Researchers and experts often examine different generations in the workplace, looking for clues to improve management effectiveness. Recent studies suggest that employers should think twice before making stereotypical assumptions about individual employees based on age.

Spoga+gafa is coming back to Cologne, Germany, Sept. 2 to 4, creating a global marketplace for outdoor living buyers and sellers. 

One of the buzzwords at this year’s event is sustainability, which will play a more prominent role in the event’s “Boulevard of Ideas.” The trade fair for the lawn and garden sector -- named for the German words for sports/leisure and garden -- is organized by Koelnmesse and held in Cologne.

During the Internationale Eisenwarenmesse in Cologne, Germany, a steady stream of taxis shuttled visitors from the convention center, across the railroad tracks and to a home center at 20 Istanbul Strasse. That’s where one of the biggest, latest, modern Bauhaus home center attracts customers from this ancient city on the Rhine.

Coming out of a cab, one visitor from China asked a reporter: “Did they allow you to take photos?”

Answer: Well, nobody said we couldn’t.

Cologne, Germany -- Arrow Fastener Co. of Saddle Brook, N.J., has a pair of new executives leading international development. Part of their message is the American know-how.

Roberto Izaquirre, VP of international sales, told Home Channel News: “International growth is one of our top priorities.”

Cologne, Germany -- From the International Hardware Fair in Cologne, Germany, a torque wrench, a cutting plier and triple-blade cutting tool earned innovation awards.

Koelnmesse, organizer of the 2012 International Hardware Fair, and the Central Hardware Trade Association (ZHH) jointly awarded the “EISEN 2012” innovation prize for the top tool products, industrial supplies, fastening and connection systems and fittings.

The winners are:

Weight reduction, ergonomic improvement and digital precision are trends pushing the envelope of product development, according to organizers of Internationale Eisenwarenmesse, or the International Hardware Fair. 

The March 4 to 7 event in Cologne, Germany, will bring together more than 2,600 exhibitors from 50 countries.

For the first time, the Internationale Eisenwarenmesse in Cologne, Germany, will offer an Industrial Supply section, providing attendees with industrial and safety applications.

The new section will be one of the highlights of the March 4 to 7 event in Cologne, Germany.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Carlisle Cos. completed the acquisition of PDT Phoenix GmbH in Germany for approximately EUR80 million in cash.

The purchase agreement calls for contingent payments based upon PDT's future earnings.

With annual sales of approximately EUR80 million, PDT is a leading manufacturer of EPDM-based (rubber) roofing membranes and industrial components serving key European markets. PDT will operate within Carlisle's Construction Materials segment.

Organizers of international trade fair spoga+gafa have adopted the motto "Time to grow," for their Sept. 4 to 6 event in Cologne, Germany.

The trade fair for the lawn and garden sector -- named for the German words for sports/leisure and garden -- is organized by Koelnmesse and held in Cologne, Germany. 

Mount Prospect, Ill.-based Robert Bosch Tool Corp. has announced that Manfred Seitz will retire at the end of March 2011 as chairman, president and CEO after 34 years leading several different divisions of the Bosch Group.

The company said Terry Horan will succeed as president and CEO, effective April 1, 2011.