REGION

REGION

FlexRack to be used in project in Texas

YOUNGSTOWN

Northern States Metals said its Solar FlexRack will be used in a solar-energy project in San Antonio, Texas. Installation is to start this spring on the project, which will supply electricity to 1,800 homes.

Northern States said its racks for solar panels provide labor savings because they have an unfolding design that can be installed by a three-person crew in less than three minutes. The company is located in the Salt Springs Road Industrial Park.

Asian Chao to move into Boardman plaza

BOARDMAN

Kutlick Realty said a new tenant, Asian Chao, is moving into Shops at Southwestern. The plaza on Western Reserve Road is owned by Joseph Sylvester Construction Co.

The casual-dining restaurant is to open in May and have seating for 40 as well as take-out service. The chef will be Mitch Moy, who has more than 30 years of experience.

SAM Inc., which is owned by J.J. Savarise and Ed Ahlswede, is the local franchisee for Asian Chao, which is based in Orlando, Fla. Other locations in the area are in the Southern Park and Eastwood malls.

NATION

Black & Decker stock buyout OK’d

TOWSON, Md.

Shareholders approved a nearly $3.5 billion stock buyout Friday, clearing the final hurdle for Stanley Works to acquire Black & Decker.

The two are forming a new company called Stanley Black & Decker and becoming the nation’s largest toolmaker, according to regulatory filings submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Homeowners await word on program

WASHINGTON

Hundreds of thousands of homeowners are in limbo waiting to find out if they will be accepted for the Obama administration’s foreclosure prevention program.

Nearly 1.1 million borrowers have enrolled in the program since it started a year ago, but so far only about 170,000 have completed the application process, the government said Friday.

Vindicator staff and wire reports