/ Resources / Industry Alert / Supply Chain

Supply Chain

Supply Chain Update - April 2024

Updated April 11, 2024

Share:       
 

 

Despite some ongoing global shipping, manufacturing, and materials challenges, the overall supply chain outlook is relatively stable. Chadwell Supply’s Inventory Team remains committed to adjusting to these and other market conditions to ensure that our inventory continues to be well-stocked and consistent.

APPLIANCES & PARTS
  • Whirlpool Side-by-Side Refrigerator 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: #301032, #301026, #301082, #301028, #306105, #306106
  • Ice Maker Kit for Whirlpool® #306029 – Limited Availability – Item discontinued by current supplier.
  • Amana Electric Range #301115 – Limited Availability – Extended lead times due to production and parts challenges.
  • Burner Switch for Whirlpool #304042 – Limited Availability – Component shortage has led to limited availability.
  • Whirlpool Infinite Switch #307043 – Limited Availability – Raw material challenges led to increased lead times.
  • Universal Mounting Burner Switch #304062 – Limited Availability – Production delays.
  • Whirlpool Oven Thermostat – #304050 – Limited Availability – Discontinued by current supplier.
  • Whirlpool Washer Tub Spring #307009 – Limited Availability – Discontinued by current supplier.
DOORS
  • Louver II Metal Bifold – Limited Availability – Manufacturing issues have led to production delays. Production has increased; extended lag time expected to continue into Q2 2024.
ELECTRICAL
  • USI 3-in-1 Smoke, Fire, and Carbon Monoxide Smart Alarm #153040 – Improving Availability – Items experiencing extended lead times, but timelines are improving.
  • USI 2 in 1 Smoke and Fire Alarms #153009 and #153065 – Improving Availability – Items experiencing extended lead times, but timelines are improving.
  • USI 10-Year Carbon Monoxide Alarm (sealed battery) #153070 – Improving Availability – Items experiencing extended lead times, but timelines are improving.
  • Zinsco Breakers – Improving Availability – Multiple breakers have been experiencing delays due to manufacturing issues. Lead times are improving.
    • #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
  • Kwikset – Line Change – Kwikset is discontinuing Made-to-Order products. Made-to-Stock products remain available with better lead times.
  • Mini Door Closer #404047 – Limited Availability – Shipping issue led to delay, which should be resolved soon.
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 may 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 split 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
  • Some HVAC tools and related safety equipment may require updates. Reach out to your Chadwell Supply Manager for information about compatible items, including:
    • Recovery machines
    • Vacuum pumps, gauges, manifolds, hoses
    • Fire extinguishers
    • Leak detectors
    • Digital scales
    • Filter driers
    • Recovery cylinders
LIGHTING

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 – Material and production challenges have led to shipping delays.
  • Wooster Foam Roller Sleeve #452046 – Limited Availability – item backordered through April.
  • 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; rollout is expected to continue in 2024.
TOOLS & SAFETY
  • Motorola Radios #171010, #171020, and #171030 – Limited Availability – Production delays led to backorders, which are expected to resolve by end of 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  

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 had reduced the number of ships to 24 per day. In March, the Panama Canal Authority approved an increase to 27. About 40 percent of U.S. containers pass through the canal each year.

SUEZ CANAL—Reports of improved maritime security have led some shipping companies to resume—or continue—using the Red Sea/Suez route. However, one of the largest container shipping companies, Danish shipping giant Moller-Maersk, has said it will continue taking the longer route around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.

BALTIMORE—After the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, ship traffic was suspended in the Port of Baltimore, one of the busiest ports on the U.S. East Coast and the closest East Coast port to the Midwest. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers expects to have a new channel open by the end of April. Limited traffic is expected to resume shortly after the new channel opens, and port access should be back at full capacity by the end of May. Shipping delays and extended lead times on some imports are expected.