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Supply Chain

Supply Chain Update - May 2024

Updated May 8, 2024

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Supply chain disruptions have presented numerous, ongoing challenges in recent years. These disruptions have prompted businesses to reevaluate their inventory strategies. While challenges persist, Chadwell Supply is adapting by optimizing inventory levels and reducing lead times. We remain committed to adjusting to market conditions to ensure that inventory continues to be well-stocked and available for our customers.

APPLIANCES & PARTS
  • Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator #301216 – Limited Availability – Extended lead times due to production and parts challenges.
  • Whirlpool Ice Maker Kit #306004 – Limited Availability – Extended lead times due to production and parts challenges.
  • Whirlpool Icemaker #306003 and #306004 – Feature Update
    • Icemaker #306004 does not come with a water line. Refrigerator models that come with a water line should use #306004.
    • Icemaker #306003 comes with a water line. Refrigerator models that come without a water line should use #306003.
    • Whirlpool models affected included: WRT148FZ series (#301032), WRT318FZ series (#301026, #301082, #301028), and WRTZ5028PB series (#306105, #306106)
  • Whirlpool Range #301230 – Limited Availability – Extended lead times due to production and parts challenges.
  • Whirlpool Oven Thermostat #304050 – Limited Availability – Discontinued by current supplier.
  • Whirlpool Infinite Switch #307043 – Limited Availability – Raw material challenges led to increased lead times.
  • Whirlpool Washer Tub Spring #307009 – Limited Availability – Discontinued by current supplier.
DOORS
  • Dunbarton Louver II Metal Bifold – Limited Availability – Manufacturing issues have led to production delays. Production has increased; extended lead times expected to continue into Q3 2024.
  • Rugby Doors – Item Transition – Multiple items in this line being replaced, all marked while supplies last.
    • All WSL Rugby doors will be replaced by Millwork doors
    • Height change from 79.5 to 80” to accommodate multifamily industry trend toward hard flooring
    • 5” doors available as a special order
ELECTRICAL
  • USI Smoke/Carbon Alarms
    • 3-in-1 Smoke, Fire, and Carbon Monoxide Smart Alarm #153040 – Limited Availability – Items experiencing extended lead times, but timelines are improving.
    • 2 in 1 Smoke and Fire Alarms #153009 and #153065 – Limited Availability – Items experiencing extended lead times, but timelines are improving.
    • 10-Year Carbon Monoxide Alarm (sealed battery) #153070 – Improving Availability – Items experiencing extended lead times, but timelines are improving.
  • Zinsco Breakers – Limited Availability – Multiple breakers experiencing delays due to manufacturing issues. Lead times should be back on track by the end of Q2.
    • #151014 - Zinsco 2p 30-amp RC Slimline
    • #151015 - Zinsco 2p 40-amp RC Slimline
    • #151016 - Zinsco 2P 50-amp Thin Breaker
    • #152019 - Zinsco 2p 50-amp Standard
    • #152033 - Zinsco 2p 100-amp Standard
    • #454039 - Zinsco 2p 15-amp RC Slimline
    • #152037 - Zinsco 1p 20-amp Twin UBIZ2020
HARDWARE
  • Pool Protector Latch #362110 – Limited Availability – Discontinued by manufacturer. Inventory team reviewing replacement items.
HVAC
  • As of January 1, 2024, the EPA has required a 40% reduction in the production of R-410A refrigerants.
    • This is a phase down, not a phase out, R-410A refrigerant will still be available.
    • Manufacturers will not produce R-410A equipment after December 31, 2024.
    • Manufacturers are beginning to produce equipment compatible with lower-GWP refrigerants.
      • AirQuest (Carrier) is transitioning to R-454B.
      • Goodman is transitioning to R-32.
    • R-410A systems have a sell-through/install deadline of December 31, 2025.
  • For more information about this refrigerant transition, see the Q&A on our Product Knowledge Page [https://chadwellsupply.com/a2l-faq]
  • Some HVAC tools and related safety equipment may require upgrades to work with the lower-GWP (A2L) refrigerants. Chadwell Supply will be stocking these products as the transition dates come closer:
    • Recovery machines
    • Vacuum pumps, gauges, manifolds, hoses
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Leak detectors
    • Digital scales
    • Filter driers – Expected in Q2
    • Recovery cylinders – Expected in Q2
JANITORIAL
  • Sponge mop #353048 and refill head #353052 – Limited Availability – Discontinued by manufacturer. Inventory team reviewing replacement items.
  • Eye Wash Refill #421161 – Limited Availability – Product unavailable from vendor. Inventory team researching potential replacement options.
LIGHTING
  • Omni 3000-Watt Photocell #164011 – Limited Availability – Raw material shortages have led to extended lead times.
    • Manufacturer expects conditions to continue through summer.
    • Inventory team exploring alternative sources as well as LED options due to ongoing industry shifts

Additional lighting regulations went into effect in several states on January 1, 2024. More are expected in 2025-26.

  • These regulations restrict specific groups of compact and linear fluorescent lamps in Vermont, California, Oregon, and Rhode Island.
  • Colorado, Hawaii, and Maine expected to begin similar restrictions in January 2025.
  • Current items affected include:
    • U-Bent Fluorescent Bulb #161070 – Limited Availability – Item restricted by date in states listed above. Available for other locations.
    • 4W-8W Fluorescent Starter #163302 – Limited Availability – Item being phased out, available while supplies last.
    • 22W-25W Fluorescent Starter #163304 – Limited Availability – Item being phased out, available while supplies last.
PAINT & SUNDRIES
  • Krylon Industrial Acrylic Floor Paint – Haze Gray #455066 – Limited Availability – Inventory impacted by material and production challenges.
  • White Lightning Siliconized Latex White Caulk #454054 – Limited Availability – Raw material and production challenges have led to shipping delays. The manufacturer does not have an estimate for when conditions will improve.
  • Wooster Foam Roller Sleeve #452046 – Limited Availability – Manufacturing delays.
  • Wooster Mini Roller 2-pack #452134 – Limited Availability – Manufacturing delays.
  • Wooster Brushes and Rollers – Now Available – The following paint applicators have been updated and are available now:
    • #452065 - 3" Ultra Pro Nylon/Polyester Angle Sash
    • #452070 - 1 1/2" Silver Tip Polyester Angle Sash
    • #452072 - 2" Silver Tip Polyester Angle Sash
    • #452074 - 2 1/2" Silver Tip Polyester Angle Sash
    • #452080 - 1 1/2" Polyester Factory Sale Angle Sash Brush
    • #452081 - 1 1/2" Polyester Flat Brush
    • #452083 - 2" Polyester Flat Brush
    • #452086 - 3" Polyester Flat Brush
PLUMBING
  • SharkBite – Feature Update – All fittings in this line are being transitioned to the new SharkBite Max. SharkBite is releasing the new fittings in phases.
POOLS
  • Regal Pool Stabilizer – Item Update – #361031 (8 lb.) has been discontinued and replaced by #361041 (7 lb.).
TOOLS & SAFETY
  • Motorola Radios #171010, #171020, and #171030 – Limited Availability – Production delays, expected to continue through Q2 2024. #171032 UHF 2 Watt, 4 Channel Radio remains available.
  • Stovetop Firestop Low Pro #153049 – Limited Availability – Material shortages have led to manufacturing delays. Product expected to start shipping in May.
SHIPPING UPDATES 

PANAMA CANAL—Ongoing drought led to restrictions in the number of cargo ships traversing the Panama Canal. Under normal conditions, 38 ships pass through the canal each day. Officials have reduced that number to 27 per day. About 40 percent of U.S. containers pass through the canal each year.

SUEZ CANAL— The number of ships transiting the Suez Canal has been reduced due to attacks on shipping vessels. The Suez Canal connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. As much as 30% of global container trade typically traverses that passage. Two large global shipping companies, Denmark’s Moller-Maersk and Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd, continue to avoid the canal, taking the longer route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope. Reports have quoted Maersk spokespersons saying the “risk zone” has expanded and the company expects disruptions to shipping in the region to continue through the end of the year. Hapag-Lloyd reportedly said it expects the situation to be resolved sooner.

BALTIMORE—After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, ship traffic was suspended in the Port of Baltimore. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to have a temporary deep shipping channel open to commercial vessel traffic by mid-May.