NEW YORK -- IKEA recently launched a Swedish microsite "to show consumers the possibilities of an IKEA closet," according to an Adatos.com report written by Lauren Kerensky.

 

-- Slide-Lok, a provider of garage interiors and manufacturer of garage storage cabinets, and GE Money's Retail Sales Finance unit, announced a new consumer credit program for Slide-Lok'™s more than 100 garage storage and cabinet dealers nationwide.

LOS ANGELES -- Samsung, manufacturer of Staron solid surface and quartz, announced a new partnership with National Wood Products as an authorized distributor of Staron quartz in Southern California. National Wood Products, based in Salt Lake City, UT, is the fifth distributor recently signed on to carry Staron quartz. For more information, click here.

MINNETONKA, MN -- The Complete Garage LLC announced it has signed a multiple store area development agreement, encompassing all of Connecticut and several counties, including Westchester, in New York.

CHARLOTTE, NC -- Biesse has activated a new toll-free number for North American 24/7 service phone support: (877) 524-3773. The number provides direct access to the Biesse’s Service Phone Support department. The company said that for parts orders, customers must continue to use the current numbers: (704) 357-3131 in the United States. and (450) 477-0484 in Canada.

BURNSVILLE, MN -- SlipCon Finishing Systems, a manufacturer of brush sanding technology, re-launched its Web site: slipcon.com. Features include machine video demonstrations and downloadable product literature.

EUGENE, OR -- Whittier Wood Products purchased a 150,000-square-foot plant near Ho Chi Minh City. According to Thanh Nien News, the manufacturer of unfinished furniture hopes to begin production in 2007. The paper quoted CEO Scott Whittier as saying that Vietnam workers make about $150 a month compared to $1,920 a month plus benefits for Eugene workers. The company plans to maintain a workforce of 85 employees to continue making some of its products in Eugene.

HANNOVER, GERMANY -- According to the FORDAQ Network Ligna+ Hannover 2007 has received firm commitments for approximately 1.216 million square feet - about 88% of the total net space allocated for Ligna+ Hannover 2005, with nine months until the show date. Ligna+ Hannover, the world fair for the forestry and wood industries, runs from May 14-18, in Hannover, Germany. Read more.

STANLEY, NC -- Blum Inc. has begun assembling its Tandem plus Blumotion concealed runners in the United States. The company completed a major building expansion to allow room for the assembly equipment in February, and the machines were set up and training began in March. A second shift began in August, and a third is scheduled to start in December. The new assembly area added 66 new jobs at Blum’s Stanley location.