
17 minute read
Quality and Appearance Are lmportant
Stocking Houseware Trends
All right, houseware dealers. Are you stocking the latest in appliances?
Actually there are no new machines that prepare an eight-course meal, say grace for you, and then do the dishes merely by holding down a button. In fact, there have been no major breakthroughs in home appliances since the Cuisinart 15 years ago.
Now manufacturers are concentrating on reinventing standard appliances, making them smaller, lighter, more efficient. And now the big "innovation" is cordless.
Cordless appliances are not new, though their popularity is. Cordless knives first came out in the 1960s but disappeared because of poor quality' But cordlessness wats given a second life with the introduction by Black & Decker six years ago of the Dustbuster, a small cordless vacuum.
Now available are cordless, rechargeable knives, can openers, curling irons, steam irons, cake mixers, etc.
But even with cordless products there are strings attached, usually a higher price tag. And sometimes recharging the appliance overnight is as much trouble as plugging it into an outlet to use it in the first place. Besides, where are you going to mash potatoes that doesn't have an outlet nearby?
The trick, then, is to come out with something that is both novel and useful. A small company in Burbank, Ca., has introduced an ironing board that converts into a chair and is working on an ironing board that becomes a table.
A New York City firm has the Cook Stone, a flat stone tablet which is heated under an oven broiler and then removed after 30 minutes to be used as a cooking surface.
And a company in Gardena, Ca., is marketing a ceiling fan with a speaker that can be wired into a television, radio or telephone.
Perhaps the next trend in the housewares products industry will be the combining of two different appliances into one. The success of ironing board furniture and stereo air conditioning may almost be upon us.
Manville Bankruptcy Plan
Manville Corp. has proposed a trust fund to settle asbestos victims' claims as the heart of their plan to emerge from Chapter ll of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code.

The trust would be financed by $AtS million cash, a pledge of at least $75 million a year (or 2OVo of the profits) and at least 5090 or as much as 8090 of the voting stock. The plan also allows for suits by future claimants. Some have described the move as turning the store over to the victims.
Stockholders opposing the new plan have sued, contending that the proposal would water down their investment in the Denver, Co., firm to as little as 2090 of its current value.
Hand Tool Users Want Quality
Research among dedicated do-ityourselfers shows that users of nonpowered hand tools want durability, a life-time warranty, precision performance and quality, made - in - U.S.A. materials and workmanship.
In addition, according to a survey conducted by the SK Hand Tool Corp., hand tool users are willing to pay more for these product benefits. "The more serious the tool users, and the more demanding and sophisticated use he or she makes of the tools. the greater the interest in premium tools," Thomas M. Corcoran, SK chairman, reports. "In fact, frequent users of hand tools report that they buy the most expensive brands."
With the development of the do-ityourself market, the home center has
Japan Tries U.S. Housewares
Eight American housewares manufacturers tried to break into the Japanese market by participating in the recent "Made in U.S.A." Fair in Nagoya, Japan.
The import trade show featured a become a major source for hand tools. For the combined professional and home craftsman markets, total hand tool sales have reached the $1.5 billion mark with the home centers claiming a large share. Projections for the rest of the '80s show that the total will continue to grow at a rate of l2Vo per annum. toral of 248 U.S. exhibitors. National Housewares Manufacturers Association representative Sheila Oscar said there is a market for American products if they are different from those available from Japanese sources.
The premium market, according to Corcoran, is the $500 million annually expended by the professional mechanic and the dedicated do-it-yourselfer. Another $200 million is spent by other consumers with industrial buyers spending an additional $200 million. To stimulate continued growth, manufacturers are improving their products, packaging and marketing programs. Their efforts are expected to have a positive effect on home center sales of hand tools.
IRS Changes on Car Benefits
The Internal Revenue Service has new guidelines to help employers decide whether or not to withhold federal income taxes on such fringe benefits as an employee's use of a company car. The guidelines are:
(1) By Sept. l, employers should have decided if they would withhold taxes on such benefits. If they chose not to, the employee fills out a new W-4 form to increase the amount withheld from his paycheck.
(2) Employers can include the value of a benefit in their payroll at any time during the year, monthly, quafterly, etc., withholding taxes accordingly.
(3) Income, Social Security and employment taxes, though, must be withheld on the dates the benefits are paid to the employee.
(4) The IRS need not be notified as to how the taxes are withheld or when the benefits are paid.
(5) The benefit's value must be declared on the employee's W-2 form by the following Jan. 3l and on the employer's quarterly federal tax return for the final quarter.
(6) Employers can decide the extent to which use of the benefit is personal.
An employee then must calculate the value of the business use on Form 2106, business expenses, and deduct this from his l0l0 form.
fnjury Accident Costs Up 60/o
A workday lost because of injury within the building materials industry is estimated to cost $17,579, a 60/o increase over the figure reported last year, according to DuPont. This figure is based on data from the National Safety Council and a performance review from more than 4O0 companies.
In 1983, 1.9 million disabling injuries cost industry approximately $33.4 billion, according to DuPont. Of this amount, $15.6 billion was direct medical and insurance costs, with an equal amount going for management time and productivity losses. Costs associated with accident-related equipment damage accounted for another $2.2 billion.

DuPont projects that the actual cost per injury could be considerably higher than this estimate.
Given the estimated 3.2090 profit margin of the building materials industry, DuPont estimates that the sales necessary to offset one lost workday case would be $539,3,14.

Dick Malone is new to sales at Cascade Empire Corp., Portland, Or.
Ron Breedlove has joined the sales staff at Noble Lumber, Eugene, Or.
Julie Carlson is now in sales at Timber Products Sales Co., Springfield, Or.
Alan Smith, Weyerhaeuser Corp.; Richard Parish,Boise Cascade Corp.,and H. A. Roberts, Western Wood Products Association, have been named to represent the WWPA on the American Lumber Standards Committee. J. G. Hannigan, Modoc Lumber Co; Robert Higgins, Medford Corp., and Robert Hunt, WWPA, are alternates.

Wayne Gardner, Lumber Association of Southern California exec. v.p., Los Angeles, Ca., has been reappointed to the American Lumber Standards Committee as a retail representative.
W. H. Clark, chairman, pres. and c.e.o., Nalco Chemical Co., and Eugene Miller, exec. v.p. and c.f.o., were elected directors of USG Corp., Chicago, Il.
Gordon Beach has re-joined Rygel Lumber Sales, Newport Beach, Ca., as a partner according to Clint Rygel.
Michael P. O'Brien is now product publicity mgr. of the Western Wood Products Association, replacing Ray Moholt, who resigned to form his own business.
Harold Royer, Pacific Lumber Co., San Francisco, Ca., has retired. Donald Ruddy replaccs him.
Gary Mudoch is new to sales at Bohemia, Inc., Eugene, Or.
Ron DeWitt has joined the sales staff at Schaller Forest Products, Redding, Ca.
Alan Moon has been appointed intemational sales mgr. of Duo-Fast Corp., Franklin Park, Il.
Paul Gaboury, retired owner of Golden Gate Lumber Co., Berkeley, Ca., played three games in the Charles Schulz's Senior Hockey Tournament at Santa Rosa, Ca., and then, with his wife Dale, danced for five days in the International Round Dance Festival, at Montreal, Canada.
Owen McKannay, Schaller Forest Products, Redding, Ca., is engaged to marry Melissa Bradley on Oct. 5.
Robert West, sales manager, Sierra Mountain Mills, North San Juan, Ca., and Delia Maciel have set Sept. 7 as their wedding date.
John Picot has transferred to sales at the Sierra Div. of Louisiana-Pacific Corp., from L-P Samoa, Ca. Maury Walker, a longtime salesman for the Sierra Div., has taken an early retirement.
Monford Odoff, pres. and c.o.o. of DWG Corp. and Evans Products Co., Miami Beach, Fl., has resigned his $976,685 jobs; he remains a director of both companies.
Brian D. Petelsen has joined Southwest Forest Industries as director of purchasing, according to Dtryl G. Dahlmeier, v.p. for transportation and purchasing, based at Phoenix Hq.
C.J. Buck Clickner is the new district sales mgr. for the No. Ca. region of Bruce Hardwood Floors.
Bob Davenport has been appointed gen. mgr. of Michigan-California Lumber Co., Camino, Ca., replacing Vern Lindgrcn who has retired.
Al Bufkin and John Mazinet are new at Far West Fir Sales Co., Huntington Beach, Ca.
Randy Petry has been named co-mgr. of 84 Lumber Co., Vernal, Ut.
Thurman E. Evans is now chief financial officer at White Brothers, Oakland, Ca., according to Don White, Jr., pres. Mark lbppola, pres., National Builders Hardware Co., Portland, Or., has been appointed by Mayor Bud C-larkto a task force assisting small businesses.
Bruce J. McGroarty has been named pres. of Abitibi-Price Corp., Building Products Group, Tloy, Mi., succeeding Charles F. Buckland who has been appointed vice<hairman, according to Bernd K. Koken, pres. and c.e.o.
George J. Sella Jr., chairman, pres. and c.e.o. of American Cyanamid Co., has been elected to the board ofdirectors of Union Camp Corp., Wayne, N.J.
Harold J. Haynes, retired chairman of Chewon Corp., is a new director of Weyerhauser Co., Thcoma, Wa.
Harriet Nelson, former vocalist and tv star, is now a media spokesperson for Roger's Gardens' Oxygen Plus plant food.
Ric Larson has joined sales at Wachter Lumber Co., Winlock, Wa.
Robert J. Petow is frlling the newly creatd director of product promotion post at the Western Wood Products Association, Portland, Or.
Ron DeWitt has joined sales at Schaller Forest Products, Redding, Ca.
David Smith has joined Pacific Corridor Intemational Inc., Portland, Or., as v.p.-finance, according to Howard A. Page Jr., pres.
Pete lves is now at Randall Lumber Co.. Huntington Beach, Ca.
James Yarter is uow exec. v.p. at Jade Controls, Inc., Upland, Ca. Tbm Gillum has joined the co. as national sales mgr.
Stanley E. Brown, Chandler Lumber Co., Van Nuys, Ca., has assumed the new title of founder/chairman and announces E. L. Newkirk is now chairman of the board; Marc Myers, president; Randy Port, exec. v.p., and Chuck Goeser, v.p., finance.
Robert E. Bergen, pres. Bolens Corp., is the new pres. of the Outdoor power Equipment Institute, Williamsburg, Va.
Harry Bleile, P&M Cedar Products, Redding, Ca., has resigned as sales mgr., taken a month's vacation, and is now in charge of special projects for P&M. Acting sales mgr. for the next 34 months is Larry Hood, v.p. marketing. The sales office has moved from Redding to co. Hq., Stockton, Ca.
David T, Wendel is the new v.p. for sales and marketing at Carborundum Abrasives Co., Niagara Falls, N.Y. Walter C. Bissett is the new director of retail sales and marketing.
William R. Drew has been named product mgr. for window shades and blinds for Graber Industries, according to Joseph E. Cole, v.p., marketing and sales.
Robert C. Rose is now national sales mgr. of the Nordic Stove division of American Road Equipment Co.
Honi K. R. Mehta has been appointed gen. mgr. of Krylon Products by Borden, Inc.; other new div. heads are Leonard T Loffus, consumer glue; Charles A. Matzen Jn, Sterling Plastics; and Del A. Prrscher, car care products.
Rodger S. Coziahr is the new national sales mgr. for Piston Powered Products, Inc., Chandler, Az., according to Glenn E. Cruzan, v.p. of marketing and sales.
Tom Fogarty, Osborne Lumber Co., Newark, Ca., is back from vacation.
Buck Sharrad is new at Salmon Creek Lumber, Portland, Or.
Mike Dode and Bob Crtws have joined sales at Sun Crest Forest Industries, White City, Or.
T. Manhall Hahn Jr., chairman and c.e.o., Georgia-Pacific, has been named c.e.o. of the year for the forest products industry by The Wall Street Transcript, for the second consecutive yeff.
Jim Kjaer is the new mgr. at Copeland Lumber Yards, Inc., Woodland, Wa.
Gary E. Xleinjan has been named southwestern regional sales mgr., home products div., Rubbermaid, Inc.
Sue Palrnone is the new director of communications for the National Housewares Manufacturers Association, Chicago, Il., replacing Richard S. Hochman, who has retired, according to Ronald J. Fippinger, managing director.
Peter Wims has been named mgr., warranty services for Cooley Roofing Systems, Inc., Pawtucket, R.I., according to Stephen C-ondrrn, director of field engineering and technical services.
0. E. "Matt" Dillon has joined Bigfoot Lumber Co., Willow Creek, Ca.
Brad Wolden is now co-mgr. of the 84 Lumber Co. store in Henderson. Nv.
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f.H. BlEUll{S SAWttllL[S, lilc.
Sawmills and planing mills at placerville, Sebastopol and Napa, Ca. Dry kilns at placerville, Ca.

Speciafists in redwood, cedar, pine and Douglas fir products
Redwood and Douglas fir timbers most any size up to 32 fea
Dry air-dried or green patterns
Long length redwood and fir dimension
For your inquiries call:
Rick Rosa, Dave Snodgrass, lowell Wall Steve Hagen, )(atl Drexel, Tom Knippen
Personals
(Continued l'rom page -?9)
Paul Trueb has resigned from sales at Sierra Pacific Industries, Redding, Ca., after 18 years with the co.
Ann E. Julsen has been promoted to director of shareholder and customer relations for Wickes Cos., Inc., Santa Monica, Ca.
Dinny Waters, newly promoted to western states reg. mgr. for Dataline, Sausalito, Ca., reports that John Hesketh is new in So. Ca. sales; Mike Nicolav, No. Ca.; and Mark Stuckey, Denver, Co. New customer support reps. are Kathy Anderson, So. Ca.; Bob Waten, No. Ca.; and Greg Nash, Ut.
Bill Kent, pres., California Brick and Tile Supply, Rosemead, Ca., and Jim Laing' owner, Rosemead Building Materials, San Gabriel, Ca., have been elected to the board of the Masonry Material Dealers Association.
Mike Fergason is the new mgr. of sales and marketing-millwork at Building Material Distributors, Inc., Galt, Ca., according to Steve Ellinwood, pres.
Theresa Phelan is now supervisor of sales service representatives for Arizona Millwork, Phoenix, Az., according to Debra S. Schrab, advertising dir. New sales service reps include Harold C. Flynn Jr., Jim Mount and Juan Sanchez.
L. Ronald Silvera. Silvera Lumber Co., Antioch, Ca., is the new pres. of the Lumber Merchants Association of Northern California. Embrce Cross, Tiuckee Thhoe Lumber Co., Tiuckee, lst v.p.; Dale Winslow, Pacific Home Improvement Center, Atascadero, 2nd v.p.; Duane "Bud" Spencer, San Ramon Valley Mill & Lumber Co., Danville, treas. Tom Griesbach, Lampe Lumber Co., Tulare; David Bradford, Modesto Lumber Co., Modesto; Neil Keefer, Hapvard Lumber Co., Pacific Grove; Bob Creasy, Folsom Lumber Co., Folsom; Randy Blakemore, Agate Sales, Grass Valley, directors.
Tom Heilpern has been appointed c.e.o.. and gen. mgr. of Columbia Hardwood and Moulding, Tigard, Or.
Ray MacDonald is now gen. mgr. of the So. Ca. division of Canfor U.S.A. Corp.; Tom Metzger is the new sales mgr.; Donald ll'?ysinski, sales representative.
Tony Hill is the new mgr. of Copeland Lumber Yard, Redmond, Or.
Steve Burdick, Compass Lumber Co., Petaluma, Ca., won 3rd place in the '85 World Championship of Karate in San Diego, Ca.
John Myrin has joined the sales staff at Cascade Empire Corp., Portland, Or.
Ted D. Fullmer is now pres. of the Fullmer Lumber Co., Tigard, Or. John A. Fullmer is sec./treas. and Ernet M. Fullmer is c.e.o. Louie J. Buschbacher is no longer with the co.

John Deisher has joined the sales staff of Erickson Lumber Co., Marysville, Ca.
Matt Pettibone is now cabinet div. mgr. and director of marketing, Western Cabinet & Millwork, Woodinville, Wa., according to Gary Hogue, Pres. Debbie Pearson has been named mgr. of the new Totem Lake, Wa., store. Jim Blair will manage all dealer and distributor sales outside Wa.
Mike Maehara is now gen. mgr. of Hampton Overseas, the export sales div. of Hampton Lumber Sales Co., Portland, Or. Dick Kaufman is the new sales mgr. for Hampton Hardwood's Southbend, Wa., alder mill, officing in Woodburn. Or.
Bob Riggs is now mgr. of Sequoia Supply's Orange, Ca., DC as well as the Fairfield, Ca., DC. Todd Lund is now asst. mgr., Fairfield, according to Hal Huff, region mgr.
Margret Steinwand is handling sales for Sequoia Forest Industries' new mill in Joseph, Or. l(ay Stohl is new to sales at the Dinuba, Ca., firm's Townsend, Mt., mill.
Mark Foster is new to sales at J.H. Blevins Sawmills, Inc., Napa, Ca. Les LeGuaux, an outside salesman, is back from a sales swing through No. Ca., Western Nv. and Or.
"Rollo" Decks is new to the office staff at Mungus-Fungus Forest Products, Climax, Nv., according to Hugh Mungus and Freddy Fungus.
Fir - Hem Fir

And Selected Sales Aids
Rust Buster
A new brush-on enamel rust preventative, Krylon Rust Magic, is available from Borden.
After sanding and priming the rusty metal furniture or furnishing, the paint is applied to seal the metal. The brush-on paint is available in nine colors and one primer. It is also sold as an aerosol spray in 18 colors and two primers.

Sprout Growing Kitty
Chia Charlie II, a terra cotta craft kit/planter shaped like a cat, is by DechTar Video Marketing Inc.
It has chia seeds planted in its grooves and when filled with water, it sprouts. The sprouts are said to be tasty and nutritious in soups, salads and sandwiches.
There are enough seeds for three plantings included with the planter.
Push Button Security
A push-button combination lock for improving home security is available from Simplex.
The bolt can be thrown automatically when people leave their homes with no fear of lost keys or being locked out.
A combination reportedly can be changed in less than a minute without removing the lock from the door.
Gas Powered Leaf Blower
A gas powered blower with a 3lcc two-cycle engine capable of generating a 125 mph nozzle velocity air flow is new from Ryan Lawn Care Products.
Weighing ll.3 lbs. fully fueled, the blower has two handles for positive operator control. The engine has a solid state ignition, needle bearings, a fingertip recoil starter and an eitherhand fingertip throttle control. The fan, engine and fuel tank are fully shrouded.
Stain Battles Mildew
Finnaren & Haley Inc. has introduced an exterior oil based wood stain to protect against damaging mildew and ultra violet sun rays.
Independent lab tests have confirmed the stains create increased durability and protection against mildew, and last considerably longer than competitive products. The semi-transparent oil base wood stain is especially formulated for fade resistance from the sun's ultra violet and actinic rays and to repel water.
The new stains are available in I I decorator colors.
Paint On A Roll
Spin-Away which uses the power of a standard electric drill to remove paint from paint roller covers is available from Belle-Ann, Inc.
No water is needed to clean the roller cover when it is attached to the device, put on a standard %-in. drill and spun into a bag, pail or box.
Reportedly, it removes all traces of paint quickly and can be used over and over.
Plug Together
Circuit-Trak, a pre-wired, plugtogether electrical home-wiring system, is new from Trakker Corp.

The system includes lo$ profile track, socket outlet and switch modules that all plug together. All components are pre-wired and are said to quickly surface mount to any wall or ceiling.
Tracks are available in l, 2 and 4 ft. lengths and a telescoping track section to accommodate exact dimensional requirements.
For more information on New Products write The Merchant Mogazine,4500 Campus Dr., Suite 480, Newport Beach, Ca. 92660. Please mention issue date and page number so we can process your request faster! Many thanksl
D-i-y Car Wash
A synthetic polyester sponge injected with shampoo, polysealant wax and a rust inhibitor from Teton Marketing Corp. reportedly makes washing the car a one-step operation.
Slow release technology is said to make the sponge reusable for two to four weeks. While the sudsing shampoo removes grime, dirt, traffic film and salt, the polysealant wax reportedly clings to paint work.
Home Workshop Jointer
Designed to perform precision edging, surfacing, beveling, chamfering and rabbeting operations, a new 6 in. motorized jointer from Delta International Machinery Corp. is reportedly ideal for home workshops.
The tool's three-knife. solid steel cutterhead features case-hardened HSS knives to assure clean. smooth cuts. Cutterhead speed reportedly operates at 4300 RPMs, providing 12,9N cuts per minute. A cutterhead knife guard keeps hands protected from speeding knives.
Outdoor Lighting
The new low-voltage Lightscaper louverlight assembly system by Hubbell Lighting Division reportedly combines energy savings, safety, security and beauty with easy installation.
The lights can be used as accent lighting around the garden and landscape areas of homes, in addition to defining paths, walkways, steps and driveways.
The l2-volt system contains six louverlights with mounting stakes and 100 ft. of cable. The control box offers a choice of either a transformer timer with which to program the burning hours or a photocontrol for on-atdusk/off-at-dawn lighting.
A Fencing Solution
A fence support system that reportedly overcomes the problems of decay and insect infestation of wood and the unattractiveness of galvanized pipe posts is new from Durapost Support Systems, Inc.
The product utilizes heavy gauge pre-punched steel for flexibility and ease in installation. Each post has a fusion-bonded, polyester powder coating for a lifetime finish.
Said to be ideal for the d-i-yer, the system, after the posts are set in concrete, allows installation of fencing with hammer and nails.
Bath Remodeling Help
A new self+ontained shower unit from Delta Faucet Co. is an alternative to replacing or adding a tub ./shower faucet.
Shower Up can eliminate the cost and labor of extensive re-tiling when it is used to replace an existing faucet. The device can also be used for adding a shower at the pool, in the basement or in any other part of the home.
Molded of durable white PVC with two shelves, it features a single-handle washerless valve, water-saving showerhead and diverter tub spout.
The unit is available in tub and shower models or in a shower-onlv model. Pressure-balancing valves are also available.
Fashionable Faucetry
A full line of faucetry complete with matching units for basin and tub, Roman tub, shower and bidet along with accessories including towel bars, robe hooks, towel rings and a toilet paper holder is new from Harden Industries.
The Top Brass 73 series comes with all brass valves that are washerless and non-rising. The ceramic disc, I /4 turn system reportedly provides a feather touch action which allows total water flow and ensures symmetrical handle alignment after every use.
The Merchant Magazine fast-drying, enamel paint applicator used to hide scratches and chips in stoves, refrigerators and other major appliances.
The Enamel Painting Pen is designed for metal, wood, glass ceramics, most plastics and other objects.
The Wood Awake Fix Kit is used to repair and touch-up minor damage to furniture, paneling and molding. The kit includes fill material; tools for repairing holes, gouges and burnt surfaces and a stain/varnish pen.
Bond Wood Swell & Lock is a "non-glue" bond that swells wood for tightening purposes.

Household Repair Kits
Four new products designed to refurbish most surfaces around the house are now available from Bondex.
The Appliance Touch-Up Pen is a
Designer Wall Fashions
The Gloria Vanderbilt Collection of wall paneling products has been introduced by Champion International Corp.
The six styles available offer a choice of grasscloth patterns with harmonizing woodgrain prints and pastel flower prints.
Kitchen Wine Cellar
A compact upright wine vault to hold 102 bottles is from Viking Leisure Products Co.
The vault is 3 ft. wide by 22% inches deep by 6'8" high. Reportedly easy to assemble, it is delivered complete with walls and ceiling panels, wine racks, carpeted floor, right or left hand door with lock, cooling unit and built-in control.
New Construction Sealants
Two new silicone sealants have been introduced by the Sonneborn Building Products Operation of Rexnord Chemical Products Inc.
Sonolastic Omniseal is a one+omponent, low modulus, moisture curing silicone construction sealant designed for use in expansion joints in precast concrete, masonry, metal curtain walls, perimeter window caulking and with most common construction materials. According to the manufacturer, it offers excellent adhesion with
TIMBER SIZER PRE-EABRICATION
exceptional movement capability and provides a highly flexible, durable, weather-resistant seal. No priming is required on most common building materials.
Sonolastic Omniglaze is a onecomponent silicone glazing sealant that reacts with atmospheric moisture to form a strong flexible, durable weather-resistant seal in a wide range of glazing applications. Typical application materials include glass, aluminum, steel, metal alloys and a variety of other metals and structural materials. In addition, it may be used in butt and lap joint construction.