changes format, dates Housewates show

HANGE is the single word that best describes the colorful historv of the National Housewares Manufacturers International Exposition.

The 85th exposition Nov. 9-12 at the McCormick Place complex in Chicago will be different in that exhibitors will be located according to six broad categories ofhousewares. Based on a concept popular in Europe, the arrangement will, in effect, make the NHMA International Exposition the equivalent of six smaller trade shows within the major one.

Designed to make it easier for buyers to work the show the new format break the exhibitors into six categories. This arrangement will group exhibitors as follows: o Electric housewares, cook and bakeware, kitchen tools and gadgets. r Serving and buffet accessories. plasticware, pantryware, glassware and china. o Decorative accessories, furniture and storage products, home office supplies. o Bath and closet accessories, cleaning products. r Hardware and tools, pet supplies and outdoor products. o International and government sponsored pavilions.

This will be the last November show. After the 86th exposition scheduled for April 5-8, 1987, the show will return closer to the dates held for many years.

Dates scheduled for future NHMA annual expositions are Jan. 1013, 1988; Jan. 8-11, 1989; Jan. 7-10,l99O; Jan. 6-9, 1991, and Jan. 12-15,1992. Ronald A. Fippinger, NHMA managing director, pointed out that these dates have been committed by McCormick Place management and accepted by the Chicago Convention and Visitors Bureau.

"NHMA s exposition is returning to January to better conform to the buying patterns of the prime housewares distribution channels and we believe that being the first housewares trade fair each year will give the NHMA exposition the preeminent position," Fippinger added.

The decision to hold an annual exposi- tion differs from the semi-annual exposition policy practiced by the Association since 1948. Prior to 1984, Chicago hosted the NHMA International Housewares Expositions in January and July. In 1984, the expositions were shifted to spring and fall.

"We display more than 2,000,000 home-use products from almost 4,000 exhibitors in nearly 2,500,000 square feet of space every year," says Fippinger.

Total attendance for each show typically excecds 60,000. Visitors from nearly 85 countries in addition to the United States see the latest trends and developments in America's $45 billion at-retail housewares industry.

Story at a Glance

NHMA exposition becomes six shows in one...exhibitors grouped byclassification... easier show coverage...annual January show begins in '88.

While its size alone presents a challenge to housewares buyers, the diversity and variety of manufacturers who participate make it even more complex and exciting. As a result, seasoned buyers have learned over the years that success comes from stamina.

Edward Lanctot, secretary-treasurer of Cotter & Company, True Value Hardware Stores, goes prepared. "Before I attend the NHMA Show," he says, "I make a list of suppliers that I want to see first. Typically, these are people I have not done business with beforethe ones who might be sources for new ideas. But there's no way to get around the fact that you have to walk up and down the aislesall ofthemto properly shop the show."

Most buyers agree that the NHMA Show is the best way to see new products, new colors and new ideas in housewares.

EARIY FAMIIY oortrait recalls the roots of a 75 year old millwork company in Northern California. Minton Company, Mountain Vie/v, Ca.,

Millwork Firm Gelebrates 75th

"Minton Company has a place in Northern California history" said Allen Minton, company president. "We represent the solid growth of native business in the midst of all the current excitement over Silicon Valley and other latter-day developments."

Minton Company was founded in Mountain View in l9ll by Minton's grandfather. What was originally a modest lumber yard has evolved through stages of general contractor, building material dealer. millwork subcontractor and wholesaler, and supplier and wholesaler of complete door openings. The Minton family has been meeting the Bay Area's needs for 75 years with the now soecializes in doors. Founder Earl Minton (Sth from left) received the business in 191'l as a wedding gift from his father. solid, homegrown virtues of craftsmanship and service. Tirday, Minton is one of Northern California's leading manufacturers and distributors, specializing in door openings and millwork.

The transition from local millwork supplier to a supplier ofthe total door opening began in the early 190s. In the years follorving the company has expanded greatly in personnel, inventory and business scope, and in sophisticated woodworking and metalworking machinery.

As the company expanded into wood doors, hollorv metal frames and doors and finish hardware, it began to channel its declining millwork capability into specialty products. As a result, Minton

Company in 1984 introduced its fire-rated wood doorjambs and panel doors into the marketplace.

Minton Company celebrated its 75th anniversary with the opening of new and expanded offices in Mountain View. It takes its place proudly as a representative of long-term, native, family business serving Northern California.

Hardwood Plywood Mfrs. Tour

A hardwood plywood and veneer mill study tour including the third Forestry and Woodworking Indonesia '86 is planned by the Hardwood Plywood Manufacturers Association for Oct. 19 to Nov. 13, following their annual fall meeting at the Marriott Biltmore in Santa Barbara. Ca.. Oct. 14-17.

68 Million Window Sales

Almost 68 million windows will be going into American homes this year, about the same as in 1985.

Andersen Corp., a leading manufacturer of windows and patio doors, says about half the windows will go into new homes and commercial buildings. The rest will be used in remodeling and replacing worn out windows.

II{VENIORY management, prolections and profit tests were presented and discussed bv Bill Monroe, Vincent DeVincenzo and Hedther Crabtree (left to right)of Dataline at a seminar in Glendale, Ca. Among the participants shown in the foreground were Mr and Mrs. John Thompson and Stan Garcia, Buyers Building Materials, Los Angeles, Ca.; Joe Von Brook and Larry Landers, Mullin LumberCo., Burbank, Ca., and Erik Jorgensborg, Fisher Lumber Co., Santa Monica, Ca.

Hands On Computer Training

Owners and managers from California, Washington and Colorado home centers participated in a workshop on analyzing inventory projections and profit tests and implementing a plan for inventory improvement conducted by Dataline at its Glendale. Ca.. office.

Participants were divided into teams, given sample reports and the task of developing a plan for their practice company. Approximately 25 participated in the session in mid-May.

Strong Panel Demand Seen

Continuing strong domestic demand with increases in export shipments is expected to make this the fourth consecutive record production year for the structural panel industry.

Asian and other world markets offer a long range potential, American Plywood Association president William T. Robison reports. APA is promoting the use of structural panels in the Pacific Rim and l,atin America with a variety of activities, although Robison emphasizes that "the domestic market is our major assignment and our promotion program reflects it."

More than 250 APA members were apprised of these developments in regional meetings held in Portland, Eugene and Medford, Or., and Seattle and Spokane, Wa.

Production costs for structural panels are being cut by technological improve- ments. The industry is saving at least $15 million annually in wood costs by controlling compression losses through methods perfected in a Plywood Research Foundation project. A study ofhigh moisture content gluing at the quality control division's laboratory in Thcoma, Wa., is another potential source of "very large" savings.

Speakers for the meetings included C. B. Stevens, board chairman; James R. Morris, vice chairman; Charles L. Mintken, trustee; George Sleet, quality services division director; Gene Zellner, research technologist, Dr. Jim Funck, Oregon State University, and Jan Elias, computer applications specialist.

72-Year-Old Store Closes Doors

Holsinger Lumber and Hardware, a Yucaipa, Ca., landmark since 1914, has closed.

Increasing liability and vehicle insurance and stiff competition from discount stores caused the closure, said Marilyn Miller, who had run the business with her children since 1972 when her father. M.A. Neiswender, died.

Neiswender bought the store in 1945. He was partners with Miller's uncle, H.A. Geib, who now operates a similar business in Escondido. Ca.

Overthe years the business has changed to include a furniture store and gift shop. It once sold feed and grain.

In years past business deals were sealed with handshakes, some customers paid their credit tab once a year (right after harvest). and even the competition welcomed new neighbors. "The owner of Lockwood's Hardware across the street put us up a couple of nights when we first arrived until our place was ready," Miller said. "It was very friendly then, everybody knew everybody."

Wood Flooring Assn. Board

The newly formed National Wood Flooring Association has named Virgil Hendricks, president of Mid-West Floor Co. and Lockwood Flooring, St. Louis, Mo., as president.

Officers elected are Ralph Singer, Diamond-W, Los Angeles, Ca., vice president, and Art Pedicini, Northeastern Wholesale, Vails Gate, N.Y., secretarytreasurer.

Others elected to the board include Jack Wilcox, H. G. Roane Co., Los An- geles; Jack Coates. Golden State Flooring, San Francisco, Ca.; Steve Brown, Swift-Brown Distributors. Dallas. Tx. : Gary Reynolds, Galleher Hardwoods, Los Angeles; Roland Holder, Gentry & Holder Floors, Shreveport, La.; Keilo Hyvonen, Kelly-Goodwin Co., Seattle, Wa.; Lon Musolf, Lon Musolf Flooring Co., Roseville, Mn.; Harold Reid, Trinity Floor Co., Dallas; Albert Duke. Peace Flooring Co., Magnolia, Ar.; Carl Abendroth, AGA Flooring, Amasa. Mi.; Claude Taylor, Memphis Hardwood Flooring Co., Memphis, Tn., and Dick Hradecki, Floorco Ltd., Toronto.

Home Center Show ls Largest

"Fmusing on Titay's Customers" will be the theme of the l2th National Home Center Show. March 8-ll, 1987. at McCormick Place. Chicago, Il.

The annual show is the world's largest exhibition ofproducls. services and ideas for the $60 billion home center. do-ityourself industry. More than 1.400 manufacturers are cxpected to participate. exhibiting thousands of new and innovative home improvement products during the four-day event.

A series olbusiness managenrent seminars designed to provide industry retailers with practical information to improre their management skills will be part of the show. Other highlights will include: the 6th annual Innovator Awards competition in new products and presentations; the l3th annual Home Center of the Year Awards: the 4th annual induction ceremonies for the Home Center Hallof Fame. which honors men and women who have made significant contributions to the home center industry.

Simpson Display Wins Honor

Displays of Simpson Timber Co.'s Private Collection mahogany doors were judged best in show at the National Sash and Door Jobbers Association's annual trade show.

Each door in the 20' x 20'exhibit was displayed in an individual setting with its name on a white awning above it. Graphics included the Simpson Mastermark identification on the center panel.

Tile Sales May Double

The use of American-made ceramic tile is expected to double by the end ofthe decade as the use of ceramic tile, long popular in Europe, catches on in the U.S. Available in a broad range ofcolors, textures, shapes, patterns and sizes, in glazed or unglazed versions, ceramic tile is considered attractive, durable, economical and easy to clean by homeowners in addition to being fireproof, according to the Tile Council of America. Inc.