Furniture maker expanding

Smith Brothers of Berne recently announced it will begin construction of another phase of expansion by the furniture manufacturer this spring and summer.
Steve Lehman, company president, said the project would cost between $3 million and $5 million. The expansion will house more manufacturing production, including cutting, sewing and assembly and has the potential to add 20 new employees.
Lehman also said he is waiting on an announcement from the Discovery Channel to inform him when a segment featuring Smith Brothers would be airing on the channel.
“Last summer we were contacted by the Discovery Channel; they told us that they are doing a three-part series about American manufacturers,” Lehman told the Berne Tri-Weekly News.  The company will appear on Discovery Channel’s “Made in America” series, which will feature Smith Brothers as an example of a successful American company.
The airdate for the show has yet to be determined.

Buying, expanding
A Fort Recovery couple that operates Faller Mechanical out of their home on St. Joe Road is planning to move its home business into the Fort Recovery Industrial Park West.
Fort Recovery village administrator Randy Diller told Fort Recovery village council members that the village is in the process of transferring the industrial lot deed to Lynn and Chad Faller.
Council members last month authorized the sale of approximately 2.5 acres of land in the industrial park to the Fallers for $10,000 an acre.
Diller told the council that the couple intends to construct a new facility this fall.

Franklin earnings
Franklin Electric Co. Inc., Blufton, reported fourth quarter sales of $205.2 million for 2012.
The company reported diluted earnings per share of 55 cents, a 10 percent increase from 2011. For the full year 2012, Franklin Electric reported diluted earnings per share of $3.46 and adjusted earnings per share of $3.14. Full year 2012 sales were $891.3 million, a 9-percent increase from 2011.

Cooper honored
Cooper Farms, which has facilities in Fort Recovery and St. Henry, Ohio, recently received an industry leadership award from trade magazine, “Meatingplace.”
The company was awarded the Jewell award by the magazine. Chief operating officer Gary Cooper accepted the Jewell award during the International Production and Processing Expo in Atlanta on Jan. 30.
The award, which is named in honor of poultry industry pioneer Jesse Jewell, recognizes a company that exhibits innovation in poultry processing.

Chrysler expansion
The Kokomo Tribune recently reported the Chrysler Group will announce investments and jobs to boost transmission manufacturing in the Kokomo area.
Chrysler Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne is scheduled to join Gov. Mike Pence in making the announcement Thursday. Chrysler announced last year that it planned to produce more efficient eight- and nine-speed transmissions at its three Kokomo plants.

Oppose turbines
A group of about 50 residents recently attended a meeting in Rockford, Ohio, hosted by a group opposing wind turbines in northern Mercer County.
Most residents just asked questions, but some openly opposed the construction of the turbines.
Pete Hayes, co-chair of the group, Neighbors United, told those in attendance that at least 17 land leases had been signed in the Rockford area to construct turbines.
The proposed turbines would be an extension of the Long Prairie Wind Farm in Van Wert County.

Wal-Mart profit rises
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. reported fourth-quarter profit gains of 8.6 percent Thursday.
Sales at stores open at least a year grew 1 percent in the fourth quarter, below the 1.5 percent growth analysts were expecting.
Wal-Mart Chief Financial Officer Charles Holley said the company had a sales lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas because of an extra week between the two holidays.[[In-content Ad]]