Armstrong Opens Direct Distribution in Northwest

Lancaster, PA, May 30, 2007--Armstrong announces the establishment of Armstrong NW LLC, its own distribution business in the Pacific Northwest. Beginning May 29, the new company will provide sales and distribution services for Armstrong’s residential flooring products to specialty retail stores and flooring contractors in Washington, Oregon, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Alaska.

“As a result of the distribution changes that took place in the Pacific Northwest, Armstrong decided to try a different approach in this region. We are committed to offering the best portfolio of hard surface products, and the best merchandising and support programs geared at helping our retailers in the Northwest be successful and make money,” says Paul Murfin, Vice President-Sales, Armstrong.

“We are extremely grateful that our customers have continued to work with us on any problems our recent distribution challenges may have caused them and their business. Clearly, this was something Armstrong would have chosen to avoid, and we are highly motivated to improve our relationship. We are eager to earn the respect, support and business of the Northwest dealer community and will work hard to win their support everyday.

“We believe that specific business conditions in the Northwest, as well as the region’s geography, made the move to this new distribution model a good one for our customers. Simply, the combination of right time/right place demanded this change so that we can ensure that each customer is provided with the best products, programs and services at the lowest possible cost.”

“I would like to recognize both the BR Funsten Company and Pacific Mat. Both companies have worked hard to service ongoing business after Sea Pac Sales moved away from Armstrong in October 2006,” says Murfin.

Armstrong NW LLC will handle Armstrong Residential Vinyl Sheet, MODe LVT, Armstrong Laminate, Bruce Laminate, Armstrong Hardwood and Robbins Hardwood. Commercial products will continue to be serviced by Pacific Mat. Bruce Hardwood will continue to be represented by Cascade Pacific and Goodfellow U.S.

Monte Asken, an industry veteran of the Pacific Northwest, has been named General Sales Manager of Armstrong NW LLC. The Armstrong employed, trained and managed sales team will service independent retailers and builder sub-contractors. “The success of Armstrong NW starts with a sales force that is well trained and exclusively dedicated to Armstrong’s complete product portfolio, backed by a logistics system that provides reliable service on a consistent basis,” says Asken. “It not only services the high spots in terms of product but also in terms of coverage in the marketplace.” A Seattle-based warehouse with inventory has been established and a dedicated Credit and Customer Service team will operate in Armstrong's corporate offices in Lancaster, PA., on Pacific time hours.

According to Asken, new products will be the cornerstone of driving retailer sales in the resilient, laminate and wood business and will continue to be the foundation of Armstrong’s efforts in 2007. “We look forward to the opportunity to introduce dealers to the exciting array of new Armstrong, Bruce Laminate and Robbins products launching this season, and to show how Armstrong delivers consumers to dealers’ doors with our national consumer advertising campaign,” says Asken.