Spurred by the successful launch of Tarkett Laminate flooring in North America, Tarkett Inc. has joined forces with wood panel maker Aconcagua Timber to increase the company's wood panel/laminate production. Plans are underway to retrofit an existing wood panel manufacturing plant in Clarion, Pa. so that it can produce the high-density fiberboard used in laminate flooring. Both companies will equally own and operate the plant, according to Tarkett.

MDF molding production capabilities, another key component to the laminate manufacturing process, will be brought on board at the plant by the end of this year, with full laminate production slated to start in 2006.