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Our strong market share position in foodservice and retail shoppingonline glassware helps successful introductions of new dinnerware and flatware products. Also brand name and reputation is recognized by consumers and our shoppingonline quality image generates re-orders. Our industry-leading glass manufacturing equipment and skills drive new products and acquisition opportunities in new markets. Finally, our strong financial shoppingonline position with consistent cash flow generation provides for acquisitions,share repurchases, debt reduction, dividends, etc. For years, there has been considerable confusion regarding glass companies. Each owes their namesakes, in part, to the same individuals and each make various products of glass. The similarity of names in the glass industry is historical and evolves from the inventiveness and determination several individuals. The illustration we placed on the cover of our 2000 Annual shoppingonline Report depicts the hare and the tortoise in another race; this time it takes place in the 21st century, and again the tortoise is winning. A Hare one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the Tortoise, who replied, laughing: "Though you be swift as the wind, I will beat you in a race." The Hare, believing the Tortoise''s assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the goal. On the day appointed for the race, the two started together. The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course. The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep. At last waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise had reached the goal... Beyond sales in the United States and Canada, our company exports glassware to more than 80 countries around the world and provides technical assistance to a number of foreign glass tableware manufacturers. Our company is the leading provider of tabletop products to the foodservice industry through its broad glassware, dinnerware and flatware product offerings and extensive sales and distribution network, among the largest in the foodservice supply industry. The 1995 acquisition of china (dinnerware) and the 1997 acquisition of tableware (flatware and holloware) are examples of the company''s plan to expand in the foodservice industry through acquisitions. The company has achieved significant cost efficiencies and synergies at China and Tableware, leading to substantial improvements in the profitability of these operations.
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