A cash mob recently filled the aisles of Newtown Hardware House in Newtown, Pa., to help bail out the store, which has been suffering from the weak economy for four years, according to an article on Philly.com.

Owner Dave Callahan has been running the store for 27 years.

An organized retail theft ring that targeted 70 Home Depot stores in six states has been taken down by multi-agency task force after the arrest of three men in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Two other suspects are still be sought. 

A group of plaintiffs seeking class action status have filed a lawsuit against decking manufacturer Fiberon over its Portico wood composite line. The lawsuit, filed March 14 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Hagens Berman, a Seattle-based firm, claims that the decking has a defect that results in the growth of mold, mildew and other fungal growth. Furthermore, the complaint claims that Fiberon refused to repair the decks under its 20-year warranty.

A bill introduced into the Pennsylvania House of Representatives would protect that state’s homeowners from mechanics' liens filed by subcontractors if the homeowners paid the contractor in full.

The bill would eliminate the ability of subcontractors, suppliers and others to file liens on owner-occupied residences when the monetary obligations have been paid in full. 

Valley Forge, Pa.-based CertainTeed said it has achieved significant milestones in reducing the environmental impact at its 60-plus manufacturing facilities in North America.

Specifically, CertainTeed has reduced energy consumption by 15% and water usage by 24% over the past four years. In addition, it has decreased the amount of waste going to landfills from its facilities by 33%.

York, Pa.-based building products company WOLF renamed and reorganized several divisions amid a slew of new appointments. 

The restructuring will result in a reduction in the number of business units from 13 to seven for the company that said it is continuing its transition from a traditional distributor to "an innovative new supply-chain model."

West Chester, Pa.-based Metabo Corp., a manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives, introduced the W2000 9-in. angle grinder.

This new large angle grinder, featuring the same quality and performance as other Metabo tools, is lighter and more economical than other grinders in its class, according to the manufacturer.

Ladder maker Werner rolled out a new, compact three-piece aluminum extension ladder designed to get in and out of tight spaces.

The Greenville, Pa.-based company said the new line lets 16-ft. extension ladders go where they have never gone before -- around corners, through doors, in elevators and through narrow stairwells. The ladders provide the same reach as a standard extension ladder, but in a compact, easy-to-use design without compromising the quality, safety and reach of a traditional two-piece extension ladder.

York, Pa.-based WOLF, the supplier of kitchen cabinets and building products, is giving away a cabinet and vanity top package through a Facebook-only sweepstakes.

Visitors to WOLF’s Facebook page who are over the age of 18 may enter the contest by completing a simple form. The sweepstakes ends on Dec. 9.

Lancaster, Pa.-based Armstrong World Industries has acquired Intalite Inc., operating under the name Simplex. The acquisition will strengthen Armstrong's capabilities in the North American specialty ceiling market and supports the company's growth strategy, including the expansion of its global leadership and manufacturing presence in targeted markets.

Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Simplex will become part of the Armstrong Building Products division.

Conshohocken, Pa.-based IKEA announced plans to expand its Round Rock, Texas, store, adding 54,000 sq. ft. and more parking.

The Round Rock store in central Texas will expand from 252,000 sq. ft. to 306,000 sq. ft. Construction activity will begin this month, with an expected completion in summer 2012. The store will remain open during construction.

The size of the store's warehouse capacity is "less than ideal" currently, the company said.