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Kitchenware News & Housewares Review Show Daily Saturday, March 10, 2018 2 6 The Metal Ware Corporation and Chard International Merge Fifteen months after the merger of The Metal Ware Corporation (NESCO and Open Country Campware brands) and Chard International (Chard Products and Carey), the pieces are settling into place. Back in November of 2016, 97 year old Metal Ware combined with nine year old Chard to create the new Metal Ware Corporation under the leadership of President Rick Carey and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ross Niemi. A major challenge with the merger was bringing together two companies with different cultures and history, but company leadership worked to take the strengths of each company and blended them. Together, it created an environment in which employees are empowered to think innovatively. Rick Carey attributes a large part of the success of the merging companies to being privately held. "One of the bene- fits of being privately held in this 'renaissance period' is that we see our visions five to 10 years out – where do we want to be? We think in terms of generational aspirations as opposed to quarterly returns for our stockholders." And Metal Ware certainly is thinking long-term. It has recently announced its plans to open another 200,000 square-foot distribution and plastics facility to increase domestic and hybrid production. With newly added roto molding capabilities and increasing metal pro- duction, the manufacturing departments of the company have doubled in the last year, and according to Carey is expected to at least double again within the next two years thanks to increasing second and third shift production. This is some- thing that's very important to Metal Ware employees as well as customers, as it allows for greater ability to respond to fluctuation in demand – an ever- increasing struggle for companies in today's landscape. Most impor- tantly, it allows greater quality control – Carey cites workers' pride in making quality products the largest pillar in suc- cess for the company. Merging two compa- nies with a wide gap in culture, history and capabilities is never an easy task, but that isn't holding Carey and Niemi back from building "upward and onward" in all three ways. For more information, visit www.nesco .com and www.chardproducts.com, call 920.323.5175, email mbartos@mwcorp .com or stop by booth #L12702. It's a Sign RAREFORM transforms freeway bill- boards into bold, upcycled bags. They're "rare," not only in their eco-friendly con- struction, but also because each bag is completely unique. Brothers Alec and Aric Avedissian put the quality attention into each bag by washing, hand-cutting, sewing and then shipping the vinyl to Los Angeles, where it's arranged into one-of- a-kind designs. The sisters Chelcea and Kirsten Dressler from Messermeister have teamed up with the Avedissian brothers in this "rare" opportunity to cre- ate the first Chef's Backpack. In the same way billboards are built to last – rain or shine – Messermeister's Chef's Backpack will stand up to the ele- ments. They're super lightweight, durable and the backpack's design show- cases the attention to detail. The Chef Backpack features three layer pockets with a front dual zip organizational pock- et that features repurposed water resistant billboard vinyl with multiple internal zip pockets and slots to keep cords, chargers, business cards and other accessories organized. The middle culinary tool pocket zips open flat and has 12 elastic lined sub pockets to keep your knives and kitchen tools secure with space for items up to 15 inch- es in length. The third pocket is your "back pack" zip pocket. This pocket has a quilted padded laptop pocket and has room to store books or uniforms. Highly breathable mesh on the back panel and shoulder har- ness add to the carrying comfort. This utility Chef Backpack will keep your knives and kitchen tools secure while getting all the attention of a billboard in a distinct, sophisticated and sustainable design. Keeping up with the motto of reduce-reuse- recycle, the new Messermeister Chef Backpack will retail for $149.95. For more information, stop by booth #S1826 or go to www.messermeister.com. KAF Home Expands into New Product and Branding Opportunities KAF Home, a market leader in premier home textiles, is expanding its product and brand coverage to increase appeal among retailers and consumers alike. These new product launches and licens- ing agreements will help expand the company's presence in several key mar- kets and address an expanding portion of the population through large retailers, boutiques and online sales. Earlier this year, KAF Home launched two key product categories that will offer a compelling value proposition to both retailers as well as end con- sumers: TAILOR, the company's new apron line, addresses an attractive and burgeon- ing market segment for premium aprons. TAILOR aprons are designed in California with select fabrics and impres- sive hardware, but at a fraction of the wholesale and $80 MSRP of similar products. KAF is offering retailers the chance to approach this market at price- points from $24.95 to $34.95. Similarly, KAF is expanding into decorative pillows to provide exceptional value at a competitive price. The compa- ny is coupling its domestic design expert- ise with global production capabilities to provide superior dec pillows to the value conscious consumer. Initial offerings boast luxurious fabrics and trim, feather and down blend inserts, and com- petitive retails. KAF Home is also partnering with several well-known consumer brands to deliver compelling products with unique insights and design. The company has partnered with Christopher Kimball and his Milk Street brand, to launch a line of high quality kitchen and home textiles that feature Christopher Kimball's knack for combining simplicity with function, in a way that feels familiar and comfort- able. Additionally, KAF Home is intro- ducing a line of home and tabletop tex- tiles under the iconic Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation brand, modernizing some of Wright's quintessential design to sit perfectly in today's home. President and Chief Executive Officer, Amin Mysorewala, believes these opportunities will further bolster the company's strength in the home textile market, not- ing, "We have already received strong and positive feedback from the market regarding these launches, and expect this trend to continue as we build momentum in 2018." For more information, go to www.kafhome.com or stop by booth #S1674. Kyocera Debuts New Mugs With a 'Twist' Kyocera presents "Twist," a new line of fashion travel mugs with ceramic coated interiors. Featuring a convenient twist top, these double wall insulated mugs come in four appealing colors: Pearl White, Cotton Candy Pink, Jet Black and Stainless Steel. Kyocera's proprietary ceramic coat- ing never imparts a metallic taste, for an upgraded flavor experience. The double wall vacuum insulated design keeps bev- erages hot or cold for 6 to 12 hours, depending on starting temperature. A removable ice stopper insert makes drink- ing, cleaning and adding ice cubes easy. With its contemporary look and advanced features, this is the perfect trav- el mug for commuting on the train or in the car, at the office, school, home kitchen or sporting events, or for camp- ing, hiking, picnics or golfing. The slim profile makes it comfortable to hold and carry. Plus, it stays cool to the touch with hot liquids, and it never sweats with cold liquids. The twist top is easy to open, and spill-proof when closed. The mugs have a retail price ranging from $24.95 to $27.95. Kyocera Twist Ceramic Coated Travel Mugs come gift boxed and are available for immediate shipment. Kyocera also offers Ceramic Coated Travel Mugs with a flip-top lid. For more information, visit www .kyoceraadvancedceramics.com. The Big Pitcher from Oxygen Orchard Besides just hydrating, drinking water can deliver supplemental oxygen, the ele- ment of life. Oxygen Orchard, Inc., based in Texas, is the sole manufacturer of this patented appliance. The Big Pitcher is a health-focused kitchen appliance, infusing drinking water with oxygen, naturally and safely. The Big Pitcher is endorsed by Baby Boomers, their children and parents, as well as numerous medical pro- fessionals. The product appeals to males and females in equal numbers, as well as to those in great health and those seeking better health. The consumer is reminded of the positive feelings they got from the purchase every time they take a drink. Hardware stores, vacuum dealers, sewing machine deal- ers, jewelry stores, pharma- cies and health stores and fur- niture stores are all great places to carry the Big Pitcher. Basic frequently asked questions can be quick- ly mastered by sales associ- ates and a Sales Support Video will be available on YouTube soon. For more information, call 877.347.7770 or visit www.oxygenorchard.com.