Forbo Group Sees Strong Healthcare Sales in UK

London, England, March 27, 2009--Linoleum manufacturer Forbo Group has seen strong sales to the health sector of its patented bacteria-killing product, the company said.

Sales for 2008 increased by more than $7.1 million to $57.1 million.

Its biggest customer continues to be the National Health Service and healthcare sector, which uses the specialist bacteria-killing linoleum, known by its brand name Marmoleum.

Previously the flooring has been endorsed by Curtis Gemmell, emeritus professor of bacterial infection and epidemiology at Glasgow University and former director of the Scottish MRSA Reference Laboratory.

Gemmell said: "After robust testing, the anti-bacterial claims are quite true and should be a significant factor in flooring choice for the health care sector."

Although the company expects household retail sales of its floor coverings to fall across the UK over 2009, it is committed to further developing its specialist linoleum products at its Scottish base, the company said.