Technology

Lehman’s Hardware, a 56-year-old store that closed after a Feb. 28 flood, will reopen on March 5, according to a notice on its website.

Chicago-based hardware co-op True Value Co. promoted Eric Lane to the position of VP specialty businesses.

In his new post, Lane will oversee the co-op's Home & Garden Showplace, International, MRO - Maintenance, Repair and Operations, and the Rental Division including Grand Rental Station, Just Ask Rental and Taylor Rental.

Previously, Lane was business development director of retail growth. He replaces Fred Kirst, who retired Feb. 11. 

Kitson & Partners, a real estate development company based in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., has announced the purchase of Tuscany Reserve, an unfinished golf course community located in southwest Florida. The company plans to quickly resume construction on the project’s clubhouse facilities and luxury homes,

Jensen Distribution Services has announced the appointment of Chris Jensen as its new executive VP and chief business development officer, effective March 1.  Jensen, who started with the company in 2001, represents the fifth generation of the Jensen family that has owned and operated the business since its inception in 1883.  

Orlando, Fla. -- The International Builders' Show has become an annual launching pad for housing forecasts, and this year’s numbers came with a healthy dose of guarded optimism. David Crowe, chief economist from event sponsor National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), predicted a 21% increase in single family housing starts in 2011, with 575,000 new units compared to 475,000 in 2010.

Wayne, N.J.-based GAF Materials Corp, the roofing and ventilation giant, is announcing improvements to its laminated shingle warranties.

Effective January 1, 2011, every GAF laminated shingle, including all Timberline shingles will be covered by a lifetime limited warranty when installed on single family residences. GAF will no longer offer any laminated shingles with just a 30-year or 40-year warranty, a first for any roofing manufacturer.

GAF pointed to its Advanced Protection technology as the basis for its lifetime warranties.

Abbeville, Ala.-based Great Southern Wood Preserving formed an alliance with specialty building materials distributor U.S. Lumber Group.

Under the new alliance, an affiliate of Great Southern will become a minority investor in U.S. Lumber and customers of both companies will leverage the benefits of increased volume purchasing and sharing of "best practices." No jobs will be adversely affected, nor are management changes anticipated, the companies announced. 

Towson, Md.-based DeWalt is launching a line of hand tools that will hit the market beginning June 2011. 

The company, known for its power tools, is getting into the hand tool category for the first time with products that include utility knives, pliers, wrenches, tape measures, hammers, saws and toolboxes, among others.