The contractor network FloorExpo has announced the results of a 12- week Body-for-Life Corporate Challenge that encouraged participants to tone up and slim down. Based on the best-selling book Body-for-Life, individual and team participants agreed to live a healthier life style and be judged based on before and after photos as well as essays about their experience.
Although sales were up by more than $8 million over the previous year, Congoleum Corp. reported a $21.6 million loss in 2005 due to asbestos liabilities. A recently released financial report for the Mercerville, N.J.-based company indicates that expenses related to asbestos litigation grew significantly last year.
Mohawk Industries said it has agreed to purchase a Propex Fabrics Inc. plant in Roanoke, Ala. that produces secondary carpet backing. The facility employs approximately 470 staff members.
Flooring maker Congoleum Corp. recently filed its latest modified plan and disclosure statement with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey, a step that the company said it hopes will bring it closer to Chapter 11 emergence.
While much of the attention at this year's Surfaces was paid to the floor, radiant heating systems and accessories makers urged showgoers to look beyond the floor and consider the benefits of radiant heating. Companies debuted new systems and materials engineered specifically for use with radiant heating technology. At least one manufacturer -- WarmlyYours -- had its sales force dressed down in bathrobes to illustrate the potential comfort offered by its radiant products.
Dallas-based company ElkCorp, a division of Elk Specialty Fabric Technologies, has entered the flooring market with VersaShield underlayment. Designed for use under carpets and carpet tiles, VersaShield aims to eliminate moisture and the possibility of mold.
Wayne H. Smith, a WWII hero who later established the highly respected Midwestern flooring company C&F Distributors, died Feb. 11, in Tulsa, Okla., due to complications from a stroke. He was 75.