Dec 15, 2006

Around The IndustrySource: Various

Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery To Distribute PBH Product

Riceland Foods, Inc., has named Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies its exclusive Northeast and Mid-Atlantic distributor of PBH Growing Medium Material, a processed and sterilized rice hull media amendment.

Based in Tewksbury, Mass., Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies serves customers from 10 locations in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey and New York, as well as through an online catalog at www.griffins.com.

Modine Plans To Close Ohio Facility, Invest in India

Modine Manufacturing Company announced it will close its Toledo, Ohio, facility, and build a new manufacturing plant in India. The Ohio facility manufactures automotive components and will be closed down within the next 8-9 months. There are currently 16 individuals employed at the plant.

The company also announced that the board of directors has approved a $14 million investment to build a Greenfield manufacturing facility in the Chennai area of India. Products manufactured in the facility will serve India’s domestic commercial vehicle, off-highway, domestic bus air conditioning (HVAC) markets, and additional markets. The investment will be made over a 3-year period beginning this fiscal year.

When the first phase of the facility is completed in 2008, it will be an 80,000-sq.ft. manufacturing site with room for future expansion.

San Diego County Flower & Plant Association Releases 2007 Directory

The San Diego County Flower & Plant Association announced the publication of its 2007 Membership Directory and Buyers’ Guide. The directory showcases more than 200 growers and wholesalers of cut flowers and potted plants, as well as the supporting businesses that comprise their membership. Complete addresses, phone and fax numbers along with E-mail and Web site addresses can also be found in the directory.

The buyers’ guide categories list the products grown by the association’s growers. Included this year is a listing of frequently called flower and plant-related organizations and institutions, in addition to an expanded listing of services provided by associate members.

Copies may be obtained by sending $31.94 ($25.00 plus postage and handling) to the San Diego County Flower & Plant Association at 5600 Avenida Encinas, #108, Carlsbad, Calif. 92008.

Ecke Presents Poinsettia Tree To Schwarzenegger

As a way of thanking Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shriver on behalf of California farmers and businessmen, Paul Ecke III, CEO and owner of the Paul Ecke Ranch, Encinitas, Calif., presented Schwarzenegger with a “pumped-up” poinsettia tree that stands 8 ft. tall. The tree was presented at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the State Capitol on December 5, 2006.

The Paul Ecke Ranch also contributed all of the poinsettias used at the ceremony. Master of Ceremonies Pat O’Brien (The Insider) acknowledged and thanked the Paul Ecke Ranch for its contribution during the ceremony.