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

Report: Numerous forces are reshaping retail centers

A Coresight Research report states that numerous forces are working to shift American malls, including aging millennials, nontraditional channel growth, online apparel sales and department store consolidation. The report notes that the retail footprint will drop by one-fifth by 2023, with apparel sales remaining flat. Read the Retail Dive story here

Hoxton in line for $1B investment to support growth plan

Ennismore, owner of Hoxton hotels and Gleneagles resort, will reportedly receive $1 billion from the founder’s father-in-law to pursue growth plans. Hoxton plans to grow in the United States and Europe through buying and converting hotels. Read the Bloomberg story here

LATICRETE Expands Canadian Reach

LATICRETE, a leading manufacturer of globally-proven construction solutions for the building industry, is expanding its footprint in Canada with a dedicated in-country business operation, including a new office in the town of Tecumseh in the Windsor-Essex region of Ontario. The new business effort strengthens the company’s Canadian presence and provides a base to immediately grow the sales force in the region.

“Canada consistently ranks in the world’s top 10 largest construction markets, making it a prime area for growth,” said Stephen Butkovich, who will lead the business effort as the Director of LATICRETE Canada. “Over the years, we have seen carryover between the U.S. and Canada with many skilled workers attending American trade shows. This new presence is a prime opportunity to combine the knowledge of those workers and be able to better assist our Canadian customers with easier access to our team and our products.”

Prior to his new role, Stephen Butkovich served as a Regional Sales Manager overseeing business channels of LATICRETE in the Mid-Atlantic and Canada-East regions.

“We are excited to welcome LATICRETE to Tecumseh,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. “I have always said Tecumseh is a great location with excellent proximity to North American markets. We are pleased LATICRETE has chosen our town to open their business and look forward to supporting their future growth in the region.”

The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation assisted LATICRETE with scouting locations, matching benefits and provided the necessary macroeconomic data to determine the proper location for the business effort.

“It’s been our pleasure working with LATICRETE, and this announcement today certainly enhances our collective efforts in diversifying our economy,” said Stephen MacKenzie, CEO, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation.

About LATICRETE
LATICRETE is a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry. LATICRETE offers a broad range of products and systems covering tile & stone installation and care, masonry installation and care, resinous and decorative floor finishes, concrete construction chemicals, and concrete restoration and care including the LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® System. For 60 years, LATICRETE has been committed to research and development of innovative installation products, building a reputation for superior quality, performance and customer service. LATICRETE methods, materials, and technology have been field and laboratory proven by Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Owners. Offering an array of low VOC and sustainable products, LATICRETE products contribute to LEED certification, exceed commercial/residential VOC building requirements, and are backed by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.

For more information, visit laticrete.com.

Viking’s Pedestal Mount Solutions VE-GNP Series

Viking’s weather resistant VE-GNP Series of gooseneck pedestals offer a tough and reliable solution for outdoor stanchion mounting applications.

“The VE-GNP Series pedestals are sturdy, strong, and built to last – so they fit right in with the rest of Viking’s products.” – Mike Busby, Marketing Manager, Viking Electronics, Inc.

Viking’s VE-GNP Series of pedestals are made from vandal resistant 11-gauge steel with a weather resistant black powder coating or 15-gauge stainless steel with a weather resistant 304 brushed finish. Some models feature pre-machined holes for mounting to a cement pad while other models are designed to be mounted directly in the ground. All Viking pedestals are constructed for universal car height, and a double gooseneck version is available for applications involving tall vehicles.

The VE-GNP Series is designed to work with Viking’s VE-Series of surface mount boxes, providing a complete mounting solution for most applications.

For more information on the VE-GNP Series, visit: www.vikingelectronics.com/product_docs/DOD/424.pdf

Viking Electronics designs and manufactures over 500 security and communication products; such as Emergency Phones, Entry Systems, Paging Interfaces, Amplifiers, Mass Notification Systems, Hot Line Phones, Auto Dialers, Enclosures, and more. In addition to our extensive analog line, we also offer a large selection of IP based solutions. Viking’s VoIP products are SIP compliant, with features such as built-in relays and automatic noise canceling. We are continually developing new ideas using the latest technology to expand our product lines. As always, Viking products are designed, manufactured, and supported in the USA and backed by a two year limited warranty. For more information, please visit: www.vikingelectronics.com.