Also. . .

* Cast Art Industries, a gift ware and collectibles manufacturer based in Corona with 150 employees, has agreed to merge with Papel Giftware Inc., of Monroe Township, N.J. Under the terms of the merger agreement, Papel’s stockholders will retain an interest in the newly combined company. Kenneth LeFevre, formerly president of Goebel North America, distributors of Hummel collectibles, was named president and CEO.