Hasbro recalls Lightsabers to fix battery unit
PAWTUCKET – After receiving a reported 38 complaints about overheating batteries in its electronic Lightsabers, inspired by the Star Wars movies, Hasbro has recalled the toys for repairs. According to a company spokesperson, a spring in the battery compartment of some of the Lightsabers had become dislodged, causing overheating of the batteries. In six cases, the company reported, the overheated batteries burst and in three reported cases caused minor burns with one complaint of eye irritation. The company reported about 618,000 of the Lightsabers had been sold throughout the nation since they went on sale in May. Modified Darth Maul Double-Bladed and the Qui Gon-Jinn Lightsabers without the battery problem are now being distributed by the company The company also is issuing free repair kits, a plastic protector that prevents the spring from coming loose. Consumers with questions about the Lightsabers or the repair kit are invited to call Hasbro at 888-690-6141. Or they can reach the company via the Internet at its Website, http:/www.hasbro.com., or write to Hasbro Lightsaber Repair Program, P.O. Box 200 Pawtucket, RI 02862.
Textron announces acquisitions
PROVIDENCE – Textron, Inc., has announced the acquisitions of two companies which are leading manufacturers of welded hydraulic cylinders, valves and pumps. The companies purchased are Energy Mfg. Co. of Monticello, Iowa and Williams Machine & Tool Co. of Omaha, Neb. Terms of the acquisitions were not disclosed.
Rhode Island's Market Has Changed. Developers, Builders, Investors and Sellers Must Change With It.
By Emilio DiSpirito IV License Partner | Engel & Völkers Oceanside Leader | The DiSpirito…
Learn More
Speidel plans 200 layoffs in August
PROVIDENCE – Citing a slump in business and increasing competition in its field, Hirsch Speidel Inc. that it will lay off about 200 employees starting in August in its Providence and East Providence operations. The company reports it has 420 employees in those two locations. About two years ago Textron, Inc. sold Speidel to Hermann Hirsch USA, Inc., an affiliate of Austria-based Hermann Hirsch Armbander Ges. m.b.H. Speidel makes metal and leather watchbands, as well as chains, identification bracelets and children’s jewelry.
Coastal Management Council gets $925,000 grant
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has awarded $925,000 to the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council to administer it program and implement the state’s recently developed non-point source pollution program. The CRMC will use the funds to manage the coastal permitting program, control non-point source pollution, preserve freshwater wetlands, and enhance the state’s dredging activities.
JD American reports sharp revenue increase
COVENTRY – JD American Workwear, Inc. reported a 154 percent increase from the previous fiscal year in the fiscal year ending Feb. 28. The company’s president, David N. DeBaene attributed the increase to improved public awareness of the Workwear logo and brand name and its line of products. DeBaene also cited the marketing efforts of the J.C. Penney company through its catalog, as well as its on-line sales. DeBaene said the company’s products are now sold by more than 100 retail outlets throughout the country.
State DEM gets EPA grants
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management a total of $1,297,640 in grants. One grant of $697,640 from the agency’s Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards is derived from the National Air Pollution Control Program. Under that program, DEM will be responsible for collecting and analyzing data on air quality and air pollution levels in order to attain and maintain air quality standards. Announcement of the award was made by the office of Sen. Jack Reed. A second grant of $600,000 will help finance the state’s program to locate and investigate the cleanup of underground storage tanks that are leaking pollutants. That announcement was made through the office of Sen. John H. Chafee.
Preservation Society purchases Baker House
PAWTUCKET – The Preservation Society of Pawtucket and the Pawtucket Arts Council are working together to develop an arts center and offices in the Baker House on Park Place. The Preservation Society is buying the historic building built in 1823 by Jonathan Baker, a stone mason, for $175,000 and has begun a fund-raising campaign to collect an additional $220,000 to complete renovation and restoration of the Federal style two-and-a-half story building. The society had already raised $280,000 which covered the purchase of the building. The society will make the building its permanent home. The Arts Council plans to create an arts center in rented space in the building, including an art gallery.
Metro Global Media moving to West Coast
CRANSTON – Metro Global Media, Inc., has announced that it is moving its corporate headquarters to California where it is consolidating its so-called adult entertainment division, Metro, Inc. in new facilities in Chatsworth. The announcement said Metro would occupy the new facility on July 15. The West Coast operations had been in three separate buildings in Van Nuys, Calif. The corporation’s headquarters were on Park Avenue in Cranston.
