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Laguna,
Axner
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July 1, 2006
In a joint press release, Laguna Clay Company’s President Jon Brooks, and Axner Pottery Supply’s founder Howard Axner announced Laguna’s asset purchase of Axner’s company. “It is with great enthusiasm,” stated Brooks, “that I welcome Howard Axner and 28 years of his life’s work to the Laguna Clay Company family.”
With similar ceramic backgrounds, Brooks and Axner both had their roots in clay long before the inception of their respective companies in the 1970s. Laguna has emerged as one of the country’s largest manufacturers and distributors of clay, glaze and ceramic equipment while the Axner name has become synonymous with value, selection and exceptional service.
“When you start a business from scratch and nurture it through its infancy, adolescence and early adulthood, it’s not easy to turn it loose in the prime of its life,” stated Axner, “but the Laguna ‘marriage’ was too good to pass up. It gives me an opportunity to be part of the most dynamic company in our industry, and after working with Jon Brooks, Jim Kassebaum, and their staff to put this deal together, I am convinced that the big winners are the thousands of current and future customers who will realize an exceptional level of product diversity, quality service and value for many years to come.”
“Our two companies share a common philosophy based on ‘consistency,’” added Brooks. “Consistent product, consistent service and consistent value to our customers. Drawing from the respective resources and strengths of Laguna and Axner will allow us to expand both domestically and globally, and those combined assets will ensure that our customers receive the very best that our industry has to offer.”
Howard Axner joins Laguna as a corporate Vice President. He will office in Oviedo, FL where he will oversee the previous Axner Pottery Supply operation as well as assuming other corporate responsibilities.