The manufacturing plant at longtime power sports manufacturer Carter Brothers in Hamilton Crossroads, Ala., caught fire around 3:30 a.m. July 12. More than 50 firefighters from neighboring towns worked throughout the day to put out the blaze, but the plant sustained severe damage. Plant employees had been off work since July 2 and were expected to return later that morning. At the time of the fire, there was no one inside the building. »» Read More

With the addition of Hardscape North America (HNA), attendees at the 2010 GIE+EXPO, October 28-30, will have access to information that will explain strategies for being successful at selling hardscape products, such as interlocking concrete pavement and segmental retaining wall systems, to contractors. The program will be offered in Louisville at the Hyatt Regency on Wednesday, October 27, the day before GIE+EXPO opens.

“Secrets of a Successful Hardscape Distributor” is intended for dealers as well as distributors—the term often used in the hardscape industry to refer to an enterprise that sells to end users, including landscape contractors and consumers. Dealers at GIE+EXPO can attend two tradeshows for the cost of one at the Kentucky Exposition Center this year. »» Read More

Rapid Equipment Distribution Inc. is on the beach in Pensecola, Florida demonstrating the Gravely Rapid 2 Wheel Tractor with sand cleaner attachment. This same attachment was used seven years ago when there was a similar oil spill situation off the coast of Spain, although that oil spill was not as extensive as the one now present in the Gulf.

The sand cleaner head thoroughly cleans sand of all types, removing tar balls, glass, stones, shells, coral, roots, seaweed, trash, cans, bottles, etc. »» Read More

Echo Inc. yesterday cut the ribbon on their new 129,000 sq. ft. warehouse expansion. The new warehouse was built to accommodate additional space requirements resulting from the company’s recent merger with outdoor power equipment manufacturer Shindaiwa, and to support the future growth of the Shindaiwa brand in both North America and Latin America.

Joining in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were dealers, employees, vendors, Lake Zurich city officials and other special guests. »» Read More

Kohler Co. is supporting Gulf Coast wildlife rehabilitation centers by providing temporary power and air conditioning services. Kohler has supplied portable generators and air conditioning units to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service centers in Louisiana, working to save oil-exposed birds in the Gulf. The company is also providing air conditioning and power in wildlife rescue volunteers’ housing units.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency withdrew its approval of the import and sale of up to 200,000 gas-powered off-road motorcycles and ATVs. The agency suspects that tailpipe emissions information was either incomplete or falsified. This is the first time EPA has voided certificates of conformity for these types of vehicles and only the second time the agency has done so for any type of vehicle. EPA is considering an enforcement action under the Clean Air Act, which could lead to significant financial penalties against the businesses that manufactured or imported these types of recreational vehicles. »» Read More

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) announced its 2009-10 Officers and Board of Directors during its 58th Annual Meeting in Couer D’Alene, Idaho held June 25-27, 2010. Officers for 2010-11 include: Chairman Fred Whyte, President, Stihl Inc.; Vice Chairman Jean Hlay, President and Chief Operating Officer, MTD Products Inc.; and Secretary/Treasurer Richard Fotsch, President of the Global Power Group, Kohler Co. »» Read More

One lucky attendee will win big by attending GIE+EXPO and Hardscape North America and participating in the Trucks of the Industry Giveaway. This year participants of the giveaway could walk away with $10,000. No purchase is necessary. »» Read More

Pennsylvania-based MacKissic Inc. is pleased to announce that Modern Power Equipment will now be distributing their Mighty Mac line of power equipment and their Merry Tiller line of mid-tin tillers.  Modern Power Equipment will be representing these products to the lawn and garden industry in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky.

Honda Power Equipment has shipped 30 million power products to domestic dealers and distributors since it began offering outdoor power equipment in the U.S. in 1972. Beginning U.S. operations with only engines, tillers and generators more than 38 years ago, Honda Power Equipment has evolved into one of the leading global power products suppliers.   »» Read More