Empire State Index Slips, Orders Steady
New York, NY, January 17--Growth at New York State factories slowed in January with a drop in inventories although new orders remained positive, the New York Federal Reserve said on Tuesday.
Today's Flooring News
Keep up to date with the most recent news in the flooring industry. Today's News...As it happens! We update this news several times a day so you can stay connected.
Leggett & Platt Acquires Griptex
Carthage, MO, January 18, 2006--The coated fabrics division of Leggett & Platt recently acquired Griptex, a manufacturer of non-slip textile products for the home.
Roppe Adds 'Green' Vinyl Tile
Fostoria, Ohio, January 16--Roppe Corporation USA has added a solid vinyle tile to its SafeTcork line. Made using post-industrail waste cork, the new tile can contribute toward LEED certification because the material is a renewable resource.
Chase, Reader's Digest Launch Home Repair Cred
Wilmington, Del,, January 17--Opening a new source of credit to flooring-buying homeowners, Chase bank and Reader's Digest announced the launch of a home-improvement credit card with rewards for sizeable remodeling purchases.
U.S. Industrial Production Up in December
Washington, D.C., Jan. 17--According to the Federal Reserve, U.S. industrial production rose 0.6 percent in December, the third consecutive month posting a gain, and production capacity rose to 80.7 percent.
Confrorce to Make Eko-Flor for Royal Group
Toronto, Ontario, January 17, 2006--Conforce International, Inc., developers of EKO-FLOR, announced the signing of an exclusive supply agreement with Royal Group Technologies Ltd.
Ceramics: Raw Materials Prices Likely Up in 2006
The rising costs of energy, transportation and labor will likely continue in 2006, according to a ceramics industry trade publication.
Pakistan Predicts Higher Carpet Sales
Slamabad, Pakistan, January 16--Pakistan hopes to secure some $3.39 million in orders in 2005-2006, according to the chairman of the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association.
$149.5 Billion for Home Improvements in 2005
Cambridge, MA, January 14--Home improvement spending by homeowners edged up in 2005, ending the year growing 4.3% over the 2004 levels, according to the Remodeling Activity Indicator (RAI) devised by Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.
Pier 1 Could be Buyout Target
New York, January 15, 2006--Pier 1 Imports Inc., may become a buyout target because its share price has fallen 50 percent in ten months, according to the business weekly, Barron's.