Briggs Plumbing Products, a
major manufacturer of enameled steel products, vitreous china and faucets
previously known as Briggs Industries, has been acquired by its senior U.S.
management.
The drop in industry unemployment, unaccompanied
by a rise in construction employment, suggests workers are finding jobs in
other industries, retiring, returning to school or training, or leaving the
workforce. That may make hiring more difficult when construction demand picks
up.
A
record number of companies entered the competition this year, generating nearly
$12,000 in entry fees, which will be donated to a charitable organization in
the Chicago
area (the location of the 2012 show.)