A combination of service, styling, quality and competitive pricing established Lexmark as a market leader in the hospitality segment and allowed the company to successfully expand into residential market in 2013. The company continues its growth trajectory, investing heavily in new machinery to expand tufting capabilities and boost its residential capacity. It has also invested in new merchandising and training tools for the retail market. The efforts seem to be working; Lexmark posted record-breaking first- and second-quarter sales this year—the first time since the inception of the residential division, according to Rodney Mauter, executive vice president of Lexmark’s residential business. We spoke with Mauter recently to catch up on the company’s assertive growth plans and what’s in store for the brand.
FT: Lexmark has raised the bar residentially with textures and patterns at a competitive price point. How would you describe your market positioning?