Marino\Ware and Allied Studco, a division of Allied Tube and Conduit Corp., are joining to expand distribution of steel truss systems. Marino\Ware is incorporating Allied Studco's AmKey System as TrussRite, one of its components in its FrameRite Building System.

Following Hurricane Katrina's catastrophic strike on the Gulf Coast, Habitat for Humanity International is announcing an emergency appeal for funds to help Habitat families and other low-income families in the affected areas recover and rebuild.

This September, the International Code Council will consider key energy code changes at its upcoming annual conference.

Disaster Kleenup International Inc., North America's network of independent property damage restoration contractors, has responded in force to the significant emergency response challenges created by Hurricane Katrina.

Hunter Douglas has acquired 91.8 percent of Mermet and its global operations from the Mermet family. Headquartered in Veyrins, France, Mermet is a manufacturer of glass fiber sunscreen fabrics.

U.S. Gypsum Co. has announced plans to build a gypsum panel manufacturing plant in Washingtonville, Pa. The facility, valued at approximately $180 million, will enable the company to maintain pace with customer demand for wallboard products in the Northeast U.S.

The Northwest Wall and Ceiling Bureau has unveiled a new technical document, "Suspension Systems for Acoustical Lay-in Ceilings" to clarify the requirements of the new International Building Code for acoustical ceiling installation in Seismic Categories D, E and F.

Spider, a division of SafeWorks LLC, announced the award of the contract to replace the façade maintenance system on 3M's corporate headquarters located in Maple Wood, Minn.

ServiceMagic Inc. and ImproveNet, Inc., the two online marketplaces that connect consumers with prescreened residential contractors and home service professionals, announced they have entered into an agreement whereby ServiceMagic will acquire all of the outstanding stock of ImproveNet. The combination of the two companies will create the most effective, comprehensive and targeted Internet marketing solution for residential contractors.

Mohawk Industries Inc. announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Unilin Holding NV for 2.2 billion Euros or approximately $2.6 billion in cash. Mohawk intends to allow Unilin to operate as an independent company as they have done in the past with ceramic producer Dal-Tile.