ST. LOUIS  - idX Corporation, a manufacturer of retail store fixtures, has purchased the assets of Creative Cabinet Systems of Dayton, OH, according to the St. Louis Business Journal.

A news item posted on idX's website on Jan. 8 makes no direct mention of Creative Cabinet Systems being purchased, but does confirm that idX "has launched a new full-service division in Dayton, OH" and that most of the approximately 150 employees previously worked for Creative Cabinet Systems. The idx posting notes that the Dayton division includes 200,000 square feet of manufacturing, warehousing and office space, the same total square footage referenced in the Business Journal's report. idX said the plant is "fully equipped with state-of-the-art" woodworking equipment.

Creative Cabinet Systems specialized in the manufacture of wood cabinetry and fixtures for the athletic, retail and medical industries. The Business Journal said idX closed its purchase of Creative Cabinet Systems on Jan. 4.

idX said Dave Mueller, senior vice president and general manager, will oversee the new operation. He previously worker with Hamilton Fixture and Leggett & Platt's store fixture unit.

What's unclear about the Business Journal and idX reports is how this acquisition impacts a report last month that idx would invest $6.5 million to convert a former Rex retail store in Dayton into a fixture manufacturing plant.

The new Dayton division increases idX's holdings to more than 2.2 million square feet of manufacturing/warehousing capacity and nearly 1,000 employees in 13 cities worldwide.