Manufacturer

The highly competitive nature of the consumer goods industry pushes companies to continually improve production efficiency and service levels while simultaneously introducing new products faster and delivering smaller and more frequent shipments.

Jones Apparel Group Inc. receives an unsolicited non-binding proposal from Fast Retailing Co. Ltd., a Japan-based company, to acquire the company's wholly owned subsidiary Barneys New York Inc. for $900 million in cash.

Earlier this week, Pernod Ricard signed a contract for Vin & Sprit, brand owner of Abolsut vodka, and becomes a co-leader in the global wine and spirits industry.

Bare Escentuals Inc. appoints Karen Barner to the newly created position of senior vice president of the company's Direct to Consumer business.

Newell Rubbermaid Inc. announces that Chief Financial Officer J. Patrick Robinson is recovering from surgery and will not be present at the company's July 26 earnings presentation.

Liz Claiborne Inc. reveals its long-term growth plan, under which the company will hone its brand portfolio, aggressively manage its cost structure and innovate its supply chain in order to enhance shareholder returns.

Muang Thong Mahachai Co. Ltd, a manufacturer and distributor of footwear in Thailand, has gone live with Infor ERP System 21, which allows the company to automate its key manufacturing and financial processes.

The state of Alabama will be the launch site for a more environmentally friendly laundry detergent packaging solution.