German laminate maker Witex AG recently severed ties with Kennesaw, Ga.-based Witex USA. Witex officials said their relationship with the U.S. investors which have owned the subsidiary since last year "has not been satisfactory." Witex AG has formed a new company, Witex Flooring Inc., which will run Witex's North American laminate business as a wholly owned subsidiary of Witex AG. Roland Elbracht, who helped establish the North American arm of Witex in 1994, has been named president of the newly formed company, which will also be based in Kennesaw.

"This decision will result in an immediate improvement in service with the increased availability of laminate products for all North American customers," Witex said in a statement.