Building Materials Software

For IBM @mputets

Designed for building matertals retailers and wholesalers, thls complete system includes polnt of sale, order processing, biiling, sophlsticated pricing (markup, markdown, contract, quantity breaks, etc.) accounts receivable and credit, inventory control, purchase order control, sales analysis, accounts payable, general ledger.

Easy to use, completely integrateda single transaction updates all relevant data. Call or wrlte: l4 Douglas Rd., Lexington,MA02lT3

Mass Systems Co., Inc.

617-674-1055

Incal Support Available

Schuller To Be Manville Again

Schuller Corp.'s board of directors has voted unanimously to change the Denver, Co., company's name back to Johns-Manville Corp.

The firm was founded in 1858 as H.W. Johns Manufacturing Co., renamed Johns-Manville in 1901, Manville Corp. in 1981, and Schuller last year.

Subject to shareholder approval, the latest renaming was brought about by the "high level of favorable awareness towards the Johns-Manville identity."

Although the name Schuller is considered "non-descript," it was as Manville that the company paid out more than $l billion in asbestos claims and spent six years in bankruptcy.

Retailers OK Co-op Merger

True Value and Servistar Coast to Coast retailers have approved a merger of the co-ops by a93Vo vote.

Despite much consolidation at the co-ops' headquarters (see Jan., p.24), the merger transition process isn't expected to disrupt the businesses of the dealers, who will keep their own store identities.

Newly formed TruServ Corp. will boast 10,300 members and expected initial annual sales of $4.6 billion.

"We see nothing except good coming out of the merger," said John Kirby, co-owner of True Value member Kinney Brothers & Keele, Ontario, Or. "TruServ will strengthen our position in the market as we compete with the large box stores."

Young Business ls Booming

Often good business is about being in the right place at the right time.

Paul Burch opened Long Board Lumber Co., Merlin, Or., just as the local housing boom began three years ago. By focusing on contractors, his business has tripled over the past two years.

"I started out just selling lumber and special cedar," Burch explained. "Now, I'm selling tools, concrete, roofing, doors... everything to put a home together."

Long Board's inventory has increased from Burch's original $140.000 investment to the current $350.000. He has also added four employees and soon may add another salesman.

Hardware Week Gets New Name

To more accurately reflect their global scope, the programs and events of the National Hardware Show and the National Building Products Exposition will be held in conjunction with the newly renamed International Hardware Week.