Personnel Updates
Lowe’s announced Alan Blundell has been named VP Divisional Merchandising (Canada).
Lowe’s announced effective 3-1-2016 Maureen Ausura, Chief Human Resources Officer will be retiring and her replacement will be Jennifer Weber.
Parksite Plunkett-Webster Inc. announced Ron Heitzman has been named President; CEO. George A. Pattee who was the President; CEO will remain as Chairman.
WOLF announced Brian Barron has been named Regional VP Sales New England (Kitchen and Bath).
Industry Insight
Do It Best is co-sponsoring an association named “Independent We Stand” which is a buy-local movement for independents. The association is focused on increasing awareness about the importance of buying local.
Lowe’s is getting into the home security business. The Lowe’s Iris smart home solution is offering the ability to monitor and control the home. There will also be a professional monitoring service offered in the second quarter. The cost will be $19.99 a month.
Lowe’s will be hiring 46,000 seasonal employees for the spring and summer busy season.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Boise Cascade will purchase Georgia-Pacific’s engineered lumber business.
Beacon Roofing Supply has acquired Roofing & Insulation Supply. Roofing & Insulation Supply has a total of 20 branches, 14 of the 20 distribute insulation only with three distributing only roofing and three that distribute both insulation and roofing.
US LBM Holdings has acquired Darby Doors, Inc. from Cliff Darby who is President and will remain with the company in that role. The acquisition will also include a sister company Total Trim Inc.
Mills Fleet Farm announced the company will be acquired by KKR of New York. The company has 35 stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and North Dakota.
Real Estate
Home Depot opened a new concept/name location “The Home Depot Studio Store” in Fayetteville, GA. The new location is located within the gates of Pinewood Studios. It is the only Home Depot location that caters to a single industry.
Orchard Supply Hardware has received the green light to build a store in the Los Feliz, CA neighborhood. The new store will be located on the north side of Hollywood Blvd between Kenmore and Edgemont streets. Construction is expected to begin in 2016.
Taylor’s Do-It Centers announced the acquiring of seven Pleasants Hardware locations from The C.F. Sauer Company effective 2-17-2016. The seven locations will continue as Pleasants Hardware.
Green Initiatives
Home Depot announced that by 2020 they will reduce their total energy use by additional 20% over 2010. It was also announced they had reduced the supply chain carbon emissions by 35% over their 2008 levels which surpassed their goal of 20%.
