Newell Rubbermaid addition

At the beginning of May the American Newell Rubbermaid Group took over the tool manufacturer American Tool Companies and integrated that company’s Europe/Asia business into Newell Home Décor & Tools, the European organisation that is headquartered in Belgium. Karl Kahofer, who has been running the Home Décor business since September 2001, has been named as president. Steve Hall, previously with American Tool, is in charge of the UK and Asia/Pacific sales areas. Responsibility for continental Europe is in the hands of Thierry Seghers, who comes from Tyrolit/Swarovski. The brand names belonging to the group in the decorating category include Gardinia, Kirsch and Swish. American Tool produces hand tools and power tool accessories under the Joran, Vise-Grip, Jack and Record trademarks.