HBSDaily

Atlanta-based The Home Depot and Mooresville, North Carolina-based Lowe's are connected by the home improvement industry's biggest rivalry -- as well as the American consumer's enthusiasm and ability to spend money on the house.

With 2,273 stores in operation at the end of the third quarter, Depot brings more firepower to the battle. Lowe's operates 1,849. But they appear to be riding the same tide in home improvement.

Stanley Black & Decker has pledged a donation of over $225,000 worth of Stanley and DeWalt tools to ToolBank USA.

ToolBank provides nonprofits such as charities, schools and faith-based organizations with tool rentals for various volunteer and service projects, thereby reducing expenses and the "tool scarcity" that volunteers frequently experience.

The 2015 Golden Hammer Award in the lawn & garden category goes to Scotts.

The award is the result of an HBSDealer/Golden Hammer survey of retailers and distributors who were asked to identify the brand that offers outstanding benefits for their business in each of a dozen product categories.

The 2015 Golden Hammer Awards, now in its 31st year, will take place in the heart of the National Hardware Show -- on the show floor of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Briggs & Stratton has a number of reasons to celebrate the number 85: its Kentucky plant in Murray, Kentucky, began making Briggs & Stratton engines in 1985. Additionally, the company makes 85% of its small engines in the U.S. And now, the Murray plant is celebrating its 85th million small engine.

Since 1985, the plant has grown to employ over 900 workers and produces more engines than any other Briggs & Stratton facility.

Towson, Md.-based Black & Decker introduced four new cordless power tools and a variety of new combination kit solutions.

The products are described by he company as “powerful and durable home-improvement solutions at a value for cost-conscious homeowners.”

These cordless tools are powered by the Black & Decker extended runtime 20V MAX* Lithium Ion Battery, and include a 1/2 Inch Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, and Circular Saw.

Central Garden & Pet Company has purchased certain assets of Envincio LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of SantoLubes LLC.

The purchase includes established brands, EPA registration assets, inventory and trade receivables.

“This acquisition will enable Central to be a key supplier and product innovator in the growing natural insecticides product market, often characterized as EPA-exempt products, as well as expanding offerings in traditional pesticides,” said Frank Jusich, SVP Professional Brands.

The Northeast Window & Door Association will merge with the Window & Door Manufacturers Association.

As of the 2016 lawn & garden season, Briggs & Stratton is trimming down on its production to help cut costs, which will include limiting its Snapper consumer lawn and garden equipment and consolidating its products manufacturing facilities.

The company will also close its McDonough, Georgia location and consolidate production into existing facilities in Wisconsin and New York.