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In This Issue
Blue Rhino Acquires Mr. Bar-B-Q
Cal Flame Debuts R-Elements at HPBExpo
C. R. Plastic Products Appoints New Vice President Sales & Marketing
Blue Rhino Acquires Mr. Bar-B-Q

OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS

 

Mr. Bar-B-Q Logo Blue Rhino, a division of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (NYSE:FGP), one of the nation's largest distributors of propane, announced today the acquisition of Mr. Bar-B-Q, a leading provider of high-quality barbecue tools, accessories and parts, headquartered in Old Bethpage, New York. Terms were not disclosed. 

 

Blue Rhino is sold at thousands of retail stores nationwide; that already puts the company top-of-mind among backyard grillers. Through Blue Rhino's Global Sourcing arm, the partnership is also a top provider of barbecue grills and outdoor living products through some of the nation's leading retail outlets.  

 

Ferrellgas president and chief executive officer Steve Wambold pointed out that, "Mr. Bar-B-Q is the perfect complement to Blue Rhino's propane tank exchange brand and its wide assortment of outdoor living products. 

 

"Mr. Bar-B-Q has long prided itself in offering 'Everything for the Grill.' As we marry the Mr. Bar-B-Q brand with Blue Rhino, consumers will be able to exchange for our ready-to-grill tanks at the front of the store and then find our propane-powered products and barbecue accessories elsewhere in that same store. It's a tremendous opportunity for us and for our retail partners.  

 

"Although Mr. Bar-B-Q doesn't represent our typical acquisition, it clearly meets our strict criteria. Its diverse product offerings fit quite neatly into our portfolio, and will add to our earnings at once. We're thrilled to welcome the company and its employees to our family."

About Blue Rhino
In 1994, Blue Rhino - named for the color of a propane flame and the endangered animal - launched America's first branded propane tank exchange service. Today, Blue Rhino is more than propane, with a full line of products at the heart of outdoor living. This includes grills, heaters, firepits, fireplace accessories, mosquito traps, charcoal and more sold under brands such as Endless Summer, UniFlame and SkeeterVac. Blue Rhino's leading propane exchange brand is available at more than 45,000 retail stores in 50 states and Puerto Rico and is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Blue Rhino is a division of Ferrellgas, L.P.   

 

For more information, visit the website.   

About Ferrellgas
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., through its operating partnership Ferrellgas, L.P., serves customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Ferrellgas employees indirectly own more than 21 million common units of the partnership through an employee stock ownership plan. More information about the partnership can be found online.  

 

For more information, visit the website. 

R_Elements
R-Elements.

Cal Flame Debuts R-Elements at HPBExpo

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

 

Cal Flame introduced its all-new concept titled R-Elements at the annual HBPExpo in Orlando, Florida. This exciting model incorporates a Cal Spas hot tub with a four-piece galvanized steel firepit in one incredible package.  

 

"Our idea was to combine the best of backyard entertaining in one location," said Casey Lyod, president of Cal Flame. "We believe that the idea of combining all the elements of backyard entertaining in one product is the future of the hearth and patio industry."        

 

The Cal Flame R-Elements begins with a four-piece firepit surround of Silver Metallic galvanized steel. Features include three 30,000 Btu curve burners with glass chips and 12 two-in. LED Multi Color lights to delight the senses. For entertaining there is a glass tile surface combined with six bar stools.  

 

The next element is a round, four-seat "plug and play" spa in Sunset Storm acrylic. The spa includes four Multi-Color LED Hydrosteamer Waterfalls and an iSound stereo system iPod Station with two four-in. speakers. As you would expect, innovations such as the Candy Cane Jets, 5.5 kW Whisper Hot heater and Pure Cure UV sanitizing system are standard features.  

 

With the evolution of R-Elements the backyard becomes the ultimate sanctuary. Combining the elements of fire, water, sound and lighting, the customer will no longer have to purchase a spa and firepit separately to enjoy the ultimate in outdoor entertaining. R-elements is the perfect combination.   

 

Visit the website. 

C.R. Plastic Website

C. R. Plastic Products Appoints New
Vice President Sales & Marketing

STRATFORD, ONTARIO

 

C. R. Plastic Products Inc. has announced that Edward J. (Ted) Scott has joined the company to further develop their growing portfolio of dealers and international accounts. Ted Scott comes with a wealth of experience within the Outdoor Products Industry, having spent the last eight years at Napoleon Appliance Corporation where he managed and directed the North American sales team and was instrumental in overseeing the development of major corporate accounts.

Scott joins C. R. Plastic Products as vice president Sales & Marketing to continue the company's recent success providing a wide selection of dining tables, chairs, love seats and accessories.  

 

Bruce Ballantyne, vice president Finance, said that, "Ted's wealth of experience and industry knowledge has already made him a key addition to the C. R. Plastic Products family. Our new product innovations and the increasing demand from our dealers led us to look for an addition to our team who would fit in with our philosophy of innovation and exceptional service, and it is very fortunate that we were able to find someone of Ted's caliber to fulfill this role. I'm confident that Ted will play a key role in providing and implementing high quality solutions for our dealers."

As vice president Sales & Marketing, Scott will be charged with the development and growth of North American dealers and international accounts. He will be working closely with the existing sales force and dealer network.

About C. R. Plastic Products
C. R. Plastic Products was founded in 1994 to manufacture outdoor furniture from recycled plastic. The products are built from solid plastic lumber using a unique, proprietary extrusion process and are hand-crafted in much the same way as the classic wood designs they faithfully replicate. The end benefit is two-fold: Products made from recycled materials are a sustainable method of conserving finite resources, and the furniture is extremely comfortable, durable and low maintenance. 

 

For additional information, contact: Bruce Ballantyne at 1-800-490-1283 ext. 231 or write to bruce@crplastics.com 

 

For more information, visit the website.