Pittsburgh Business Times articles from October 1995

Pittsburgh Business Times archives from October 1995

Our many German firms show that Pittsburgh can be an international city - if we learn to export. (Pennsylvania)
October 30, 1995... NORTH SIDE - SMS Schloemann-Siemag Inc.'s North American headquarters could have ended up in New Jersey, instead of here, across the street from the Andy Warhol Museum. After all, SMS already owned a building in New Jersey that housed its...

County hit by Integra strikes back. (Washington County, Pennsylvania)
October 30, 1995... Washington County will pull millions in deposits from bank WASHINGTON, Pa. - Four years ago, Integra Financial Corp. opened a collections center in a four-story building on Beau Street here. The jobs - in this case, 100 executive,...

Sony Chemical picks Pittsburgh for new bar-code plant. (Pennsylvania)
October 30, 1995... Move means expansion for division of Japanese giant MOUNT PLEASANT - When Sony Corp. took up residence in the former Volkswagen plant here in 1990, civic leaders said the spinoff benefits would be significant. And the latest illustration...

Rexall pulls the plug on Pennex; 150 laid off as new buyer is sought. (Rexall Sundown Inc.; Pennex Laboratories Inc.)
October 30, 1995... Drug maker says division has lost millions since 1993 purchase PLUM - Pennex Laboratories Inc. is closing its doors Tuesday, putting 150 employees out of work. The company, located in Plum, is an over-the-counter pharmaceutical company and...

From employee to entrepreneur. (Enterprise Marketing Solutions founder Shirley Calpas)
October 30, 1995... Job loss gave Shirley Calpas the impetus to become her own boss. Could it do the same for you? The moment of truth struck Shirley Calpas when she was of fered a dream job. Displaced for several months when her last employer closed its...

Mercury Recovery Services rides a new kind of heavy-metal revival.
October 30, 1995... Local company grows because of its unique recovery technology NEW BRIGHTON - Don't tell Michael Rose that Mercury Recovery Services is just another waste recovery company. Yes, the company recovers mercury, but it also recycles the heavy...

Shenango Group pays heavy price for exceeding air pollution law limit.
October 30, 1995... Local coke manufacturers worst offenders, according to county NEVILLE ISLAND - From December of last year through this September, The Shenango Group tripped air pollution alarms 371 times, to the tune of $207,807. The facility, which turns...

Armco Inc. (proxy report excerpt)
October 30, 1995... (NYSE:AS) Downtown-based Armco Inc. produces specialty stainless and electrical steels used in automobiles, cutlery, emissions control, electrical transmission ventilation and construction. It operates a specialty steel plant in Butler and...

Making a killing at the kiln. (pot making)
October 30, 1995... Phil Schattenbrand began Westerwald Pottery as a favor to neighbors, but he's the one saying thanks. At first, potter Phil Schaltenbrand politely declined when neighbors asked him to make commemorative pieces for the nation's bicentennial....

Aetna explores options, including sale, for HMO. (Aetna Health Plans; health maintenance organization)
October 23, 1995... Sale would give buyer license, network to compete here McCANDLESS - Aetna Health Plans of Western Pennsylvania is exploring the sale of its local health maintenance organization, industry sources told the Business Times. Sources said Aetna...

Is National Gaming leaving the 'Burgh? (National Gaming Corp.; Pittsburgh)
October 23, 1995... City must repay $9.3 million loan for LTV site, even if firm departs SOUTH SIDE - National Gaming Corp., which loaned the city of Pittsburgh $9.3 million to buy the former LTV property here for a casino, appears to be cashing in its chips....

Tollgrade unveils public offering. (Tollgrade Communications Inc.)
October 23, 1995... Fourth local stock sale in four weeks could raise $20 million CHESWICK - Tollgrade Communications Inc. has become the fourth local company in the past four weeks to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission in preparation for a public...

A man of action. (Digital Alchemy Inc. CEO Joel Berez)
October 23, 1995... After seven years with the family company, Joel Berez is on his own again. SHADYSIDE - Through most of his working life, Joel Berez has deftly managed a balancing act beyond the dexterity of most family mavericks. Mr. Berez, 41, has forged...

H.J. Heinz Co. (Proxy Report Excerpts)(Company Profile)
October 23, 1995... (NYSE:HNZ) Downtown-based H.J. Heinz Co. produces and sells a variety of processed food products and nutritional services worldwide under a variety of brand names. U.S. subsidiaries include: Heinz USA, Ore-Ida Foods Inc., Star Kist Foods...

AEG ready to abandon Southpointe. (AEG Automation Systems Corp.)
October 16, 1995... Washington County HQ is for sale at $20 million CANONSBURG - For a mere $20 million, you can own one of the most-talked about buildings in Greater Pittsburgh. AEG Automation Systems Corp., the German-owned maker of industrial systems, is...

Bours partnership files for bankruptcy. (Scott Town Center)
October 16, 1995... Bourse at Virginia Manor L.P. seeks Chapter 11 protection SCOTT TOWNSHIP - A partnership that includes one of Pittsburgh's best-known developers has filed for Chapter 11 protection from creditors. James Aiello, a general partner in Bourse...

Slimmer after layoffs, former Legent seeks roommate. (LEGENT Corp.)
October 16, 1995... Computer Associates rents 90,000 square feet of space NORTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP - The former Legent Corp. is planning to sublease more than a third of its local headquarters building in the wake of its takeover in August. Computer Associates...

HealthAmerica strategies invite partners, free doctors.
October 16, 1995... As brawl for customers continues, local HMO switches tactics DOWNTOWN - HealthAmerica, stepping up an already intense competition in the local insurance market, plans to form equity partnerships with health care providers and is beginning to...

A dean for all occasions: after 36 years with Westinghouse, Thomas Murrin discovered he had a lot to learn.
October 16, 1995... After 36 years with Westinghouse, Thomas Murrin discovered he had a lot to learn THE BLUFF - Thomas Muffin is used to being the new kid on the block. His most recent experience came in 1991 when he was named to his current position, dean...

Extrude Hone's 'putty' isn't silly to auto industry. (Extrude Hone Corp.)(Special Report: Technology Quarterly)
October 16, 1995... Its polymer breakthrough could reach a national market IRWIN - What started off looking a lot like Silly Putty is now oozing its way to the big time as a substance that smooths out the rough edges in automobile engines making them run better,...

Lecor Inc. is attracting top talent and seeking a new market position.(Special Report: Technology Quarterly)
October 16, 1995... Daniel Grant is exploring new markets and is reshaping a firm DOWNTOWN - Lecor Inc. has one client to its name, but something about this tiny software firm has attracted a dream team of executives and advisers. A veteran high-tech...

Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center gets grant for biomedical operation.(Special Report: Technology Quarterly)
October 16, 1995... NIH collaborates with center for medical supercomputer work OAKLAND - Pittsburgh has got the power when it comes to computer capacity and the federal government wants to pay for it. The National Institutes of Health granted the Pittsburgh...

Union Switch & Signal Inc. (Proxy Report Excerpts)(Company Profile)
October 16, 1995... (NASDAQ:UNSW) Union Switch & Signal is a developer and manufacturer of signaling, control and automation systems and equipment for rail transit. The company, founded by George Westinghouse in 1881 through a consolidation of Union Electric...

Italian Ovens Inc. prepares to raise dough with an IPO.
October 9, 1995... Stock sale will raise as much as $20 million for expansion LATROBE - Since last fall, the resolve to go public at popular Italian Ovens Inc. has been as al dente as some of the restaurant's entrees. After nearly a year of gearing up and...

Federated IPO could produce up to $147 million. (Federated Investors' initial public offering)
October 9, 1995... Mutual fund giant sheds its low profile with offering DOWNTOWN - Federated Investors Inc., one of the nation's 10 largest mutual fund managers, is going public with an initial offering that could potentially hit $147 million. Founded by...

Action Industries seeks new CEO as strategic repositioning continues. (Action Industries Inc.)
October 9, 1995... Craig Kirsch exits before his plan has time to take shape CHESWICK - Action Industries Inc. is continuing its quest to recast itself as a supplier rather than a manufacturer, despite the departure of chief executive Craig Kirsch. Mr....

Motive behind USAir merger keeps industry guessing. (USAir Group Inc.)
October 9, 1995... Statement could be strategy to get attention of unions PITTSBURGH - Is it a ploy to draw union members back to the bargaining table or is USAir Group Inc. serious about being acquired by two major airlines? Analysts and experts are still...

After analysis, Western Psych seeks hospital contracts.
October 9, 1995... Pitt Medical Center division sells skills to other psych units OAKLAND - Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic, looking to broaden its base in a new era of managed care, is reaching outside of the Oakland medical corridor. In its first...

DQE Inc. (Proxy Report Excerpt)(Company Profile)
October 9, 1995... (NYSE-DQE) DQE, an energy services holding company based Downtown, operates through three subsidiaries: Duquesne Light Co., Duquesne Enterprises and Montauk. Its biggest unit, Duquesne Light, sells electricity to more than 580,000...

Doctors will pay $107 million fee. (malpractice insurance surcharge imposed on Pennsylvania doctors)
October 2, 1995... Emergency cash will refill state's empty malpractice insurance fund Ouch! The state's doctors and hospitals are about to be hit with a huge emergency surcharge on the premiums they pay for malpractice insurance. The reason? The state's...

A cut above all. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tungsten carbide industry)
October 2, 1995... Tungsten carbide is harder than steel, tougher than nails, and Pittsburgh companies make the most of it When Philip McKenna of Kennametal Inc. and Don Oberg of Oberg Industries struck out on their own, they didn't just start companies, but...

Singing the IRS blues. (expansion of Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania)
October 2, 1995... DOWNTOWN - Blue Cross of Western Pennsylvania won high praise from civic leaders for agreeing to expand into the Downtown Lazarus building. The deal enables the department store to be the linchpin of a new Fifth Avenue development while...

Homestead Works plan: 200 new jobs. (Georgia-Pacific Corp.'s planned acquisition of the former U.S. Steel Corp. Homestead Works site)
October 2, 1995... Georgia-Pacific buy would bring distribution, office center WEST HOMESTEAD - The former U.S. Steel Corp. Homestead Works site is a leading contender for a Georgia-Pacific Corp. plant that will employ 200 workers, the Business Times has...

Former Tartan chief takes helm of Cardiac Telecom. (appointment of Lee Ehrlichman as president of Cardiac Telecom Corp.)
October 2, 1995... Ehrlichman named president in wake of Eugene Barone's death TURTLE CREEK - In a significant coup for a start-up medical technology firm, Cardiac Telecom Corp. has brought in Lee Ehrlichman, former chief executive of Tartan Inc., as its...

After 25 years, Hays ammunition plant finds new life. (conversion of the Hays ammunition plant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
October 2, 1995... Metaltech partners seal deal to process rust-resistant steel HAYS - Local and state governments are providing the incentive, the place and the capital to help transform an old abandoned ammunition factory into a steel processing plant. The...

RPS distribution hub would double shipping volume. (Roadway Package System Inc.)
October 2, 1995... Project has "long way to go," according to company official MOON TOWNSHIP - A proposed $35 million distribution hub could further boost Roadway Package System Inc.'s rode in the soaring Airport-area economy, but a top company official is...

URA program designed to be manufacturing magnet. (Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority's loan program for small manufacturing firms)
October 2, 1995... Tax-exempt financing aimed at small and midsized firms DOWNTOWN - Pittsburgh has created a new reason for manufacturers to set up shop or expand within the city limits. The Urban Redevelopment Authority will now provide low-interest loans...

A navigator on the information superhighway. (University of Pittsburgh School of Library and Information Science Dean Toni Carbo Bearman)
October 2, 1995... Toni Carbo Bearman is among an elite few shaping the nation's information flow. OAKLAND - Toni Carbo Bearman wanted to be an astronaut when she went to Brown University in 1960, but she was informed that women weren't allowed into the...

Rural bank is generating interest with new sort of electronic banking. (Apollo Trust Company's electronic bulletin board)(Special Report: Telecommunications)
October 2, 1995... The bank's Internet connection has big institutions taking notes APOLLO - Electronic bulletin boards - or BBS - are the trendy, easy-to-do-at-home, computer connection for online junkies. So why does a bank in rural Apollo, a community...

If you monitor company e-mail, have a policy in place.(Special Report: Telecommunications)
October 2, 1995... Monitoring of employee communications is on the rise For employers, there are many reasons why monitoring employee electronic mail (e-mail) is a good idea. Employers can review employee messages to ensure that employees are working rather...

Businesses will start scrambling when the bell tolls for 800 numbers. (impending shortage of 800 number combinations)(Special Report: Telecommunications)
October 2, 1995... Next in line in the toll-free foray will be the 888 number PITTSBURGH - The latest casualty of the telecommunications boom is that familiar freebie, the 800 number. So many companies are using the service - introduced in 1967 - that at...

Putting together the perfect cybergraphic newspaper. (Duquesne University's online newspaper)(Special Report: Telecommunications)
October 2, 1995... Duquesne University goes online with its campus newspaper THE BLUFF - Journalism, public relations and communications students at Duquesne University are getting a leg up on today's media world with its own online version of the school...

Opined, revealed, deciphered - its yours. (Minority Business Times)
October 2, 1995... This minority business times is a concerted effort by all of us at the Pittsburgh Business Times to provide majority and minority businesses with food for thought and profit. As this supplement grows, helping us to improve weekly and ongoing...

The dean of African-American accountants. (CPA Harry Bluett)(includes related article)
October 2, 1995... A World War II aptitude test pointed Harry Bluett toward numbers and his life's work. The U.S. army made many men into soldiers during World War II. It made Harry Bluett into an accountant. While in the service, Mr. Bluett took an aptitude...

Pittsburgh's hidden Hispanics. (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce)(Cover Story)
October 2, 1995... A disparate community of viable businesses begins to emerge with the creation of a local Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. BETHEL PARK - Connie Ruhl and her sister Bernie Tallarico are starting their lives over again. Not only are they...

The African-American community's favorite Republican. (Republican Commissioner Larry Dunn)
October 2, 1995... Larry Dunn says he isn't trying to woo the African-American community. But this fall, black votes could put him in charge of county government. It's no secret Pittsburgh is traditionally a blue-collar, hard-working, shot and a beer,...

Insuring a good name for himself. (insurance agent Erik Kimbrough)
October 2, 1995... Insurance agent Erik Kimbrough knows he's been lucky; he wants to share his good fortune. NORTH SIDE - "Don't worry," Erik Kimbrough says reassuringly to a client who's hit a snag in obtaining homeowners insurance. "We'll find something...