Laminate state of the industry: Units pick up but sales struggle in face of increasing competition, economy
HICKSVILLE, N.Y.—There may be signs of life in the economy, at least on the residential side, but the overall pace remains slow. Add to that a drastic drop in wood prices—especially from imports—the continued surge in popularity of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and an overcapacity problem, and the laminate category continues to struggle to regain the momentum it had just before the financial and housing crises hit. Research conducted by Floor Covering News to see...
Read MoreVita named executive vice president at Beaulieu Commercial
Adairsville, Ga.—David Vita has been named executive vice president of sales for Beaulieu Commercial. He will be directly responsible for growing sales of its commercial brands including Boylu Contract, Cambridge Commercial and Pure Contract Carpets. “David’s comprehensive background in commercial sales management and flooring operations will help us accelerate the growth of our business,” said James Lesslie, president, Beaulieu Commercial. “His extensive knowledge of the commercial markets will help strengthen our ability to meet the...
Read MorePergo appoints Hartman vice president
Raleigh, N.C.—Pergo has named David Hartman vice president of sales for the company’s operations in North, Central and South America. He will be responsible for all aspects of Pergo sales. “David’s appointment demonstrates that we are taking a fresh approach to meeting the particular needs of our valued specialty retail partners,” said Ralf Eisermann, CEO of Pergo. (more…)
Read MoreJ.J. Haines to distribute Avaire porcelain tile
Omaha, Neb.—J.J. Haines is the latest major distributor to partner with the makers of Avaire porcelain tile. With distribution headquarters in Glen Burnie, Maryland, it will expand opportunities for the ceramic tile company from Pennsylvania to Florida. “Our management, our salespeople, and our customers all see the value that Avaire product provides,” said Richard Cutting, ceramic marketing manager with J.J. Haines. “We showed the Avaire program at our J.J. Haines Loyalty Club meeting and the...
Read MoreDuChateau expands East Coast distribution
San Diego, Calif.—DuChateau Floors, makers of custom hardwood flooring, reached agreements with five key distributors along the East Coast. The company’s goods will be carried by Patriot Flooring Distributors, covering New England; All State Flooring Distributors in Fairfield, N.J., serving metro New York and northern New Jersey; Derr Flooring, which distributes to eight states from New York to Virginia; Dealer Supply South, distributing in North and South Carolina; and J.J. Haines/Wheeler Group, which covers Georgia...
Read MoreCongoleum payment to asbestos lawyers is free from conflict
Newark, N.J.—A judge’s May 7 ruling stated two lawyers for asbestos victims can keep the $2 million Congoleum paid to help resolve tens of thousands of claims against the company shortly before it filed for bankruptcy. U.S. District Judge Joel Pisano in Newark, N.J., found no conflict by the lawyers, Joseph Rice of Motley Rice in South Pleasant, S.C. and Perry Weitz of Weitz & Luxemburg in New York City. He said they were working...
Read MoreMannington and Abbey redefine relationship
Salem, N.J.—Mannington Mills has rescinded its approved supplier relationship with Abbey Carpet and Floor due to a dispute over rebate policy. The decision is a result of “contradicting understandings of commitment” within the partnership, Mannington said. Mannington is upholding a long-standing policy that rebates are paid only to retailers who maintain updated, current displays in their showrooms. Anything less and the dealer is not representing the Mannington program in its best light, the company believes....
Read MoreArmstrong to raise prices on hardwood
Lancaster, Pa.—Armstrong announced it will initiate a 6% price increase in the United States and Canada on solid hardwood flooring products effective with shipments on July 1st, 2010. “Since the announcement of our last price modification, lumber and energy prices have continued to rise and early signs of a housing recovery are putting continued volume pressures on saw mills,” commented Daniel Call, vice president, wood product manager. “The cost impact on solid hardwood flooring is...
Read MoreRoppe and Starnet recycle together
Fostoria, Ohio—Roppe announced a strategic partnership with Starnet Worldwide to utilize Roppe’s IMPACT program, which generates new uses for rubber flooring products found in older schools, churches, hotels, healthcare facilities, and office buildings by a proprietary recycling process. The program was introduced in June of 2009. “Roppe’s IMPACT program is a great opportunity for all Starnet members to help clients achieve their environmental goals,” said Jeanne Matson, Starnet President and CEO. “Our members are successful...
Read MoreBeaulieu Canada will close Acton Vale plant
Acton Vale, Quebec, Canada—Beaulieu Canada said it will cease production at its bath and floor plant in Acton Vale, effective July 10. The move will lay off approximately 50 employees. According to mill executives, the customer buying the whole production of this plant decided to relocate manufacturing in its own U.S. plant, which is in a state of excess. Beaulieu Canada is seeking a buyer or a tenant for its bath and floor building but...
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