Archive for March 2nd, 2006
By: finanzen
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. (NYSE:RS) announced todaythat its subsidiary, Precision Strip, Inc., has signed an agreement toacquire certain assets and business of Flat Rock Metal ProcessingL.L.C. based in Flat Rock, Michigan. Terms were not disclosed.
Thetransaction is expected to be completed within 60 days, subject to thecompletion of due diligence. Flat Rock was founded in 2001 and is aprivately held, toll processing company with facilities in Perrysburg,Ohio and Eldridge, Iowa.
Upon completion of the acquisition, the two Flat Rock facilitieswill operate as Precision Strip locations that process and delivercarbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel products on a “toll” basis,processing the metal for a fee, without taking ownership of the metal.Precision Strip currently has facilities in Kenton, Middletown,Minster and Tipp City, Ohio; Anderson and Rockport, Indiana; BowlingGreen, Kentucky and Talladega, Alabama. Precision Strip’s customersinclude steel and aluminum mills as well as companies in theautomotive, appliance, metal furniture and capital goods industries.
Thomas A. Compton, President of Precision Strip, Inc., said, “Thisacquisition will expand our toll processing capabilities andstrengthen our geographic presence in the Midwest. Additionally, itallows us to better serve and grow our existing customer base.”
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co., headquartered in Los Angeles,California, is one of the largest metals service center companies inthe United States. Through a network of more than 100 locations in 32states and Belgium and South Korea, the Company provides value-addedmetals processing services and distributes a full line of over 90,000metal products. These products include galvanized, hot-rolled andcold-finished steel; stainless steel; aluminum; brass; copper;titanium and alloy steel sold to more than 95,000 customers in variousindustries.
Reliance and Earle M. Jorgensen Company filed an SEC Form S-4Registration Statement and a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus onFebruary 7, 2006, as amended. Investors and security holders are urgedto read the proxy statement/prospectus that will be sent to Jorgensenstockholders regarding the proposed merger, when it becomes available,because it will contain important information. Investors and securityholders may obtain a free copy of the proxy statement/prospectus, whenit is available, and other documents filed by Reliance and Jorgensenwith the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. The proxy statement/prospectus and these otherdocuments may also be obtained, when available, free of charge fromReliance at www.rsac.com. Jorgensen stockholders should read thedefinitive proxy statement/prospectus carefully before making adecision concerning the merger.
Reliance and Jorgensen, and their respective directors, executiveofficers and certain other of their employees, may be solicitingproxies from Jorgensen’s stockholders in favor of the approval of themerger. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, bedeemed to be participants in the solicitation of Jorgensen’sstockholders in connection with the merger is set forth in Reliance’sproxy statement for its 2005 annual meeting, filed with the SEC onApril 15, 2005 and in Jorgensen’s proxy statement for its 2005 annualmeeting, filed with the SEC on July 21, 2005, and additionalinformation will be set forth in the definitive proxystatement/prospectus referred to above when it is filed with the SEC.
Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co.’s press releases and additionalinformation are available on the Company’s web site at www.rsac.com.The Company was named to the 2006 Forbes Platinum 400 List ofAmerica’s Best Big Companies and was also named as one of “America’sMost Admired Companies” listed in the diversified wholesaler’scategory in the March 7, 2005 issue of Fortune.
This release may contain forward-looking statements relating tofuture financial results. Actual results may differ materially as aresult of factors over which Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. has nocontrol. These risk factors and additional information are included inthe Company’s reports on file with the Securities and ExchangeCommission.
March 2nd, 2006
The Egyptian Furniture Industry, will be represented for the first time at The Hotel Show 2006, organised by dmg media Dubai Ltd, one of the region’s leading exhibition companies. The Egyptian Pavilion will be transformed in to a ‘living hotel room’ and the participants will target the region’s hotel contract furniture buyers.
The Hotel Show, which takes place from June 4-6 2006 at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, showcases the very latest equipment, technology and service innovations for the hospitality industry.
Maggie Moore, Project Manager, The Hotel Show, stated, “Egypt has a relatively low cost labour force and immediate access to the regional markets. They are fully entitled to their ambitious export plans and The Hotel Show is the perfect platform to showcase the quality of their products.”
The sheer scale of the Egyptian Furniture Industry is mind blowing. Investment in the industry has topped US$ 2 billion, the market is worth US$ 1 billion annually and employs more than a million people, through 200,000 establishments. Presently US$ 200 million is sent for export, mainly to the USA, EU and the GCC.
The Industrial Modernisation Centre (IMC) is part of a national initiative jointly funded by the Government of Egypt and the European Union to help develop international competitiveness in the private manufacturing sector, so that it can benefit from new opportunities arising from exposure to global markets. The overall strategic vision is to help industrial enterprises to modernise their companies so that they become internationally competitive on a sustainable basis.
The IMC which has funded and organised the Egyptian participation this year, feel the stability and rapid growth of the regional market offers great potential for Egyptian exporters.
Adham Nadim, Chairman of the Furniture Export Council and Head of the Furniture Steering Committee within the IMC said, “We have seen the regional market grow exponentially and although Dubai clearly leads the way, massive investment is being poured in to tourism projects from Kuwait to Oman. With our well established industrial infrastructure, implementation of modern manufacturing principals, and keen attention and quick response to the market demands of the overseas customers. low-cost manufacturing base, geographic location and cultural awareness, we are confident that we can compete for a greater share of the regional market.”
The Egyptian pavilion will represent the whole industry and communicate a clear message that Hotel Furniture from Egypt is not just a supply of furniture and furnishing items. It means an integrated interior design solutions which suites all levels of projects within the area.
The pavilion will take the form of a hotel room where complete life style concept is offered to the visitors by some of the most reliable exporters of the Egyptian industry in the various relative fields.
March 2nd, 2006
by Angela Oliver
If your furniture is starting to look old and dingy, perhaps it’s time to try giving it a makeover with some new upholstery fabric. Overtime, fabric can start to fade or get damaged.
Instead of buying all new furniture, reupholstering furniture can save time and lots of money. Whether for indoor or outdoor patio furniture, there are many options to make your furniture new and beautiful again.
Outdoor patio furniture upholstery fabrics have come a long way. They are now made with UV blockers that help keep out the suns rays and greatly reduce fading. The materials used are also naturally stain resistant. Another great thing about patio fabrics is they do not promote the growth of mold and mildew, an often common problem with outdoor patio furniture fabrics. Simple cleaning with soap and water will keep outdoor patio furniture fabric clean.
Indoor furniture has a great range of fabrics available. Upholstery fabrics can be chosen in all types of materials. Some are just prints, while others can be woven, double woven, tapestries, damask, silk, chenille, and many, many more. These types of fabrics vary greatly in price, with very intricate fabrics becoming quite expensive.
Both types of material offer lots of variety. Indoor fabrics have numerous materials and designs to choose from. Outdoor fabrics also come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can get a definite match for your room or patio.
There are so many options for fabrics, so be sure to shop around when selecting a new look for your furniture. Look for a fabric that suits your needs, whether it be low maintenance for outdoor furniture, or timeless elegance for indoor furniture.
Angela Oliver writes for PatioStuff, at www.ettflorida.com, a full service provider of indoor and outdoor furniture. Visit the site to see a wonderful selection of fabrics here, http://www.ettflorida.com/fabrics.html.
This article represents the views and opinions of the author and not of www.dailyindia.com.
March 2nd, 2006
— Furniture Today,
Patton Davis fills West Coast sales post
HIGH POINT — John McGhee has joined leather upholstery manufacturer Natale as vice president of sales and marketing.
Most recently, McGhee was vice president of sales for manufacturer Webb Furniture. He replaces Steve Riddle, who has left the company.
Natale also has named Patton Davis vice president of sales for its West Coast division. Davis was with Franklin Mfg. for eight years.
Davis reports to McGhee, who reports to CEO Gabriele Natale.
March 2nd, 2006
by Caroline Smith
Patio furniture can make a huge difference to your enjoyment of your backyard, and well-chosen pieces can become attractive features of your garden design.
There’s a massive range of outdoor patio furniture to choose from, depending on your lifestyle, your budget and the layout of your garden. For instance, if you like to entertain guests on your patio, then there are various types of dining sets available. Or for more casual relaxation, there’s a great selection of recliners and chaise lounges, just perfect for whiling away those long sunny days.
When choosing items of patio furniture, it’s worth knowing a bit about the different types of materials and their features. For example, some outdoor furniture is not built to withstand adverse weather conditions and is designed to be stored inside when not in use. Lightweight aluminum, plastic and wicker furniture falls into this category, and is generally cheaper to buy than the more solid items that can be left outside year round. These types of chairs and tables require little maintenance and are easily portable. They are often designed to be folded away or stacked, to save on storage space.
For long-lasting garden furniture that’s going to remain in a permanent position in your backyard, it’s best to look for heavy and durable materials, such as metal or wood. Wrought iron and cast aluminum patio furniture is very popular, as it can be crafted into all kinds of ornate designs, and comes in a choice of finishes. Aluminum is favored because it’s rust-proof, but wrought iron can be treated with a metal protector to prevent corrosion, and with regular attention can withstand many seasons of use. Alternatively, wooden items, including cedar, pine and teak outdoor furniture, can look stunning and with a bit of care can last for years.
There are also some accessories that you may want to consider for your outdoor furniture. To provide protection from the elements, weather-proof patio furniture covers are ideal. These are durable vinyl or PVC coverings that can be fitted over individual items or over whole sets. They are effective at preventing wear and tear from rain, wind, snow and sunlight. A cover is also useful for keeping your chairs free from dust and insects. Other accessories include specially made patio furniture cushions, which come in all shapes and sizes. These not only provide added comfort, but can add a splash of color to your patio area.
Patio furniture not only enhances the appeal of your backyard, it can provide loads of enjoyment for outdoor living for many seasons to come.
Caroline Smith is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.patio-furniture.ws - an online resource for all kinds of outdoor furniture.
This article represents the views and opinions of the author and not of www.dailyindia.com.
March 2nd, 2006
— Furniture Today,
New foam uses soy, not petroleum
MINNEAPOLIS – A new, non-petroleum based flexible foam for use in upholstered furniture, bedding and specialty bed products will be available this spring from supplier Hickory Springs, using materials from Cargill.
The new foam, as yet unnamed, is based on polyols made with a proprietary process that uses such natural oils as linseed, rapeseed, soy and sunflower.
Cargill, based here, several years ago launched Ingeo, a fiber for fabrics and floor coverings from renewable sources. Cargill also offers fiberfill made from corn.
Hickory Springs said it expects to announce in April the furniture and bedding companies that will market the first products using the new foam.
“This new line of polyure-thane foam products made with bio-based polyols is not only more environmentally responsible, it also brings performance improvements,” said Dimitri Dounis, corporate director of marketing and research and development at Hickory Springs.
All of the performance tests haven’t been completed, he said, “but there already are differentiated pluses. We see this as truly revolutionary — having feed stock from raw materials, not petroleum.”
Price is comparable to current urethane foams, “and this is a premium product,” said Dounis. He expects makers of bed pillows to use the new foam.
Cargill said it has the capacity to handle large volumes domestically for several years, and is preparing to expand global capabilities. Yusaf Wazirzada, Cargill’s business manager for bio-based urethane polyols, said the company has worked with major urethane players, “coupling their capabilities with our expertise in agricultural resources.”
March 2nd, 2006
By: Furniture World Magazine
Reborn JASPER CABINET Company have hired the following sales representatives:
-Steve Kappel is covering the States of Georgia and Northern Florida
-Joe and Jeff Hagedorn is covering the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana
-Ron Adelman and Barbara Baxt is covering Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
-Sharon Benjamin covers Chicago Metro.
The above representatives were with the former Jasper Cabinet Company.
Other sales representatives that have joined Jasper Cabinet Company are:
-Rick Lipson covering Ohio
-Jim Walker covering Kentucky & Tennessee
-Sam Abbott covering Indiana & Outstate Illinois
-Frank Misket covering Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas
-Sam Schaefer covering Southern California
-Roy Schierbaum covering Northern California
-The team of Hal Greenberg and Sonja Stanic is covering New York
-Michael Barbo covering Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont,
New Hampshire, and Maine
-Christine Pressley and Eddie Merrell covering North & South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland
-Paul Silverman covering South Florida
-Bob Bloom covering Michigan and Wisconsin
The Company is still looking for sales representation for Texas, the Northwest, Minnesota and The Rocky Mountain States.
Jasper Cabinet Company, a manufacturer of domestically made secretaries and decorative hand-painted and laser engraved accent furniture with factories located in Southern Indiana. A proud heritage that extends over 100 years!
Contact Robert Cribbs at 616-464-9090 or rhcribbs@iserv.net
To view other Jasper Cabinet products, go to www.jaspercabinet.com or call 812-482-4747 for more information.
March 2nd, 2006
Gary Evans — Furniture Today,
New Eric Church video debuts tomorrow
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Nashville is singing the praises of a new country music singer-songwriter who is the son of a furniture industry veteran.
Eric Church, scheduled to appear this week on country music TV channel CMT, was a hit at the recent County Radio Seminar, an annual get-together for 3,000 broadcasters, record label executives and performers.
Church, son of Southern Furniture President Ken Church and his wife, Rita, performed five songs and received a standing ovation and praise from Mike Dungan, president and CEO of Capital Records Nashville.
“I didn’t get too overly excited until we started looking at all the press that came out of Nashville,” said Ken Church. “All the critics are saying the best new artist coming out of Nashville today is this Eric Church. The buzz is pretty exciting.”
Eric’s new video of “How ‘Bout You” will have its world premiere on CMT’s Top 20 Countdown at 8 p.m. Thursday. The song entered the country music charts at 120 and was at 44 this week.
The singer is on tour in the Carolinas and has upcoming shows in Arizona, Kansas and Minnesota.
“He’s been all over the country — New York, Los Angeles, Denver,” said his dad. “I’m so proud of him.”
March 2nd, 2006
By: Furniture World Magazine
La-Z-Boy, a leading manufacturer of upholstered furniture, has announced the reopening of a La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries® store in Lexington, Ky., located at Hamburg Place Mall, 1800 Alysheba Way. The store was renovated to boast the design-focused format of the company’s “new generation” stores, which help customers in every step of their furniture shopping experience.
The newly remodeled 13,615 square-foot store features the full selection of stylish La-Z-Boy® furniture, beautiful accent pieces, and a professionally staffed design center to help customers put it all together.
“La-Z-Boy offers furniture for any home, whether you are looking for something contemporary or classic, casual or traditional,” said Jerry Roaden, store owner. “The style, quality and comfort of La-Z-Boy furniture combined with the design expertise and customer service we provide make an easy, enjoyable furniture shopping experience for any customer.”
March 2nd, 2006
— Furniture Today,
Innovation and creativity are themes
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Innovation and creativity are themes of the 2006 Taipei International Furniture Show, set for March 15-18 at the Taipei World Trade Center here.
Although most of Taiwan’s wood furniture makers have moved their factories abroad, Taiwan still occupies a niche of high-quality metal furniture, office furniture and small office/home office goods, said Fred Chen, chairman of the Taiwan Furniture Manufacturers Assn.
The TFMA will co-sponsor the Taipei show with the Taiwan External Trade Development Council.
“The show will highlight metal, office-automation, knockdown, glass and artistic wooden furniture, in addition to many creative items,” said Chen. Many exhibitors will offer innovative furniture that can meet consumers’ needs in widely divergent living spaces.
According to TFMA statistics, Taiwanese furniture makers export about US$1.7 billion a year of their products from Taiwan, $2.8 billion from factories in China, and $500 million from elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
For more information on the Taipei show, visit the Web site at www.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/furniture.
March 2nd, 2006