Armstrong World Industries reports that it ceased its residential stencil manufacturing process at its Lancaster, Pa., floor plant on Sept. 26. Declining volumes and a shift toward new products utilizing next-generation design capabilities were drivers of this decision, Armstrong says.

Inventory levels of the most popular stencil products, including Jaspe and Stencil Craft, will be available to fill demand through first quarter 2004.

Earlier this year, Armstrong introduced 48 vinyl sheet products using its next-generation Inlaid Color Graphics manufacturing process and its new MasterWorks Technology. Forty-six products that require these new technologies will be released in first quarter 2004. Among them will be the reintroduced Designer Solarian, Armstrong’s signature product.