IKEA rethinks US store expansion

IKEA has dropped plans to open new stores in North Carolina, Arizona and Nashville as the Sweden-based furniture retailer shifts more of its resources to expanding e-commerce. Read the USA Today story here

Newmark Group to acquire RKF Retail Holdings

Newmark Group aims to expand its retail services platform with the acquisition of RKF Retail Holdings. RKF specializes in retail leasing, consulting and investment services to both U.S. and international tenants and property owners. Read the CoStar Group story here

Sears to shutter 72 more stores in 2018

Sears will close another 72 stores this year, representing about 8% of its remaining 899 locations. The retailer, which booked first-quarter same-store sales declines of 13.4% and 9.5% at Sears and Kmart respectively, has shuttered about 530 stores in the past 12 months. Read the USA Today story here

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta nearing completion

The retractable roof on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is nearing completion, though a few problems had to be managed with the camera shutter-like roof. Construction will focus on completing the roof’s automation mechanics. Read the Curbed/Atlanta story here

Duro-Last, Inc. Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Duro-Last®, Inc. Celebrates 40th Anniversary Duro-Last, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated single-ply roofing systems, celebrated their 40th Anniversary with an Open House on May 16th at their Saginaw, Michigan Headquarters. Over 100 guests attended the event – including local contractors, community members and organizations, and vendor partners – and had the opportunity to tour the Duro-Last, EXCEPTIONAL® Metals and Plastatech® Engineering manufacturing facilities.

Guests were invited to explore Duro-Last’s unique history through interactive timelines and hands-on product demonstrations. Duro-Last leaders and Board members, including Mrs. Burt, widow to Duro-Last founder John R. Burt, were also on hand during the Open House to greet guests and answer questions. Additionally, representatives from each of the John R. Burt family of companies showcased information about their products and operations.

“John R. Burt established a culture of innovation and excellence when he manufactured the first Duro-Last roof in 1978,” said Duro-Last CEO Tom Saeli. “What started as a small manufacturer of PVC pool liners has grown into a leader in the commercial roofing industry. All of us at Duro-Last are proud of the accomplishments we have achieved with our network of dedicated contractor partners across the country, and are excited to share this important milestone with them.”

“While our business and product offerings continue to grow, we remain committed to the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that we began this journey with,” added Jack Burt, Duro-Last Chairman of the Board and son of John R. Burt. “It’s been an honor to carry on my father’s legacy and continue our tradition of a family-owned operation.”
Duro-Last is honoring the theme of “40 Years at the Top” all year long with special activities for employees and contractors. For more information about the history of Duro-Last, Inc. and the John R. Burt family of companies, visit www.duro-last.com.
About Duro-Last®, Inc.

Known as the “World’s Best Roof®”, Duro-Last®, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. Over two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan with additional manufacturing facilities in Grants Pass, Oregon; Jackson, Mississippi; Sigourney, Iowa; Carrollton, Texas; and Ludlow, Massachusetts. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800-248-0280 or visit www.duro-last.com.

FoodFirst Global to revamp Brio, Bravo Cucina chains

Spice Private Equity, the new parent of Bravo Cucina Italiana and Brio Tuscan Grill, has created a new company dubbed FoodFirst Global Restaurants to revamp the restaurant chains and develop new concepts. Former Olive Garden executive Brad Blum has been named to head FoodFirst. Read The Columbus Dispatch story here

3 ways the construction industry can increase technology use

Some industries invest 3.5% to 4.5% in technology, but construction firms only invest about 1%. Collaboration, a reduced dependence on paper and prefabrication can help increase the use of technology in the sector. Read the BOSS Magazine online story here