Mohawk Expands on Backing Plant Purchase

Calhoun, GA, March 7, 2006--Mohawk Industries, discussing its purchase of a secondary backing plant in Roanoke, Alabama from Propex Fabrics late last month, said the move was the company’s second strategic verticalization of primary and secondary backing production. Last year, Mohawk purchased the assets of Wayn-Tex, located in Waynesboro and Hillsville, Virginia. The company said that this combined with the new capacity in Alabama, will supply most of Mohawk’s product mix requirements. Both of these facilities produce backing (primary and secondary) as well as Optiback, Mohawk’s Premium Carpet Backing. Optiback is three times denser than traditional carpet backing, yielding greater strength, better warranties, and easier installation. The advantage to the softer, denser backing is less risk of wall or baseboard damage during installation. The smoother backing also means that installation is easier because installers don’t have to exert as much effort to move the carpet around on the floor. Mohawk Optiback is used with the company’s better goods. Jeff Lorberbaum, Mohawk’s chairman and CEO, said, “Propex has been a major supplier of secondary carpet backing to Mohawk. The company has earned a reputation as a solid manufacturing organization for quality, service and value. We look forward to welcoming their employees into the Mohawk family and becoming part of these communities.”