Editorial Type: News

Ennis Inc. Reports Results for the First Quarter Ended May 31, 2010

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc. has reported financial results for the first quarter ended May 31, 2010.

For the quarter, consolidated net sales increased by $9.9 million, or 7.6 percent, from $130.8 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2009 to $140.7 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2010. Print sales for the quarter were $67.8 million, compared to $71.7 million for the same quarter last year, or a decrease of 5.4 percent. Apparel sales for the quarter were $73 million, compared to $59.1 million for the same quarter last year, or an increase of 23.5 percent. Overall gross profit margins (“margins”) increased from 23.7 percent to 30 percent for the quarters ended May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010, respectively. Print margins increased from 26.4 percent to 30.3 percent, and Apparel margins increased from 20.4 percent to 29.7 percent, for the quarters ended May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010, respectively. Net earnings for the quarter increased from $6.6 million, or 5.1 percent of sales, for the quarter ended May 31, 2009 to $13 million, or 9.3 percent of sales, for the quarter ended May 31, 2010. Diluted EPS increased from $0.26 per share to $0.50 per share for the quarters ended May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010, respectively. The company, during the quarter, generated $23.7 million in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) compared to $14.3 million for the comparable quarter last year.

Read More

BIC APP Announces Sale of Auburn, Indiana-based Messenger Operation

As part of the strategic integration of Norwood Promotional Products and BIC Graphic operations, BIC Advertising & Promotional Products (APP) began an evaluation of business opportunities related to the Auburn, Indiana-based Messenger operation in the Fall of 2009. Several options were evaluated, including the sale of the business.

Read More

Prime Line’s Rick Brenner Discusses Product Safety at PROMOTIONS EAST

Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line’s president and CEO Rick Brenner teamed with Arnold & Porter attorney Jennifer Karmonick to present a seminar on product safety and the impact of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) on our industry at PROMOTIONS EAST two weeks ago in Atlantic City, NJ. The purpose of the seminar was to educate suppliers and distributors about how they can protect themselves and their customers through a better understanding of state and federal product safety legislation.

Read More

Sweda’s Second Annual Case Study Challenge

As part of its second annual Case Study Challenge, which kicked off on June 21, City of Industry, California-based Sweda Company has officially begun the search for the most innovative distributor project story–and if it’s yours, it could be worth up to $5,000 cash plus an added bonus of a $2,500 credit memo for applicable distributor employers.

Read More

Gary Ball Joins Shumsky Team as President

Dayton, Ohio-based distributor Shumsky Enterprises continues to grow as it seats Gary Ball as president of all business units. “Gary’s passion is in developing efficient, profitable companies through team development, mentoring and coaching, allowing me to focus on my passions–new business development and new product ideation,” said Michael Emoff, CEO and owner of Shumsky Enterprises.

Read More

New York City in 10 Ounces

Michael Cornnell

Yesterday, April 29, the New York Times reported that Leslie Buck, designer of the famous Anthora paper coffee cup, pictured top-right, passed away. The whole article can be read here, and I recommend giving it a look. It’s a pretty interesting read, covering not only Buck’s fascinating life, but also how a design that is just perfect for its market can take off and develop a life of its own.

Read More

Entomologically Correct Bug Plushies

Michael Cornnell

This morning (April 21)  the Wired.com blog Geekdad reported on an online store that sells entomologically correct insect plushies. The stuffed animals at the aptly named “Weird Bug Lady” store are created by a zoology student at McGill University who will soon be pursuing a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology and entomology at the University of Connecticut.

Read More

St. Regis Crystal Acquires The Martin Company

On April 20, 2010, Cheektowaga, New York-based supplier St. Regis Crystal announced the acquisition of Waxahachie, Texas-based supplier The Martin Company.

“This acquisition presents tremendous opportunities for both companies,” said Richard Firkser, president and CEO of St. Regis Crystal. “The Martin Company, founded in 1988, has spent 22 successful years developing it’s creative, innovative and technical skills. St Regis complements these skills with superior customer service, huge production capacity and the structural and financial backbone to really grow.”

Read More

Paul Lage to Head Gill Studios Inc.

On April 14, Lenexa, Kansas-based Gill Studios announced several position changes in its senior management. Its current president, Tom P. Carrico, will be retiring as of May 3. He will remain with the company in an advisory role for a portion of 2010. Paul M. Lage, former president and CEO of Norwood Promotional Products, will replace Carrico as the new president and CEO of Gill Studios.

Read More