Helmitin Adhesives, a producer of epoxy, urethane and acrylic floor covering adhesives in North American and Europe, has appointed Larry Press to serve as the company's director of flooring. In his new role, Press, who will be involved in all phases of Helmitin's flooring business, is responsible for product development and enhancing the company's industry position.

Press comes to his new post from Para-Chem Southern, where he had served since 1992 as director of technical services, adhesives. A recognized industry expert, he is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry meetings, conventions, conferences, and seminars. He is among a group of industry leaders deeply involved in reducing moisture, mildew and mold problems and has worked with committees charged with bringing the concrete and floor covering industries closer together.

In addition, Press chairs the ASTM F.06 Resilient Committee, chairs ISO Tag 219 Resilient Carpet and Laminates, and serves on ASTM committees F.13 Slip Resistance, E.06 Building Performances and D.22 Atmospheres. He is co-chair of D.14 Adhesives Specifications.

He is also a member of the Resilient Floor Covering Institute technical and business issues committees, and is a technical advisor on instructional video productions. Press is a member of the Construction Specifiers Institute and chairman of the Floor Covering Adhesive Manufacturers Committee on Adhesive Specifications.

Press was owner and operator of a family-owned floor covering business prior to joining Kentile in 1987 as director of technical and consumer affairs.

Editor's note: Larry's son, Lawrence D. "Larry" Press II, died in an auto accident in late February at the age of 29. He was involved in the industry working as an installer for two of his uncles, each of whom operates floor covering stores in Bedford, Pa. Hundreds of people throughout the industry rushed to share the elder Larry's grief and give him much-needed moral support. For this, he conveys his utmost appreciation. - Howard Olansky, senior editor