DOWNTOWN BUSINESS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- A downtown new and used office equipment company which opened this week is under new ownership and has a new name.

Office Furniture World was founded Friday when Cape Girardeau businessman Frank Klueppel assumed operations of the OFMCO Company, located at the corner of Independence and Main, in the former Montgomery Ward building most recently occupied by Cheatham's Furniture.

Don Lowe, president of OFMCO, one of the nation's largest buyers and sellers of new and used office furniture, opened a retail operation at the corner of Independence and North Main, earlier this month.

"We're really pleased with the new operation," said Klueppel. "We have a lot of possibilities with the operation. We can sit up office situations to show just how certain equipment will look in the work place.

Klueppel purchased the inventory from OFMCO, and leased the building.

"With this operation, we an offer the largest display of office furniture in the area," he said. "Most of it will be used, but we do offer new equipment, too."

The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.