Forbo Simplifies Corporate Structure

Eglisau, Switzerland, Jan. 17--Forbo will consolidate its two separate business units, linoleum and vinyl, into one business. Consequently, the flooring business will operate in all markets worldwide under the designation and logo of Forbo Flooring. Martin Richenhagen has been appointed to head this newly established business unit and will also become a member of the executive board. He will assume this post as of February 1. Richard S. Pemberton, head of the former vinyl business unit, will assume the new function as head of flooring sales with the responsibility for all flooring sales operations worldwide.Due to this change, he will no longer be a member of the executive board, but will act as deputy to Martin Richenhagen. Marien A.G. Weijenberg, head of the former linoleum business unit, has left the company by mutual agreement. Production will remain structured according to its core products linoleum (two production sites) and vinyl (five production sites). The production site managers will report directly to Richenhagen. The new structure of the floorcovering business with its global sales organization will enable Forbo to operate more flexibly in the individual geographic markets while building an internationally consistent corporate identity. The national sales forces will continue to pursue business opportunities in the contract and residential businesses seperately in order to ensure segmented marketing with the core products linoleum and vinyl.