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.