The below is a letter from Joseph N. Bondi, SVP & NA Residential Flooring, and Dominic C. Rice, SVP & NA Commercial Flooring.

According to Armstrong, "Over the past several months, we have experienced significant increases in raw materials, energy, transportation and operating costs. Key raw materials, such as lumber, PVC, plasticizer, limestone, TiO2 and packaging have not only increased, but we also expect continuing upward cost pressure throughout 2017.

"Rising natural gas and electricity prices are increasing our manufacturing facility operating costs. Fuel and transportation rates are rising both domestically and abroad, impacting our delivered cost. In spite of every effort, we can no longer fully absorb the extent of these increases.

"As a result, Armstrong Flooring will be increasing prices for the following commercial product lines effective Feb. 15, 2017:

• Commercial Sheet by 3-6%
• Linoleum by 3-6%
• Commercial Tile by 3-6%
• Wall base and Installation and Maintenance products by 3-6%
• Commercial LVT will not be impacted by this price increase implementation.

"This price increase will apply to orders shipping on or after Feb. 15, 2017. Special Job Quotes (SJQ’s) expiring on or before Feb. 15, 2017 will not be affected by this increase. Orders accepted prior to Feb. 15, under the Contract Basis of Sale, B and Competitive Tile Procedure price lists, will be protected at that price level for 30 days beyond the effective date of the price increase.

"This announcement is being released simultaneously to the trade press. Prices on Armstrong Flooring Residential products will also be increasing with announcements sent under separate cover. Thank you for your continued loyalty, partnership and business."