Interface Plant in Australia Damaged by Fire

Atlanta, GA, July 20, 2012 -- Carpet maker Interface said there was a fire at its manufacturing facility in Picton, Australia today that has caused extensive damage.

Local authorities extinguished the fire and no injuries have been reported, Interface said.

Interace said it believes that the facility's carpet production line, primarily comprised of tufting and backing machinery, has sustained substantial damage and will be inoperable for an undetermined period of time.

Other areas of the site relating to yarn preparation and warehousing were undamaged.

The finished goods inventory and some raw materials for the business are kept at separate offsite locations and have not been affected by this incident.

The Picton facility serves the Australian market. It represents approximately 7% of the company's total annual production, 10% of its net sales, and 13% of its operating income, Interface said.

Interface said it has adequate production capacity at its manufacturing facilities in Thailand and China and will ramp up production at those facilities to meet customer demand typically serviced from Picton.