ColArt, following a review of its European operations, announced last week that it is considering a proposal to close one of its five UK sites. The tentative plan is to phase out the Wealdstone factory in London by the end of 2011. London would, however, remain the home of the group’s headquarters and R&D facilities; in addition there are four other manufacturing and distribution sites across England.
Justin Wraight, global leader of ColArt sales, said: “Production and color making are already interchangeable between our sites within Europe. We’re extremely proud of our workforce at Wealdstone, but sadly, the site’s physical location, in the heart of a residential area, makes it difficult to absorb additional capacity.” Justin goes on to explain: “In order to invest more in brand activities to benefit the global art community, strengthen product quality and improve service for customers in an increasingly competitive global market, we need to be a leaner, more efficient operation.” Read more on the story in the Harrow Times ColArt Mfg Facility closing in Wealdstone.
The very proud manager of University Art in Sacramento, David Saalsaa, is celebrating his daughter and ballerina Chloe’s full scholarship to New York’s Joffrey Ballet School for the summer.
NAMTA and the NAMTA Foundation will be relocating their offices beginning June 29, 2010. Phone or email may be chancy during this time.
Here is the new mailing address for both organizations:
20200 Zion Avenue
Cornelius, NC 28031-8546
All phone, fax, email and website addresses remain the same.
Specialty retailer of arts, crafts and floral merchandise A.C. Moore has appointed Joseph A. Jeffries as Chief Executive Officer. Jeffries most recently served as the company’s acting CEO. Prior to that he was EVP of operations of the company.
Emily White, Southern California Sales Representative for Canson has left the company to take a new opportunity in Los Angeles, CA. The search is on for a new person to take this very important sales territory. Interested parties should contact Roy Cavicchi at rcavicchi@canson-us.com
Pebeo is pleased to announce the appointment of MacPherson’s as a full-line distributor of its fine art & craft products in the USA. Complete stock selection in all 3 of our DC’s should be available in September.
Industry pioneer and art & craft “how to” publisher Arthur Schwartz passed away recently after a long illness. He and his wife Jo Yanow-Schwartz founded Search Press.
Canson’s new Eco-Friendly Eric Carle Pads will be featured on a national radio segment “Learning and Laughter with Louise,” (Her Insight Media Network) as one of this year’s best Back-to-School products. Canson’s Eric Carle Eco Line was selected by teachers and kids from several hundred products that were submitted. This segment will be aired live on JULY 21st. This broadcast will also be available on iTunes: Learning& Laughter with Louise.
Kendall Leahy, credit manager at MacPherson’s is the most recent person at our company to become a NAMTA Certified Art Material Professional (C.A.M.P.) Congratulations, Kendall!
Rachel DeAnn Murdock announced via a recent Facebook fan page notice that Pittsburg Art Supplies of Pittsburg, KS will be “Goin’ outta bidness!” effective July 24th, 2010.