Shaw Industries has nearly completely the transformation of a plant that once made carpet material into an operation that will produce prefinished engineered hardwood flooring. The facility in South Pittsburgh, Tenn. had produced yarn for the company's line of carpets but has been idle for about three years. It has since been reengineered and is slated to be operational in early summer. Shaw has also procured land adjacent to the plant for future development.

"We are installing the latest innovations in hardwood manufacturing, and our product line will feature technological differentiations that will benefit retailers, installers and consumers," said David Wilkerson, Shaw Hard Surfaces vice president. Products to be produced at the plant include 3 1/4" strip and 5" plank flooring.