Lanxess Makes Market Debut
Frankfurt, Germany, February 1--Lanxess AG, the spun-off chemicals and polymers business of German drug maker Bayer AG, made its debut on the Frankfurt stock exchange Monday.
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.
Carpetright Same-Store Sales Decrease 3.8%
Rainham, England, February 1--Carpetright Plc, the U.K.'s largest carpet retailer, said same-store sales have dropped since its second half began as consumer spending has slackened. The shares fell as much as 4.3 percent.
Iranian Carpet Exports Up 140%
Tehran, Iran, February 1—-According to Iran's Customs Administration agency ILNA, machine-made carpets from March-December 2004 went up 140 percent to reach $41.1 million in the same period, while $22 million worth of yarns was exported.
J.C. Penney Closing Utah Call Center
Plano, TX, February 1--A decline in catalog orders made by telephone has led to the closure of a J.C. Penney call center in Bountiful, Utah. As a result, 375 employees are losing their jobs, the company announced Friday.
Capital Expenditures of OSB Manufacturers to Top $
Houston, TX, January 31-- Researched by Industrialinfo.com (Industrial Information Resources Incorporated; Houston). Wood products producers in the U.S. and Canada are planning to invest over $1.1 billion in oriented strand board (OSB) manufacturing asset
U.K. University Developing Smart Floors
London, England, January 31—-Smart floor tiles that sound an alarm when someone falls on them could save lives in fires, according to the Scotsman.com.
Lowe's Announces $1B Share Repurchase Program
Mooresville, NC, January 31--The board of directors of Lowe's approved a share repurchase program of up to $1 billion, effective immediately.
Robbins Gets Jump on Competitors
Cincinnati, OH, January 31--Jay Stoehr calls it "the bomb shelter." But National Basketball Association players and insiders might know it better as the birthplace of their playing courts, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer.
Niblock Named Lowe's Chairman, President & CEO
Mooresvillle, NC, January 31--Lowe's announced that company president Robert A. Niblock has assumed the additional roles of chairman and chief executive officer.
Beazer Homes 4Q Earnings Up 48%
Atlanta, GA, January 27—Home builder Beazer Homes USA reported fourth quarter earnings that rose 48 percent, as strong overall housing demand and higher prices offset declines in Arizona and Nevada.