AMD Direct Sells Firegear and Heatstrip Brands
On February 11, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — AMD Direct has sold its Firegear and Heatstrip brands to Earthcore Industries, a strategic transaction designed to strengthen both organizations and position them for continued growth in their core markets. As part of the transaction, Earthcore will assume exclusive distribution rights for Heatstrip in the United States.
The sale marks an important step in AMD Direct’s evolution. By concentrating resources and expertise on its primary outdoor living brands — Summerset Grills, TrueFlame, and Sunfire Grills — AMD Direct will focus on advancing product development, improving customer support and expanding its presence in premium outdoor cooking and…
Treasure Garden Appoints New National Sales Manager
On February 09, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
BALDWIN PARK, CA –Treasure Garden has appointed Christy Peterson as its new national sales manager. Peterson joins the sales team with nearly 20 years of dedicated experience in the casual furniture industry. In her new role, she will oversee the retail sales teams across the United States and Canada, managing the market presence for Treasure Garden and its premier brands, Shademaker and Jardinico, in the retail sector.
Beyond sales leadership, Peterson will play a pivotal role in the company’s growth by collaborating directly with the Chief Executive Officer on new product development and the execution of strategic sales programs. Her…
New Fire Magic Drop-In Grill Launches at KBIS 2026
On February 03, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA – Fire Magic, a heritage luxury outdoor grill brand, launches a new outdoor kitchen innovation at KBIS 2026. Debuting at KBIS in the Fire Magic booth, #16138 in the South Hall, the meticulously crafted Echelon Drop-In Grill sets a new standard for form and function in modern outdoor kitchen design.
Engineered to be “dropped” into the cutout of an outdoor kitchen island or countertop, the Echelon Drop-In grill features top-mounted controls and precision detailing allowing it to integrate seamlessly into outdoor cabinetry to create a clean, contemporary aesthetic. The new design is offered with and without…
NorthCape International is Expanding
On January 28, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
SUWANEE, GA - NorthCape International LLC, a manufacturer and distributor of outdoor furniture, cushions and protective covers, is expanding.
“NorthCape has built a strong brand and customer base over the years,” says Nishant Shah, CEO Group Bayport. “We are excited to expand our Northcape operations and consolidate them into a much larger state-of-the-art facility at our headquarters in Suwanee, GA, joining other Group Bayport brands. These enhanced capabilities, our operations in Phoenix and India, and supply chain across the United States would help us serve our customers more effectively. It will allow us to take the next big steps…
Kingsley Bate Introduces Biscayne and Cortona Collections for 2026
On January 28, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
MANASSAS, VA - Kingsley Bate is introducing two new collections for Spring 2026: Biscayne, a modern upholstered-mesh collection, and Cortona, a pair of architectural teak dining tables that bring refined presence to outdoor entertaining spaces.
Biscayne Collection
Biscayne captures the relaxed elegance of its namesake bay with mesh sling upholstery over quick-drying reticulated foam, delivering lasting comfort without the need for cushions. The collection includes a dining chair, sofa, swivel rocker, lounge chair, ottoman, chaise, and occasional tables. Stocked in Beige sling with Beach wicker, with additional color options available by special order.
Cortona Collection
Fontana Forni USA Introduces First Hybrid Outdoor Smart Oven
On January 24, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
FLORENCE, S.C. - Fontana Forni USA, which brings the Italian-made Fontana ovens to the U.S. market, has launched the Volta, a first-of-its-kind hybrid outdoor smart oven that brings true temperature control to residential outdoor cooking.
Until now, outdoor ovens have required continuous adjustment and hands-on monitoring. Volta changes that with a patent-pending electro-gas valve and smart control module, allowing users to set an exact cooking temperature and rely on the oven to reach and hold it automatically. The system electronically regulates gas flow to maintain steady heat, with full control available through both the oven’s touch display and connected app.…
Armen Living is Making a Splash at Las Vegas Market
On January 19, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
LAS VEGAS - Contemporary lifestyle brand Armen Living is introducing more than 80 new products, debuting their new line, Uwharrie Chair Company to Winter Las Vegas Market (January 25-29, 2026).
They will also be hosting a series of events in their Showroom B762.
Holly Lightfoot, Armen Living’s Director of Product Development, commented: “We can’t wait to debut our new collections at the Winter Las Vegas Market. Especially for our Outdoor category. The anticipation we are receiving from buyers who are excited to see and try Uwharrie Chair Company has been overwhelming. Bringing their bench-made custom designs to the West…
In Memory: Telescope Casual Mourns the Passing of Chris Ettori
On January 15, 2026, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
Telescope Casual announces with profound sadness the unexpected passing of Chris Ettori, senior vice president of Manufacturing.
Chris was a deeply respected and valued member of the Telescope Casual family for more than 30 years. He began his career with the company just out of high school in the metal department, quickly distinguishing himself through an exceptional work ethic, determination, and leadership well beyond his years.
Through unwavering commitment and dedication, Chris advanced into management, later serving as vice president of Production and as a member of the Board of Directors. In February 2025, he was promoted to Senior…
