Aristokraft Cabinetry, a division of MasterBrand Cabinets, teamed up with an Ohio-based custom home builder, Wayne Homes, to offer custom birch, birch or maple cabinets in all of its new homes.

MasterBrand Cabinets Inc. announced plans to expand its operations in Indiana, creating up to 262 new jobs by the end of 2016.

MasterBrand Cabinets plans to add new equipment and approximately 135 new workers to its Ferdinand, IN, facility.

Express Kitchens, a manufacturer of cabinets and countertops, has entered into a partnership with Capital Work Force to provide technical training and employment opportunities to inner-city unemployed.

MasterBrand Cabinets parent Fortune Brands Home & Security will acquire WoodCrafters Home Products LLC, a manufacturer of bathroom vanities and tops. The transaction is valued at $300 million.

Cabinet performance is a leading factor in customer satisfaction, along with ordering and delivery, according to a J.D. Powers and Assoc. study. Customers also recognize green certification.

With some homeowners considering spring remodeling projects, MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc. launches an ongoing Web initiative to grow business for dealers and support its family of cabinetry brands, which include Aristokraft, Decorá, Diamond, Dynasty, Homecrest Cabinetry, Kemper, Kitchen Craft, Omega and Schrock.

Express Kitchens acquired New Valley Sales, adding a West Springfield, MA show room and bringin the sale of high end appliances into its established kitchen cabinetry business.

Fortune Brands Home & Security posted net sales of $3.3 billion for 2011, an increase of 3% over 2010. The company said it projects 2012 sales to also increase, “at a mid-single-digit rate,” based on an assumption of 3% growth in the new housing and remodeling/repair markets.