McSwain Carpets acquires McSwain Hardwoods after decades-long separation

Cincinnati-based McSwain Carpets has acquired McSwain Hardwood Flooring Co., which broke away as a separate company from the carpet operation in 1969. The two family-owned companies will now operate under the name McSwain Carpets and sell and install more than $40 million in floor coverings in the greater Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, markets.

“The acquisition will greatly expand our capabilities to make us as competitive in wood as we are presently in carpet, vinyl, laminate, and ceramic tile,” said Jim Leamer Sr., president and CEO of McSwain Carpets. The newly combined company will offer a full complement of hardwood flooring products and custom services ranging from installation of prefinished wood to on-site refinishing and refinishing.

In the mid-1960s, Ron McSwain joined his brother Ralph in the latter’s hardwood flooring business, drawing upon the family trade established by their father and grandfather. Ron later left the hardwood business to found McSwain Carpets in 1969. Ralph remained at the helm of the hardwood company.

In fewer than 10 years as head of the carpet concern, Ron established a growth rate that saw McSwain Carpets double in size every three years.

“All of us at the new McSwain Carpets, and the flooring veterans we’ve reunited through both companies, are excited about this fresh opportunity to create significant benefit to our loyal customers, our suppliers and our dedicated company members,” Leamer said.

In the wake of the acquisition, the Evendale, Ohio, McSwain Hardwood store will close May 21. All McSwain Carpets branches soon will be remodeled, if they have not already been, to display enlarged selections of hardwood flooring.