Mortgage credit availability decreased in September according to the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (“MCAI”), a report from the Mortgage Bankers Association (“MBA”) that analyzes data from Ellie Mae’s AllRegs® Market Clarity® business information tool. The MCAI fell by 1.9 percent to 118.6 in September. A decline in the MCAI indicates that lending standards are tightening, […]
Canadian Pacific Joins TradeLens Blockchain Shipping Platform
Canadian Pacific (“CP”) announced it has joined TradeLens, a blockchain-based platform that enables the secure and transparent transfer of container-shipping documents. This open-API platform will help CP intermodal shippers create, amend and share documents with other supply chain participants, including consignees, beneficial cargo owners, customs agencies, dray operators and steamship lines. “CP is pleased to […]
Oldcastle APG Establishing Operations in Fairfield County
Oldcastle APG, a leading global manufacturer of outdoor living and building materials, today announced plans to establish operations in Fairfield County. The more than $25 million investment will create approximately 100 new jobs. Located at 355 Commerce Boulevard in Ridgeway, Oldcastle APG’s new, state-of-the-art facility will be the company’s fifth South Carolina location. The Fairfield […]
Tempur Sealy Expands and Repositions Sealy in the United Kingdom
Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (“Tempur Sealy” or the “Company”) announced that it is reacquiring the rights and acquiring the assets to manufacture, market, and distribute Sealy and Stearns & Foster branded products in the United Kingdom from its current licensee. The Company has entered into a new 50/50 joint venture (Sealy United Kingdom Limited) to […]
Freddie Mac: Mortgage Rates Remain Flat in October 8th Report
Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (“PMMS”®), showing that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (“FRM”) averaged 2.87 percent. “The year-long slide in mortgage rates seems to be ending as rates have flattened over the last month and the economic rebound has slowed,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “But with […]
PPG Projects Strong Third Quarter Financial Results
PPG announced that its third quarter 2020 adjusted earnings per diluted share is expected to be between $1.90 and $1.94. This compares to adjusted earnings per diluted share of $1.67 in the third quarter of 2019. In addition, the company now anticipates that sales volumes versus the third quarter 2019 will be down about 5%, […]
Aaron’s & Former NFL Star Turn Homeownership Dreams Into Reality
Aaron’s, Inc. (“Aaron’s”), a leading omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions, and its divisions Aaron’s and Progressive Leasing, joined forces with former NFL star Warrick Dunn this summer to provide furnishings for four “Homes for the Holidays” surprise presentations, bringing the running total of home celebrations to 181 over the nearly 23-year history of the program. […]
Obituary: Joseph Kenneth Audette
Joseph Kenneth Audette, age 60, passed away unexpectedly in an ultra light sport plane accident on Sunday, October 4, 2020 at the Hawthorne, CA airport. Joe was born March 27, 1960 in San Francisco, CA and was the middle child of Lynne & Raleigh (Bud) Audette. Joe was preceded in death by his maternal & […]
Greif Awarded Gold Rating in EcoVadis CSR Assessment for Third Consecutive Year
Greif, Inc. (“Greif” or the “Company”), a global leader in industrial packaging products and services, today announced it has been awarded a Gold Rating in sustainability performance by EcoVadis for the third year in a row. EcoVadis is an independent rating agency specializing in the evaluation of Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”), including sustainable development and […]
BPWood Ltd. Hires Industry Leader Darin Frers
BPWood Ltd. (“BPWood”) has hired industry leader, Darin Frers to direct their Global Specialty Wood Division’s business towards North American O.E.M and Distribution/Last Mile channels. Mr. Frers will lead sales growth of BPWood’s “category leading” range of Euro, Asian, South American, and South African produced specialty wood. Formerly a 26 year seasoned trader with FCTG’s Olympic […]