"This initiative will help the company focus more precisely on our two different customer channels, which target the Retail and Contract markets respectively," stated Ulf Mattsson, Domco Tarkett's president and CEO.

Domco Tarkett Commercial will be based at the manufacturing facility in Houston. Gilles de Beaumont has been named President. Domco Tarkett Residential will have its Sales & Marketing headquarters in the Whitehall, Pa. area. Jan Lembregts will head up this division and operate out of Farnham, Quebec, where the sheet vinyl manufacturing facility is located.

"In the current difficult economic environment, the profitability of our resilient business has not reached acceptable levels. The changes announced today are a reaction to this reality. Our company has always responded swiftly to the markets we serve, an ongoing commitment that has helped us become the second largest hard surface flooring manufacturer in North America," explained Mattsson.

The company will maintain its two brands and will continue to invest in both Tarkett and Domco distribution. "We are committed to our two-step distribution system and firmly believe that our success is dependent on the success of our distributors," Mattsson emphasized.

Mattsson also indicated that the new structure will consolidate responsibility and decision making, as each division will take charge of all aspects of operations, from manufacturing to customer satisfaction. Additionally, the formation of separate divisions will improve Domco Tarkett's speed-to-market and will facilitate innovation.

"Concentrating our resources in this way will allow us to secure a greater market share and realize the full potential of our product lines in North America," concluded Mattsson.