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Investments

     In accordance with SFAS No. 115 “Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities”, the Company classifies certain equity securities as available for sale and measures them at market value (fair value). The Company accounts for the investments in securities received by customers as part of a bankruptcy settlements as available for sale by recording unrealized gains or losses in other comprehensive income as a component of stockholders' equity. The Company does not have any investments categorized as trading or held to maturity as of October 31, 2008 or November 2, 2007.

Inventories

     Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (which approximates actual cost on a first-in, first-out basis) or market. Costs related to warehousing, transportation and distribution to customers are considered when computing market value. Inventories include the cost of raw materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. The Company regularly reviews inventory quantities on hand and writes down any excess or obsolete inventories to net realizable value. An inventory reserve is created when potentially slow-moving or obsolete inventories are identified in order to reflect the appropriate inventory value. Changes in economic conditions, production requirements, and lower than expected customer demand could result in additional obsolete or slow-moving inventory that cannot be sold or must be sold at reduced prices and could result in additional reserve provisions.

Property, plant and equipment

     Property, plant and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Major renewals and betterments are charged to the asset accounts while the cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense as incurred. When assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective accounts and the resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to income. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over 10 to 20 years for buildings and improvements, 5 to 10 years for machinery and equipment, and 3 to 5 years for transportation equipment.

Income taxes

     Deferred taxes are provided for items whose financial and tax bases differ. A valuation allowance is provided against deferred tax assets when it is expected that it is more likely than not that the related asset will not be fully realized.

     The Company provides tax reserves for federal, state, local and international exposures relating to audit results, tax planning initiatives and compliance responsibilities. The development of these reserves requires judgments about tax issues, potential outcomes and timing and are determined in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 48 (See Note 4 to the financial statements). Although the outcome of these tax audits is uncertain, in management’s opinion adequate provisions for income taxes have been made for potential liabilities emanating from these reviews. If actual outcomes differ materially from these estimates, they could have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Stock-based compensation

     The Company measures and recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, in the financial statements based on the fair value at the date of the grant. The Company has not issued, awarded, granted or entered into any stock-based payment agreements since April 29, 1999.

Basic and diluted earnings per share

     Basic earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding for all periods presented. Diluted earnings per share is calculated based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding plus shares issuable on conversion or exercise of all potentially dilutive securities (stock options).

Foreign currency transactions

     The Company’s foreign branch located in Canada enters into transactions that are denominated in a foreign currency. The related transaction gains and losses arising from changes in exchange rates are not material and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statement of operations in the period the transaction occurred.