Content about Michigan

Newell Rubbermaid says it will create a state-of-the-art Design Center to accelerate growth through enhanced capabilities in design and innovation.

The new center of excellence is expected to open by early 2014 in Kalamazoo, Mich., an area rich in talented designers, the company said.  

Looking to grow through new customers and new products, Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Universal Forest Products posted double-digit sales growth for the fourth quarter and the full year. 

Sales for the quarter increased 11.5% to $470.8 million. However, UFP's loss widened in the quarter to $1.9 million, compared with a loss of $1.7 million in the same quarter last year. 

Ann Arbor, Mich.-based Merillat Cabinetry launched a Merillat Classic line, described as new solutions to meet the hottest must-haves -- white kitchens, universal design and the need for budget-conscious options.

National Nail Corp.'s CAMO hidden deck fasteners were used in two decks that took first place in NADRA's National Deck Competition.

The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based fastener company's CAMO fasteners were part of the 2012 Best Dock and the 2012 Best Covered Deck, the company said. The dock was built using CAMO Hidden Fasteners and materials, including Douglas Fir, Hemlock, Cedar and AZEK PVC decking.

Bloomfield Hills, Mich.-based PulteGroup posted second-quarter net income of $42.4 million, compared with a net loss of $55.4 million in the year-ago period.

Total revenue from the second quarter ended June 30 totaled $1.07 billion, up 15% from $927.21 million in the second quarter of 2011. Higher revenue for the period was driven by an 8% increase in average selling price to $268,000, combined with a 5% increase in closings to 3,816 homes.

Zeeland, Mich.-based Zeeland Lumber, part of the Zeeland Holdings group of companies, named Mike Dykstra as the new CEO, replacing Herk VandenBosch as part of an orderly transition.

Dykstra previously held the title of president.

The 2012 Home Chanel News Hardware Store All-Star list consists of 50 hardware stores that distinguish themselves with strong customer service, innovative approaches to retail, and a connection to community and customers. 

The alphabetical listing of All-Star stores, one from each of the 50 U.S. states, continues below with Michigan, Minnesota and Mississippi:

Whirlpool Corp. has announced the opening of its new, state-of-the-art Riverview Campus in Benton Harbor, Mich.

"With the opening of this beautiful and spacious campus, we are looking forward to a continued future with the city of Benton Harbor, which we have been proud to call home for over 100 years," said Jeff Fettig, chairman and CEO. "The Riverview Campus allows Whirlpool Corp. to deliver on improvements in productivity, operations, energy efficiency and overall employee experience."

According to an article in The Leader of Traverse City, Mich., McLean’s Hardware of Kalkaska, Mich., will officially emerge from a major renovation this weekend. 

The remodeling of the 45-year-old hardware store and rental center included new floors, new counters, paint, exterior signage and a rearrangement of shelving, fixtures and merchandise.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based National Nail Corp. launched Stingerworld.com, a website dedicated to their brand and product – Stinger Cap Systems.

“Bringing STINGER into the online market is a great opportunity for continued growth and expansion of the brand,” said Rocky Stroud, Stinger Product Manager at National Nail Corp.  

“It will be a great resource for our customers and work as a base for establishing new consumer interest.” 

The TLC network program that caused a national controversy and a public relations nightmare for Lowe’s will not be coming back for a second season, according to an article in the Detroit Free Press.

“All-American Muslim,” a TV reality show that followed the daily lives of five Dearborn, Mich. Arab-American Muslim families, was canceled because of low ratings, according to the network.