April 2012: Optimism reigns at Domotex asia/ChinaFloor as economy improves

HomeInside FCNewsApril 2012: Optimism reigns at Domotex asia/ChinaFloor as economy improves

Volume 26/Number 16; Dec. 17/24, 2012

With the Asian market continuing its strong growth trend, the 14th annual Domotex asia/ChinaFloor (DACF) was filled with optimism.

The positive spirit was seen across all product segments on display—even from those who were not selling or buying products. “It’s been too busy,” said Bert Van der Stock, managing director of Flooring Industries, Mohawk/Unilin.

Thomas Baert, president of Chinafloors/Lamett, added, “All the big guys showed up, so from that point we are very satisfied. Our LVT business is starting to take off as are our wood and laminate programs.”

Based on preliminary numbers, DACF officials said over 1,100 exhibitors occupied a record 11 exhibition halls with over 40,000 people expected to attend the three-day show at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre.

Similar to last year, LVT contributed to the show’s excitement with the showcasing of not just product, but all sorts of installations—from click systems to magnets, suctions and more.

Jonathan Train, import product manager of Swiff-Train/EarthWerks, said the company “continually checks out new opportunities. Trade shows like this one are where we see the future.”

Per Josefsson, business unit director for Välinge, said, “Good discussions regarding [our] patents were held with the LVT producers and other visitors.  We had several license agreements finalized during the show, and are very optimistic about the future growth of market shares for our licensees in this field.”

In addition to sourcing, American flooring companies are visiting China to find ways to sell products to Chinese consumers. Western brands are big business as China’s population is migrating to a higher level of living, favoring items with a European and U.S. name.

This is most prominent in carpet as U.S. mills continue to make headway into the Asian market. Mannington Mills’ Alex Jauregui, said it has developed a good customer base in places like Australia, Taiwan and Hong Kong and DACF is a good venue to see people from these areas.

Must Read

Southwind names Jim Mahaffey divisional VP

Dalton, Ga.—Jim Mahaffey has been chosen to be the divisional vice president for Southwind's Northeast region of the sales team. Mahaffey joins Southwind after...

Aladdin Commercial unveils new Main Street collections

Calhoun, Ga.—Aladdin Commercial has unveiled new and refreshed Main Street collections designed to complement every setting with a mix of fresh style and long-lasting...

Coverings 2024 and Earth Day activities

Atlanta—Coverings, North America’s largest and preeminent international tile and stone exhibition and conference, has released a curated selection of sustainability-centric show activities to commemorate...

Cali launches new Mavericks laminate collection

San Diego, Calif.—Cali has introduced Laminate Mavericks. Named after the Northern California surf spot known for its massive waves, this new NALFA-certified collection offers...

Natural Stone Institute Awards Program calls for entries

Oberlin, Ohio—The entry period for the 2024 Natural Stone Institute Award Program is now open. The association is calling for entries for the Pinnacle...

Wood: Opportunities abound at the high end

In the current inflationary environment—although there are signs that it seems to be cooling—one might assume that subsegments such as the ultra-high-end hardwood flooring...
Some text some message..
X