Sign Up NowThis Month's Tiny Gems - August 2011

American Apparel, Inc. (APP)
Great Panther Silver Ltd. (GPL)
Pinnacle Data Systems, Inc. (PNS)

 

 

 

American Apparel, Inc. (APP)

 

American Apparel, Inc. (APP) is known throughout the US and all over the world as a top brand of clothing, with a well-developed focus on young adults. The company operates the largest garment factory in the US and employs some 12k people worldwide, operating 254 retail stores in 20 countries, yet over half its employees are in LA.

 

Bold thinking has allowed APP to leverage the Company's size, reputation and masterful in-house marketing capabilities to further embed the brand and products culturally, while helping various communities through highly targeted cause-oriented initiatives. This pioneering attitude towards environmental and social responsibility is something the brand is known for and the company takes full advantage with its in-house art, design and technology capabilities.

 

In recent news, American Apparel announced a multi-year partnership with eBay to create the first full online lifestyle shop on the popular auction site. It is expected to become a multi-million dollar business within the first year. According to the release, more than 30,000 searches for American Apparel on eBay occur every month.

 

Additionally, the company's signature photography and aesthetic will be featured on the auction site. eBay's unparalleled market share and marketing abilities, such as targeted email communication, affiliate programs and personalization, will help promote American Apparel to a new audience of devoted eBay shoppers.

 

 

 

Great Panther Silver Ltd. (GPL)

 

Great Panther Silver Ltd. (GPL) is one of the fastest growing primary silver producers in Mexico. Focused on acquiring, developing and profitably mining precious and base metals in Latin America, the company owns two operating mines in Mexico, employs over 900 people and has strong leverage to capitalize on future rises in the price of silver.

 

The Guanajuato Mine Complex, which consists of 28 claims totaling 1,107 hectares, is Great Panther's flagship operation. During the first quarter of this year, gold production increased to 2,217 oz, up 21% compared to Q4 2010 and 53% compared to the same period a year earlier, while silver production, at 273,421 oz, was higher by 7% and 22%, respectively.

 

Topia, on the other hand, is a high-grade silver-lead-zinc mine in the Sierra Madre Mountains of Durango State, where silver has been mined intermittently since the 1500's. As with Guanajuato, Great Panther owns 100% of the concessions, which comprise 6,500 hectares and are accessible by road and air. Topia includes 13 small mining operations all feeding a central plant.

 

Great Panther's current emphasis is on growing production and earnings from existing mining operations while actively pursuing new exploration and development opportunities. The company's three-year organic growth strategy includes lowering operating costs, delineating and maintaining a 10-year mine life for both operations, and realizing opportunities for further production increases.

 

 

 

Pinnacle Data Systems, Inc. (PNS)

 

Pinnacle Data Systems, Inc. (PNS), a global provider of services and products, focuses on serving the telecom, imaging, defense/aerospace, medical, semiconductor, industrial automation and IT markets. The company provides a variety of engineering and manufacturing services for global OEMs requiring custom product design, system integration, repair programs, warranty management, and specialized production capabilities.

 

With service centers in the U.S., Europe and Asia, Pinnacle Data Systems, Inc. (PDSi) ensures seamless support for solutions all around the world. In addition to the services offered above, the company provides product capabilities that range from board-level designs to globally-certified, fully integrated systems. Specialties include long-life computer products and unique, customer-centric solutions.

 

Founded in 1989, PDSi has been able to introduce new technologies to market at a pace faster than competitors, enabling customers to realize revenue early in a product lifecycle where profit margins are usually higher. To ensure customers have access to the newest technology and ideas, PDSi's engineering and design center continually focuses on the development of advanced architecture systems.

 

Earlier this month, the company announced it has entered into an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) agreement with IBM for the ability to design and sell products based upon IBM's System p and System x technologies. This agreement not only adds to PDSi's capability in developing leading technology product offerings, but also opens up new routes to market through the use of IBM's extensive business development resources.