Archive for December, 2007
Galvin Hardware is a one stop supplier of cabinet and furniture hardware, operating from Osborne Park in Western Australia. Galvin Hardware originally commenced business in Bassendean as a supplier of all kinds of builders’ hardware, but soon, started to specialise in supply of furniture hardware. Galvin Hardware is proud of its commitment to serve the needs of its customers, and this is brought forth in its business policy. The business policy of Galvin Hardware categorically states that the customer is the most important person in its premises.
Galvin Hardware supplies a range of hardware for furniture and cabinets. The products include knobs and handles, home ware, panel products, doors and mouldings, lighting, ducting, hinges, drawer runners, locks, general hardware, track systems, abrasives, office fittings, fasteners and tools. Additionally, Galvin Hardware also supplies products of Hettich International.
Galvin Hardware prides itself on its latest innovations, which are stated to be unique, and also, practical and easy to use products. These innovations from Galvin Hardware include the ‘Akril Panel’, (which is a practical alternative to coated glass) and the ‘Hot Melt’ glue.
December 28th, 2007
Office furniture maker OFS Brands Holdings plans a headquarters expansion that could create more than 300 jobs by 2012.
The company will invest about $81 million in its Huntingburg location to expand production facilities and office space. Huntingburg is about 40 miles northeast of Evansville.
The company makes executive office and conference room furniture under the brands OFS and First Office. It employs nearly 1,500 people.
The Indiana Economic Development Corp. says OFS Brands Holdings Inc. will start hiring production workers, supervisors and technicians next year.
Company CEO Hank Menke said in a statement that OFS Brands has nearly tripled its sales since 1999. The company reported more than $250 million in revenue this year.
December 28th, 2007
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Morgan Stanley (MS.N: Quote, Profile, Research), the second-biggest U.S. investment bank, has agreed to pay $18 million for a 10 percent stake in China’s Kebao & Boloni Kitchen & Bathroom Furniture, Boloni Chief Financial Officer Sun Yu said on Tuesday.
Beijing-based Boloni, a luxury furnishings and interior company 25 percent owned by an investment arm of Legend Holdings, also aims to launch an initial public offering in Hong Kong in two years, Sun said in a telephone interview.
Morgan Stanley’s previous private equity investments in Chinese companies include Mengniu Dairy (2319.HK: Quote, Profile, Research), cement maker Shanshui Group and China Paradise, which was later acquired by Gome Electrical Appliances (0493.HK: Quote, Profile, Research).
China’s kitchen furnishing market has grown to an estimated 1 million kitchens this year, up from 500,000 two years ago, although this is only a small portion of the country’s $30 billion furniture market, according to industry data company Research and Markets.
Boloni’s revenue this year is expected to jump 67 percent from last year to 1 billion yuan ($136 million), the company said.
(US$1=7.3306 Yuan)
(Reporting by Samuel Shen; Editing by Edmund Klamann)
December 27th, 2007
The Associated Press
SANTA FE—The Museum of New Mexico Foundation has filed a lawsuit against an Indiana furniture company, claiming it failed to pay royalties on furniture it made based on designs from the museum collection.
The foundation filed its complaint in state district court here last week. It names the RomWeber Co. of Batesville, Ind., which had contracted to pay the museum royalties of 3 percent of net sales on these products between July 12, 2002, and March 31, 2006.
“Throughout the term of the contract, RomWeber failed to make timely or complete payments and failed to provide the required accounting,” the complaint states.
A message seeking comment was left at RomWeber’s corporate office, which was closed for Christmas.
December 27th, 2007
By: Furniture World Magazine
Herman Miller, Inc., announced a definitive agreement to acquire Brandrud Furniture, Inc., a Seattle-based manufacturer of healthcare furnishings. The transaction is expected to be completed in February 2008, pending the conclusion of due diligence. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Brandrud is a manufacturer of healthcare furnishings, with an emphasis on seating products for patient rooms, patient treatment areas, and public spaces such as lobbies and waiting areas. Brandrud also serves the higher education and office markets. The company is expected to have 2007 sales of approximately $20 million. Brandrud and Herman Miller have shared a successful marketing alliance since October 2005.
“This acquisition supports Herman Miller’s strategy of accelerating investment in high-return growth initiatives,” said Brian Walker, Chief Executive Officer. “Brandrud has been increasingly recognized for its high- quality and well-designed products, making it an excellent strategic fit with our company. The acquisition enables Herman Miller to gain access to a proven product portfolio that strengthens and expands our healthcare offering. The Company also has a strong management team and excellent workforce that share both our values and our growth ambitions.”
Lee Falck and Bobby Holt acquired Brandrud in 2000 and serve as co- presidents. “We welcome the opportunity to build on our healthcare expertise, design heritage, and high standards for quality and customer service with Herman Miller,” said Falck. “Our experience as alliance partners for the last two years makes us confident in the success of this union.”
Beth Nickels, President of Herman Miller for Healthcare, commented, “Brandrud’s products complement our current offering and demonstrate a clear understanding of the needs of healthcare organizations. The acquisition of Brandrud will accelerate the momentum we have been gaining in this segment and offers further evidence of our commitment to this fast growing market.”
About Herman Miller: The designs and services of Herman Miller enhance the performance of human habitats worldwide, making customers’ lives more productive, rewarding, delightful, and meaningful. The company’s award-winning products, complemented by furniture-management and strategic consulting services, generated $1.92 billion in revenue during fiscal 2007. Herman Miller is widely recognized both for its innovative products and business practices. In fiscal 2004 Herman Miller was named recipient of the prestigious National Design Award for product design from the Smithsonian Institution’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum. In 2007 the company was again included in CRO magazine’s “100 Best Corporate Citizens” and was cited by Fortune magazine as the “Most Admired” company in its industry. The company trades on the NASDAQ market under the symbol MLHR. For additional information visit www.HermanMiller.com.
December 26th, 2007
GetPetSavvy.com, an online pet food and pet products store, offers full range of quality pet furniture for dogs, cats, bird and small animals like rodents and reptiles. In addition to pet furniture, the online pet supplies store also provides a wide range of dog products, cat products, dog and cat food, fish supplies and small animal products. GetPetSavvy.com also offers trusted pet advice for all pet care and pet food queries.
Franklin Lakes, NJ (PRWEB) December 22, 2007 — GetPetSavvy.com, an online pet food and pet products store, offers full range of quality pet furniture for dogs, cats, bird and small animals like rodents and reptiles. In addition to pet furniture, the online pet supplies store also provides a wide range of dog products, cat products, dog and cat food, fish supplies and small animal products. GetPetSavvy.com also offers trusted pet advice for all pet care and pet food queries.
“Pets spend roughly 60% of their time sleeping and the rest 40%, playing. Proper pet furniture, for both playing and sleeping, is essential for the well being of your beloved pets. We realize the importance of quality pet furniture for the health and happiness of pets and therefore our range of pet furniture is made of premium quality materials and designed for providing maximum comfort and coziness,” says Mrs. Annette Derisi, Senior Manager of GetPetSavvy.com. “We offer all imaginable shapes, types and colors of cat and dog furniture, which will not only keep your best friends happy, but also look good in your home.”
GetPetSavvy.com, an online pet supplies store designed by BizAtomic, offers quality pet furniture for dogs, cats, birds and small animals at discounted prices. All kinds of cat and dog beds, scratching posts, cat condos, carriers, bird perches and small animal habitats, among others, are available. In addition to cat and dog furniture, GetPetSavvy.com also offers fish aquariums, pond supplies, bird food, bird supplies, dog and cat leashes and collars. All products featured on the site have been designed and tested by pet experts.
“I love the fact that GetPetSavvy.com’s cat furniture matches the interiors of my home so well and Fluffy loves her cozy bed so much, she refuses to leave it ever,” says Vivian L., a regular customer.
“A huge number of pet stores have mushroomed recently, and while their products are in no way inferior, they do lack experience. This is where GetPetSavvy.com is different. We have over 25 years of experience in pet care. Our pet food and pet products are designed and tested by experts. Therefore we have no qualms in assuring you that when you associate with GetPetSavvy.com, you will have the most happy and healthy pet in the neighborhood,” says Mrs. Annette Derisi with a smile.
To view the pet products and to gain detailed information about various pet furniture offered, visit the site at - www.GetPetSavvy.com.
About GetPetSavvy.com:
GetPetSavvy.com is an online pet products and pet food superstore offering all kinds of cat products, dog products, cat and dog food and bird products at discounted prices. Owned by Ferrisi Worldwide, the website features pet care related articles and strives at giving the most current product knowledge and pet care advice possible with the help of their pet care experts. With over 25 years of experience in pet care as well as online purchasing, the GetPetSavvy team offers products that have been designed, tested and used by pet specialists.
A wide range of pet products including, but not limited to, grooming tools, toys and sleeping bags are available at GetPetSavvy.com. As a Holiday season special, the online pet store is offering a free toy or accessory with every purchase over $40.00.
December 26th, 2007
Schenker of Canada announced that it will be exhibiting at The Canadian Home Furnishings Market (TCHFM) being held at the Toronto International Centre, January 12 to 15, 2008, from its booth in Link #8.
TCHFM is first North American furnishings event of the year, showcasing new products to Canadian, American and international retailers. Schenker has maintained a presence at the show for over 30 years.
Schenker provides a consistent, time-sensitive service for all inbound land imported raw materials with a seamless customs brokerage service. The company complements this service with distribution solutions for finished goods both in Canada and the USA. Through its Schenker Canada Dispatch Services (SCDS), Schenker offers container drayage solutions and cross-docking of furniture to its customer’s retail locations.
Staff at Schenker’s booth will be well versed in the variety of products and services they deliver to Canadian Home Furnishings Association (CHFA) members each day. As a Freight Forwarder, Schenker has the ability to combine services through a single point of contact. These services include Ocean Freight (Less than Container Load and full container); Ground Transportation services; Consolidation; Full and Partial truckloads; Flatbed; Container Drayage services; Airfreight; Canada Made Easy – Distribution Services; and Customs Brokerage.
About Sherker of Canada: Schenker is the 2nd largest Integrated Logistics Service Provider in Canada, with sales of approximately $1 billion, operating from over 40 sites across the country. SchenkerCanada spans a coast-to-coast network that extends to all major harbours, airports and border crossings. In just over half a century, the business has grown to include 1,500 Schenker employees. Schenker of Canada has a portfolio of supply chain services inCanada that include: Contract Warehousing/Distribution, Ocean Freight, Air Freight, Land Transportation, Courier, and Customs Brokerage and Consulting; as well as services for Global Sports Events and Dedicated Freight Management.
December 26th, 2007
SHAH ALAM: The prospects of the global wooden furniture manufacturing industry are still good despite the recent shortcomings, according to Latitude Tree Holdings Bhd (Latitude) managing director Lin Tzu Keng.
“Rising cost of raw materials and the weakening of the US dollar as a result of the US subprime crisis has affected the industry, but the prospects are still good,” he said.
“The weakening of the US dollar against the ringgit has affected the group’s results as most of our sales are denominated in dollars,” Lin said after the company AGM yesterday, but added that the problem was not as serious as it appeared.
Latitude recorded revenue of RM102.26mil for the first quarter ended Sept 30, down 3.8% from RM106.26mil in the previous corresponding period.
The group specialises in wooden furniture for the domestic and international markets. Its foreign markets, primarily the US, contribute 70% of group revenue annually
“Despite the issues (in the US), we are not concerned so much as this would be cushioned by China’s withdrawal of export incentives in line with their World Trade Organisation (WTO) status,” he said.
“Once China withdraws its incentives, the country would become less price competitive as manufacturers compared to Vietnam (or even Malaysia).”
The group currently has three factories in Vietnam located on 100 acres and collectively have a built up area of 75 acres. Latitude is the top exporter of wooden furniture in Vietnam.
Lin said the Vietnam operation contributed on average US$7mil a month.
On the local front, the group closed down one of its four factories in April to consolidate its local operation. Lin said that it was a step that would bring long-term gain to the group.
He claimed that Latitude was currently one of the top three exporters of rubberwood furniture in Malaysia.
Going forward, the group hopes to list its indirect wholly-owned foreign unit, Latitude Tree (Vietnam) Co. Ltd, on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange by the second or third quarter of next year.
December 21st, 2007
Herman Miller to Buy Brandrud Furniture, Deal Expected to Close in February
NEW YORK (Associated Press) - Office furniture maker Herman Miller Inc. on Wednesday said it agreed to acquire Brandrud Furniture Inc., a maker of health care furnishings.
Financial terms of the deal, which is expected to be completed in February, were not disclosed. The two companies have shared a marketing alliance since October 2005.
Brandrud makes health care furniture, including seating products for patient rooms, patient treatment areas and public spaces like lobbies and waiting areas. The Seattle-based company is expected to have 2007 sales of about $20 million.
Shares of Herman Miller fell 83 cents to $28.42 in late-afternoon trading.
December 21st, 2007
— Kids Today,
Canwood Furniture of Penticton, British Columbia and Dakota Trading of Corona, Calif. have formed a strategic marketing alliance. Each company will market substantial portions of the other’s product line in their principal markets. This alliance will also afford notable synergies in all phases of marketing, product development and sourcing.
Dakota, formed in 2004, has developed extensive youth and master bedroom collections as well as home office and entertainment at mainstream price points, in a variety of media and finishes, and enjoys a vibrant and growing customer base throughout the USA.
“This relationship will enable us to achieve greater momentum in both US and Canadian markets for our growing basket of products and leverage Canwood’s exceptional brand equity in the Canadian market,” said Todd Block, President of Dakota.
Canwood Furniture, launched in 1986, has created a uniquely positioned product line comprising solid pine, ready-to-assemble furniture with collections bridging youth and master bedroom together with home office.
“While our commitment to our proprietary niche will continue in both the Canadian and US markets,” Mel Kemp, President of Canwood, said “we are excited about the potential to offer our Canadian customers high
quality programs in the conventional case goods categories. In fact, this alliance has been pursued as a result of numerous requests over the years for alternate finishes, particularly in the youth bedroom category where we have exceptional product placement.”
Canwood will debut two youth bedroom collections in a variety of stained and painted finishes at the The Canadian Home Furnishings Market in Toronto, January 12-15, 2008.
December 21st, 2007
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