Valley National buys Gas Arc Supply

WHEELING, W. Va.-Valley National Gases Inc., a distributor of fire protection equipment and medical and specialty gases, in early December completed the acquisition of Gas Arc Supply. The industrial gases and welding supply distributor had $4.5 million in annual sales and locations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Valley's president said the deal enhances its distribution capabilities in certain markets, with Gas Arc facilities being used as new distribution centers. Village requires sprinkler systems in new homes GLEN ELLYN, Ill.-Beginning this March, Glen Ellyn joins a growing list of towns requiring fire-suppression or sprinkler systems in new homes. The new ordinance, passed by the Village Board, not only affects single family homes, but also planned multi-unit developments that want to be associated with the village. According to a member of the town's volunteer fire department, new homes present a challenge to fire fighters because they are large and contain petroleum-based building materials. Town officials expect a fire suppression system will cost about $2 per square foot in new homes. U.S. Fire Administrator gets confirmed WASHINGTON-A former Miami-Dade Fire Rescue chief was confirmed as the U.S. Fire Administrator in December. R. David Paulison was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate in late November to lead the U.S. Fire Administration, a division of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The agency supports state and local fire service programs. Sprinkler manufacturer lays off employees FORKS TOWNSHIP, Penn.-Fire protection equipment and sprinkler head manufacturer Victaulic Co. laid off 130 people in November, a result of the sluggish economy and poor sales. Company officials say the construction industry has been heavily impacted following the attacks on Sept. 11 and a number of the company's distributors have cut back on their inventories. The private company employs 1,500 people. The company reported strong financial growth for its fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30, but over the past few months business has slowed down, warranting the reduction in employees.