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[June 2002]
Duncan Acquires Scioto in US Ceramic Artisan Sector
Duncan Enterprises (Fresno, CA, USA) has announced the acquisition of Scioto Ceramic Products Inc and says it is a clear indication of the company's continuing commitment to a growth strategy in the ceramic arts industry. "For 55 years, Duncan has been, and continues to be, committed to the ceramic arts industry," asserted Duncan's President, Larry Duncan. "We are excited about the future and are pursuing opportunities that we believe will bring growth to ceramic arts. The addition of Scioto Ceramic Products Inc fits with our strategic plan and continues to support and add strength to our network of distributors and dealers."Scioto Ceramic Products was founded in 1970 and from the very beginning established itself as an innovator in mould design. Scioto moulds are said to enjoy an exceptionally strong following throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, Europe, Asia, Mexico and Central and South America. The company's cherub moulds are staples of the gift and floral market.
This acquisition adds well over 600 moulds, bringing the full complement of Duncan moulds to over 1,000 designs - one of the largest offerings in the ceramic arts industry world-wide. "The Scioto design collection perfectly complements the existing Duncan line," noted Karen Bomfim, Ceramic Marketing Business Leader for Duncan. "The combination offers the consumer a dream come true in mould selection." Karen Bomfim's team is currently developing new fired colour designed specifically for several categories in the Scioto mould range.
The company feels that the transition of Scioto assets to Duncan's Fresno facility should have little impact on consumer and dealer transactions. Because Scioto moulds are carried by many of the same distributors that sell Duncan products, transition issues are expected to be minimal.
Mark Peters, Senior VP of Business Development and Ceramics, summed up the effects of the acquisition: "Scioto Ceramic Products' great reputation for innovative design and customer service, combined with Duncan's great reputation for fired and acrylic color makes this an excellent fit. The ceramic and floral industries will now have full access to over 80 years of design expertise and we will continue to add new products and designs to the Duncan/Scioto product lines".
ENDS