Majap Briefs

Cleveland — The Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Association (VCMA) reported industry sales of full-size household vacuum cleaners fell 7.3 percent in the first quarter of 2003, compared to the same period last year. In other VCMA news, the association recently gained five new company members. ProTeam, M&S Systems and Flexaust Appliance joined in April, followed by SEBO America and Plastiflex Canada in May.

Comerio, Italy— Whirlpool Europe and the IKEA group announced in late June that they are growing their current partnership. As part of the agreement, Whirlpool will provide major domestic appliances for built-in kitchens at all of IKEA's stores throughout the world. This expands an existing European contract.