Belgium-based
laminate maker Balterio said it has finalized a worldwide licensing deal with
Unilin that will enable Spanolux/Balterio to “freely sell their products
throughout the world.” In making the announcement, Balterio noted that the
agreement settles a patent dispute and terminates pending litigation in the Netherlands, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Moving to increase
its presence in the Northeast, hardwood supplier Lauzon said it has added Patriot Flooring Supply to its distribution network. Patriot’s 95,000-sq.ft
facility in Pompton Plains, N.J. will be used to service the New York metro area including Long Island, Connecticut and the northern half of New Jersey.
Citing the increased cost of fuel and raw material
needed to make laminate flooring, the maker of Pergo and Uniboard said it will
increase prices on those two lines by 5 percent beginning May 15.
Salem, N.J.-based Mannington
Mills has announced its 2008 slate of classes for its Installation Training
Center. The center is set to offer classes on resilient, laminate and hardwood
products, with training focusing on some of the company’s latest lines.
In an aim to broaden its distribution efforts in
the Midwest, Gilford Flooring of Jeffersonville, Ind., has purchased Bruce
Wholesale Flooring, based in Lexington, Ky. Specifically, the company has
“combined the human, product and logistical resources of these two
long-established distribution families” in an effort to “make one of the
strongest distributors in the Midwest,” according to Dennis C. Cook, president
of Gilford Flooring.
The upcoming “Synergy” meeting for Shaw Design Center
dealers will also serve as the launching pad for a new store concept. Developed
by the firm Ley Design Group, the new concept encompasses “stylish, successful,
upscale retail environments.” The meeting, which will also include networking
and “business-building” activities, is set for April 14-17 at the Ginn Hammock
Beach Resort in Palm Coast, Fla.
The World
Floor Covering Association’s industry certification program is now available
online. While overall training and coursework will still be overseen by participating
manufacturers, industry members to review applications, final examination
certification stages and re-certification documents through the link www.wfca.org/pro/examlist.aspx.
The
spring High Point Market, set for April 7-13 in High Point, N.C., will include
a new area called “Amazed.” Plans call for the exhibit to feature “an
innovative display of thought-provoking ideas designed to inspire designers,
retailers and manufacturers.” Specifically, the area will include an array of concept
rooms on the Top Floor of the Suites at Market Square that aim to offer
insights into the buying habits of home furnishing consumers.
Announcing the Surfaces
New Product Extravaganza. Brought to you by our website FlooringInsider.com,
the Extravaganza gives you a look at some of the latest, most
innovative
products that were unveiled during Surfaces 2008. Each listing includes
a brief
description of some of the newest products and, as a service to our
readers, full contact information so you can easily call or e-mail the
companies.
The products
that appear here will also be printed in a special section in the April issues of
National Floor
Trends, Floor Covering Installer and
TILE
Magazine.
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