Mannington Expanding Solar Energy System

Salem, NJ, Aug. 13, 2010--Mannington Mills said it is entering a Phase II expansion of the solar energy system at its New Jersey manufacturing facilities.

More than two acres of solar photovoltaic panels are already installed on site, avoiding more than 217 metric tons (478,000 lbs) of CO2 greenhouse gases per year since operations began in late 2008.

Mannington said the existing system is already considered the largest in the flooring industry. The expansion, which will be completed this calendar year, will increase the size to almost one megawatt and extend the panels over a total of seven rooftops, occupying three and one-half acres of roof space.

Mannington’s industry leadership in the area of smart energy conservation and renewable energy use has been recognized by U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu, who said that Mannington is “among the vanguard of forward-thinking American companies as a leader in industrial energy efficiency.”

Earlier this spring, the Department of Energy recognized the company as one of fewer than 50 Save Energy Now Leaders across the country.

“Since energy is a critical resource for making flooring products, wise use of electricity and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions are an important part of sustainability at Mannington,” said Dave Kitts, vice president/environment at Mannington.