BRENTWOOD, TENN. — Terry Allen Bihun, vice president/business development and national accounts for A.O. Smith Water Products Co., died Nov. 1, 2005, at age 64.
"Terry was an extremely well-loved member of the A.O. Smith family, and this is a terrible loss for our organization, and for the hundreds of others he
touched in his personal and professional life," said Ajita Rajendra, president, A.O. Smith Water Products. "He was a leading authority in the water heater industry, a man with tremendous enthusiasm for life, and someone who truly loved working with and helping others. As a mentor to all of our regional managers and representatives, Terry was always willing to provide assistance or advice to anyone in need. His legacy is one of determination, hard work and friendship that will remain with us forever."
Bihun was a highly visible and widely respected figure in the plumbing industry. He joined State Industries in 1977 and spent many years as State's
Northeastern region sales manager before advancing to the position of vice president/sales. While at A.O. Smith, his broad-ranging responsibilities included maintaining current wholesale plumbing customers, exploring additional wholesale plumbing business opportunities, and overseeing the manufactured housing division, as well as the company's national account program and the builder program.
One of his closest friends was Bill Hargette, senior vice president/sourcing for Ferguson Enterprises.
"The plumbing business just isn't going to be as much fun without Terry," Hargette said. "He was my best friend, and a friend to everyone he met, including his competitors."
Bihun is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lee Ann Bihun, two daughters, two grandchildren and his father.
Terry Bihun
Grundfos buys PACO Pumps
OLATHE, KAN. — Grundfos Pumps Corp. has acquired PACO Pumps from Swiss Sulzer Ltd. Grundfos executives said that the acquisition plays a strategic role in the company's growth plans for the U.S. market and is expected to increase sales here by up to 30%.
Grundfos Group President and CEO Jens Jørgen Madsen said with the agreement to buy PACO Pumps, Grundfos takes an important step toward developing its North American business. This involves the building of new production facilities in Mexico, the development of R&D facilities in Olathe, where its North American headquarters is located, and a substantial increase in its U.S. sales force.
PACO, founded in 1907 and currently employing 225, produces cooling and air conditioning pumps used chiefly in the commercial building services market. Its headquarters and production facilities are located near Houston. PACO has manufacturing facilities near Shanghai, China.
Madsen added that PACO production and the PACO brand will continue under a newly established entity called Grundfos, CBS Inc.