supplies Services Ltd., also of Canada … Power transmission distributor Baldwin Supply Co. acquired Arrowhead Belt Service , Northome, Minn.

Armor Electric Motor Repair was recognized by Emerson Motor Technologies as the top sales distributor of U.S. motor products in the Northeast region … Distributor Motion Industries, Inc. won a 2002 Visteon Important Partner Award … Distributor Airgas, Inc. won the Compressed Gas Assn. Fleet Safety Excellence Award for the second consecutive year …Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. won Intel Corp.'s Preferred Quality Supplier award … Distributor Brammal Supply Co., of Benton Harbor, Mich., celebrates 130 years in business this year.

Send Update information to managing editor Victoria Fraza, 275 Washington St., Newton, Mass., 02458; call 617-558-4791; fax to 617-558-4327; or e-mail vfraza@reedbusiness.com.

Among those pounding the pavement at the recent meeting of NAHAD-The Assn. for Hose & Accessories Distribution was association president John Mork, back on his feet after suffering a serious back injury several months ago. Mork is president of Woodridge, Ill.-based Gooding Rubber Co.

Returning to the NAHAD family was former president Joe Mika, longtime leader of Goodall Rubber Co., one of NAHAD's largest distributor-member firms. Mika left Goodall, and the industry, in early 2002, but is now back, working for hose manufacturer Durodyne, Inc.

In addition to recognizing Mork and Mika, the NAHAD leadership took time to remember three members who have died since last year's annual meeting in Palm Springs, Calif.: Walter Pilkington, 71, an owner and former vice president of York Rubber Co., Detroit, Mich.; Rene Jacoby , 91, CEO of Amazon Hose & Rubber Co., Orlando, Fla.; and Don E. Moss, 73, president of Moss Rubber & Equipment Co., San Francisco, Calif.

More than 900 people turned out for NAHAD's 19^th Annual Meeting & Convention, held April 5-9 in Orlando, Fla.