Mario Industries buys Reliance Lamp Company

Mario Industries has purchased Reliance Lamp Company, a 59-year-old decorative lamp manufacturer that closed in July after owner Michael Magun filed an assignment for the benefit of creditors. Creditors' claim forms are still being processed.

Mario President Louis Scutellaro plans to work closely with Magun during the transition and as director of the newly formed Reliance division of Mario. A formal launch of the division is planned for the October High Point Market in the Mario showroom, IHFC H420.

"This is a bold step for Mario and we expect both Reliance and Mario to benefit from this partnership," Scuttelaro said.

He said Mario, which opened in 1922, is the oldest family-run lamp manufacturer in the United States.

In addition to its name, Reliance's assets include about two container loads of finished lamps, office and warehouse equipment. Mario is moving product from Reliance's Boynton Beach, Fla., facility to the Mario complex in Roanoke, Va., which includes more than 160,000 square feet of warehouse and office space. Mario will ship all Reliance Lamp orders that are in house, Scuttellaro said.

Creditors have until Nov. 16 to file a claim against Reliance, under the court filing. About 35 home accent retailers were listed among unsecured creditors, who are owed a total of nearly $2 million according to court records.

"All creditors have received notice," said assignee Mike Phelan of Michael Moecker and Associates. "We are receiving and processing claims. There may or may not be assets to find."