The filing, Sills said, was made because the company was not generating sufficient sales since it was purchased from Beaulieu of America by management last July. The situation also was compounded by the recent war in Iraq.

According to the company, Brinkman will continue to service all current markets from its main branch in Lewisville, Texas, as well as its California sales service centers in Ontario and Sacramento.

"Under the new business model, the company is positioned as a full-service resource for the flooring industry," Sills said. "Our philosophy is to provide exceptional service for our customers, represent and market products of quality and value."

The Houston, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and San Antonio sales service centers will be closed as the company streamlines its operations. The management team of CEO Eddie M. Lesok, Sills and CFO Jack Wulz has implemented a system to use common freight carriers to achieve 24 to 48 hour deliveries for its independent retailers, home centers and builders in the Western and Southern United States.

Once the nation's largest floor covering distributorship, L.D. Brinkman has served the floor covering community for more than 40 years. Current product lines include Anderson Hardwood (all except Northern California), Appalachian Hardwood (Northern California only), Columbus Mills carpet, Heritage wood, Pergo laminate floors, Renaissance ceramic tile, and various tools and sundries.