Two major flooring manufacturers said they are increasing distribution in keys areas. In separate announcements, Armstrong Floor Products named Apollo Distributing Co. of Fairfield, NJ, to distribute the Hartco hardwood line in the metropolitan New York, New Jersey and Connecticut tri-state area. Also, Domco said its sheet flooring and accessories will be among the lines now offered by the newly established company Design Tech Commercial Distributing LLC, of Houston.
In a move designed to help consumers "more clearly understand what the floor they are purchasing will look like," The National Wood Flooring Association has developed five "appearance standards:" They are :
The simple tagline "Be creative" will be the centerpiece of a new advertising campaign being launched in support of the Tile of Spain brand. The campaign from the 220-member Ceramic Tile Manufacturer's Association of Spain (ASCER) is aimed at design professionals, architects and contractors. "The fresh approach speaks to the essence of Spain - her products, manufacturers, history and culture. In summary, it celebrates the creativity of Spain," said ASCER in announcing the new effort.
CCA Global Partners' recently redesigned website was among those honored with a standard of excellence "Webaward" from the Web Marketing Association. Judges commended the site, www.ccaglobal.com, as being organized, easy-to-navigate and attractive. They also noted that it clearly expresses the company's objectives and provides viewers with easy access to the company's history, brand information and events and activities.
As part of its ongoing "Decorate for the Cure" campaign to raise money for the fight against breast cancer, Mohawk said it is making available a special CD with songs of "love, hope, and inspiration." The all-original score featuring Kim Bracken is being offered to Mohawk dealers along with a specially made pop-up counter display. The CD is free and the display includes pre-addressed envelopes to encourage the dealer or customer to send a donation. Proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation which is committed to eradicating breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.
Armstrong said will initiate an average 6 percent price increase on residential and commercial resilient sheet and tile products, beginning with shipments on October 24, 2005. In a statement, the company's vp, product management - resilient sheet, Allen Cubell said the move was necessitated by the rising price in fuel. "Persistently high oil and natural gas prices, exacerbated in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, combined with escalating transportation costs and increasing global demand, have resulted in unprecedented price escalation for key PVC based materials. The prices of oil-based raw materials and energy sources have reached new and sustained high levels. Our continuing productivity improvements cannot offset the full cost impact of these increases, making this price increase necessary."
Organizers of Surfaces 2006 said the annual meeting is on pace to be the largest gathering to date. More than 93 percent of the show floor has already been sold for the January 31 to February 3 event in Las Vegas and the number companies exhibiting is expected to surpass 1,000. "The industry seems to be more excited about Surfaces than ever," said Michelle Troop, Surfaces senior show director. "We have more exhibitors signed up than ever before at this time and attendees are registering and reserving hotel rooms faster than any previous show. It seems that everyone is ready for Surfaces and making their plans early!" For more information visit www.Surfaces.com.
Tarkett said it is combining its Tarkett Sports division with FieldTurf, a leading maker of artificial turf that was recently acquired by the company. The integration will create FieldTurf Tarkett, which will market an extensive range of sports related surfaces for both outdoors and indoors. It will be operated out of FieldTurf's Montreal office will be run by John Gilman, who was CEO of FieldTurf prior to the acquisition
Mohawk Industries said it is widening its Rewards Plus incentive program to include products in every flooring category. From Oct. 3 to Nov. 5, the "Rewards Plus Power Up" promotion will include Mohawk carpets as well select hardwood, laminate, ceramic, resilient, and cushion products from the company. In addition, Mohawk is offering special consumer financing terms to correspond with the promotion period. The Mohawk Rewards Plus program will continue running after the Power Up promotion.
Area rug maker and importer Capel Inc. has named Eric Birnbach as president and CEO. His appointment marks the first time the operation will be lead by someone other than a member of the Capel family that founded the company in 1917. The three brothers that have been overseeing the company, A. Leon Capel, Jr., Jesse S. Capel, and Arron W. E. Capel, are set to retire as executive officers effective October 1.