Interesting Flooring Information

For its Antron brand Studio showroom in Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, Invista recently received LEED Gold certification for Commercial Interiors. The showroom, created by Design Collaboratives, Inc. of Chicago, features a multi-use, transformable space similar to a theater stage and uses many of the original 1983 finishes and furniture.

Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty, Surfaces 2009, which wrapped up today at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, will be remembered as an important show for attendees and exhibitors alike. While attendance is estimated to be lower than last year, show goers said there was an upside as well in the form of longer face time for customers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers to conduct business.

National Floor Trends, the industry’s only monthly and largest circulated trade magazine in the flooring industry, has enhanced its editorial team and stable of expert columnists.

Mohawk Industries has purchased the Wear-Dated residential fiber brand
from Solutia. As part of the deal, Mohawk will assume ownership of the
Wear-Dated Reward for Life retail sales incentive and marketing co-op
programs. The commercial fiber brand, Ultron, will remain with Solutia.
Financial terms were not disclosed.

Pergo’s parent company, Pfleiderer Schweiz, has signed a deal with New York City-based Material ConneXion, a leading material advisor providing consultation on “materials, sustainable alternatives and their potential uses,” Pergo said. Under the terms of the worldwide agreement, both companies will work closely to support Pergo’s product development initiatives with an eye toward enhancing the performance, aesthetics and sustainability of Pergo laminate flooring.

Beaulieu International Group, the parent company of Alloc and Berry Floor, has settled its patent and contract disputes with Faus Group over the use of certain laminate flooring technologies. As part of the agreement, both Beaulieu International and Faus said they agreed to dismiss any legal actions pending against each other.

MAPEI said two of its executives will work closely with industry associations in leadership roles. Jeff Leone, MAPEI’s director of strategic marketing, has been named manufacturer representative on the National Tile Contractors Association’s Board of Directors. Additionally, Dr. Neil McMurdie,  MAPEI’s director of research and development, has been named third vp of the Materials & Methods Standards Association.

Show organizers for Coverings 2009 have extended the deadline for the 2009 Spectrum & Prism Awards, honoring the most creative use of tile and stone, respectively. Project submissions will now be received until 5 p.m. Feb. 13.

Luca A. Zerbini has been named CEO of Florida Tile after having worked with the company for less than 2 years. He has held executive positions directly tied to the business development and supply chain management for the company. Previously he was a case team leader at top management consulting firm Bain & Co., and has also managed the supply chain for Hewlett-Packard’s European Marketing and Distribution Center.

The World Floor Covering Association is urging members of the industry to contact their Congressional leadership as part of an initiative by the American Home Furnishings and Building Products Coalition. The coalition, which comprises about 10 trade groups including the WFCA, National Wood Flooring Association, Carpet & Rug Institute and others, will advocate a tax credit plan aimed at stimulating spending on home improvement items. According to D. Christopher Davis, president and CEO of the WFCA, the coalition is aiming to grow its membership to 20 associations “for both representation and financing reasons.”