Content about Cleveland

The Sherwin-Williams Co. has been recognized for demonstrated leadership in ethical business practices by the Ethisphere Institute, an organization dedicated to the creation, advancement and sharing of best practices in business ethics. 

The background-screening industry is facing greater scrutiny over the accuracy of its reports, according to industry experts. In 2012 some job seekers claimed that inaccurate criminal background checks prevented them from finding employment.

Accuracy of background-check-report information and greater scrutiny of the screening industry are the No. 1 trend for 2013, said attorney and background-check expert Lester Rosen.

Cleveland-based paint giant Sherwin-Williams described a strong performance in 2012 and posted record sales of $9.53 billion for 2012, an increase of 8.8%.

For the fourth quarter, sales increased 7.3% to $2.22 billion, primarily due to higher paint sales volume in the Paint Stores Group and selling price increases.

Net sales in the Paint Stores Group increased 13.2% to $5.41 billion in the year and increased 9.8% to $1.25 billion in the quarter. 

Sherwin-Williams says its packaging is being infringed by Wooster Brush Co. and has sued the competitor to cease and desist. 

An article in Crain’s Cleveland Business describes the lawsuit brought by Sherwin-Williams against Wooster Brush.

A growing emphasis on sustainability in packaging will help drive up demand for post-consumer recycled plastics, according to a study published by the Freedonia Group. The Cleveland-based industry market research firm estimates that U.S. demand will rise 6.5% annually. Other factors pushing gains are advancements in processing and sorting technologies; higher quality resins; and an improved collection infrastructure, which raises the plastic recycling rate.

U.S. demand for decking is forecast to rise 2.4% annually, according to a study by the Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based industry market research firm.

Demand for fencing in the U.S. is forecast to expand 7.1% annually through 2016, according to a report just released by The Freedonia Group, a Cleveland-based market research firm. Growth will be driven by an expected rebound in building construction from a depressed 2011 base.  Advances will also be supported by rising installation of high-value fences, such as ornamental metal and composite fencing.  Consumers are turning to these materials because of their favorable aesthetic and performance properties, the report said.

An Ohio hardware store was the destination of a cash mob on June 20 when nearly 60 people descended on Solon Valley Hardware, according to an article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

It was the first event of the “Shop Solon First” campaign organized by the local Chamber of Commerce. Open since 1957, Solon Valley has been a chamber member since 1974.

The S&P/Case-Shiller Index, a leading indicator of U.S. housing prices, showed annual declines of 3.6% and 3.5% for the 10- and 20-city composites, respectively, for February 2012. This is a new low for February, which has not seen such levels since 2002. But the decline was less steep than in previous months, when it recorded a 3.9% drop in January and a 4.1% drop in December in year-over-year figures. 

The April issue of Home Channel News included a review and analysis of MyLowes.com, one of the most ambitious home improvement websites in the industry today. Our digital version (registration required) has even more analysis.

Demand for wood-plastic composite and plastic lumber, used in decking, railing, trim and other building materials, is projected to rise 13% per year until 2015, according to a report from The Freedonia Group.

An advisory group to the ANSI Board of Standards has recommended that gas fireplaces or heaters with glass fronts contain a barrier to protect children or other at-risk individuals. 

The CSA – America Vented Heater Technical Advisory Group met in Cleveland on Dec. 13 and approved the language for a revised standard, which now goes to ANSI committees for review.