Armstrong To Increase Solid Hardwood Prices

Lancaster, PA, Sept. 8--Armstrong has announced it will initiate an average 10% price increase on selected solid hardwood products within its Bruce, Hartco and Robbins brands effective with shipments on November 17. "Dramatic increases in lumber costs during the past year, combined with increases in energy and transportation costs, make this announced increase necessary," said Frank Ready, senior vice president of sales and marketing. "Since the same period a year ago, the acquisition cost of lumber has increased by more than 20%. Despite productivity gains over the last year, it has simply gotten to the point that we can no longer absorb these significant increases alone. "Despite the current volatility in raw material costs, our immediate focus remains the same--drive productivity and quality initiatives that make Armstrong the best hardwood flooring supplier in the industry," he said. The announcement impacts solid products only. At this time, there is no announced increase on engineered products.