In what the flooring maker heralded as "an exciting day," Armstrong World Industries announced it has emerged from bankruptcy. The company's fourth and final plan of organization, confirmed by the U.S. District Court in August and effective today, marks the end of nearly six years under Chapter 11 protection as the result of asbestos-related litigation. The plan calls for Armstrong to create a trust to compensate both current and future asbestos-related claimants, as well as a reorganization of the company's board of directors.
With an eye toward expanding the reach of its signature laminate flooring product, Berry Floor USA has added two new distributors to its roster. Irvin Kahn & Son will serve Kentucky and Indiana. New Orleans Flooring will cover Louisiana and Mississippi.
Formica Flooring has welcomed major Western distributor Tom Duffy Co. to the roster. Tom Duffy will serve California, Arizona and Nevada across 18 branches with the Formica Flooring brand of laminate flooring.
Capel has announced the resignation of Eric Birnbach as president and ceo after less than one year at that post. In making the announcement the company noted that Birnbach was "helpful in making the transition to third generation management following the retirement of the three Capel brothers on October 1, 2005."
The World Floor Covering Association has launched a new Internet resource aimed at consumers shopping for floor coverings. The site, www.wfca.org, was officially launched on Sept. 14 and has been designed to provide in-depth information on all types of floor coverings without promoting specific brands or products. WFCA says the goal is to give consumers knowledge that will enable them to make the floor covering purchase decisions based on their individual tastes and the way they live.
The World Floor Covering Association is cautioning members to be on the lookout for a scam involving stolen credit cards and falsified orders for flooring. The trade organization says that it has heard from dealers in Texas, North Carolina and Wisconsin who said they have been targeted thus far.
Canadian hardwood flooring maker Lauzon Flooring said it has gained the support of the Quebec government for a key piece of an ongoing $50 million (CAN) "investment strategy" that includes an upgrade of the company's infrastructure. The 22-year old manufacturer said the provincial government has agreed to participate in the development of a new $19 million (CAN) "hybrid sawmill" to be located in Thurso, Quebec. The company noted that the Quebec government has approved Lauzon's wood allocation and harvesting consolidation strategy. The project is phase one of the company's overall strategy.
A fierce electrical fire claimed the inventory at a Brooklyn carpet and rug retailer. The early evening fire at Boro Rug and Carpet Warehouse destroyed all of the store's area rugs as well as more than 10,000 square yards of remnants. According to the store's owner Joseph Stern, no one was hurt in the Aug. 25 blaze. Additionally, a nearby warehouse, protected by a firewall door, was spared.
Kronotex has named Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based company All Tile as Formica Flooring's newest distributor. All Tile will serve 11 Midwest and Great Plains states with Formica Flooring's 38 SKU selection of premium floor coverings.
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