Producer Prices Up in January
Washington, DC, Mar. 18-- A jump in energy prices pushed U.S. wholesale prices up sharply in January, according to a long-delayed report from the Labor Department issued on Thursday.
Today's Flooring News
Keep up to date with the most recent news in the flooring industry. Today's News...As it happens! We update this news several times a day so you can stay connected.
Ross to Merge Burlington and Cone
Greensboro, NC, Mar. 18--Wilbur Ross made it official yesterday that he has merged Burlington Industries Inc. and Cone Mills Corp. to form what he believes will be a competitive global textile manufacturer.
Beijing Floorcovering Fair Set for September
Beijing, China, Mar. 18--The Chinese International (CIEC) Exhibition Company has announced a 10% discount is being extended for exhibitors registering by March 31.
Home Builder Lennar's Net Earnings Rise
Miami, FL, Mar. 16--Lennar Corporation, one of the nation's largest homebuilders, today reported earnings for its first quarter ended February 29.
Housing Starts Off
Washington, DC, Mar. 17--Home building in the U.S. slowed in February for a second month in a row but remained at strong levels.
China to End Foreign Retail Curbs by December
Shanghai, China, Mar. 17--China will stick by pledges to open a booming retail sector to foreign players such as Wal-Mart and Carrefour, abolishing joint-venture requirements before December 11, state media said Wednesday.
Consumer Prices Rise
Washington, DC, Mar. 17--Consumer prices rose by a modest 0.3 percent in February as high energy costs continued to hit the pocketbooks of drivers filling up at the pump and people heating their homes.
Solutia's 2003 Net Sales Rise
St. Louis, MO, Mar. 17--Bankrupt chemical maker Solutia Inc. says it increased net sales last year by six percent, to $2.43 billion.
Unilin Plant Site to be Announced Today
Thomasville, NC, Mar. 16--A multimillion dollar economic incentives package was successful in wooing a Belgian flooring manufacturer to expand in Davidson County--bringing with it 330 new jobs, according to the News-Record.
Hiring Plans Increase, Survey Says
Milwaukee, WI, Mar. 16--In the highest showing in three years, 28% of U.S. employers plan to add workers in the second quarter, according to a closely followed employment survey.