Regal Ware sells West Bend division

Regal Ware sells West Bend division
By Charles Rathmann, of SBT
Kewaskum manufacturer Regal Ware Inc. has sold its West Bend Retail Housewares Division to Focus Products Group, LLC, of Vernon Hills, Ill., according to documents signed by executives from both companies today.
The West Bend Retail Housewares Division has been marketing small electrical appliances through establishments such as department and specialty stores since 1911.
Terms of the sale between the two privately held companies were not disclosed. Closing is expected by July 31, following due diligence and necessary approvals.
Offices, warehousing and distribution of West Bend Housewares products will remain at its current location of 1100 Schmidt Rd. in West Bend.
“We are impressed with the high quality of the West Bend Retail Housewares organization and products, and are committed to strengthening the West Bend brand name in the retail industry,” said Focus Products Group President Keith Jaffee.
Regal Ware acquired the assets of West Bend’s Direct Sales Cookware, Water Systems, and Retail Housewares business units in November 2002.
“The sale of the Retail Housewares unit will not affect the Direct Sales Cookware or Water Systems businesses,” according to Regal Ware President and CEO Jeffrey Reigle. “This move is consistent with our strategic direction to focus on the Cookware and Water Treatment direct sales arena, while maintaining our growth position in sales to commercial businesses such as hotels and restaurant supply houses.”
Regal Ware, a privately held company, was founded in 1945. Regal products are available throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Asia and Europe, and include such items as range-top cookware, commercial coffee urns, and home drinking water treatment systems.
Focus Products Group currently has two wholly owned subsidiaries, AMCO Houseworks, LLC and Sensible Storage, LLC. AMCO sells kitchen utensils to specialty retailers and department stores. Sensible, marketing its products under the Wiretech name, primarily sells wire based storage products to retailers and DIY home centers.