May 20, 2008 - Modern Distribution Management

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May 20, 2008

Quarterly Forecast: Exports Brighten Manufacturing Outlook

Hopes for something more than a temporary rebound in the U.S. economy anytime soon could be frustrated, but the manufacturing outlook in particular might be somewhat brighter due to continuing strength in exports, according to a new report.
 
The Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI Quarterly Economic Forecast predicts that inflation-adjusted GDP growth will slow to 1.3% in 2008 before improving to 1.9% in 2009. The 2009 forecast is down from 2.5% projected in the February outlook. By supplying major assumptions for the economy and running simulations through the Global Insight Macroeconomic Model, the Alliance generates unique macroeconomic and industry forecasts.
 
The 2008 recession looks like it is going to be milder and more prolonged rather than normal,"said Daniel J. ...

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Werner Ladder Buys Green Bull

Werner Co., Greenville, PA, has acquired Green Bull Inc. from Green Bull Loan Acquisition, LLC. The assets purchased include the Green Bull brand and certain intellectual property, manufacturing operations and equipment in Louisville, KY, finished goods inventory, and certain warehouse and facility leases.
 
Werner will be operating the Louisville, KY, manufacturing plant and manufacturing products to support both the Werner and Green Bull brands and customer base.
 
Green Bull is a supplier of climbing products to the industrial market.
 
Werner Co. is a manufacturer and distributor of ladders, climbing equipment and ladder ...

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The Home Depot Sales Fall 3.4% in 1Q

Atlanta, GA-based The Home Depot, home improvement retailer, reported sales in the first quarter 2008 were $17.9 billion, a 3.4% decrease from the prior-year period, reflecting negative comparable store sales of 6.5%.
 
The housing and home improvement markets remained difficult in the first quarter; in fact, conditions worsened in many areas of the country," CEO Frank Blake said.
 
Profit was $356 million, compared with $1 billion last year.
 
These results reflect a nonrecurring charge of $543 million due to the recently announced closing of 15 stores and removal of 50 stores from the future growth pipeline. Excluding this nonrecurring charge, the company reported profit of $697 ...

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