ProTile to Distribute Armstrong Ceramic

Lancaster, Pa., September 7 --Armstrong Floor Products announced that ProTile Distributors, Inc. will distribute Armstrong Ceramic Tile in the New York metropolitan area. ProTile has diversified its business to address the needs of both the residential and commercial markets. ProTile currently has 130 dealers in place, with expectations of adding 300-to-400 by the end of 2004. "Armstrong is an established brand in the market and we wanted an alignment with one of the best names in the industry," says ProTile president Lou Giannini, Jr. "The Armstrong ceramic line is very wide, with great visuals. We're preparing to place hundreds of displays in the market, and we're looking to increase market share for both companies." ProTile has focused on the commercial marketplace, where ProTile integrates architectural sales and competitive field sales efforts to commercial tile, stone, and terrazzo contractors. Its companies, Pro Spec, Pro Tile Distributors, Pro Stone Systems, and Pro Terrazzo Systems, together create the platform for specification, technical support and supply activities to projects in the northeast and selected projects around the country. "ProTile understands the ceramic business, and they understand the New York ceramic market better than anyone. Each of their salespeople has over 20 years of experience selling ceramic tile. We bring unparalleled floor covering knowledge. This new partnership allows Armstrong to utilize a proven force in the ceramic industry to further penetrate the marketplace," says Rik Born, vice president, Residential Sales. "The addition of ProTile strengthens our entire distribution network." ProTile, headquartered in Pelham Manor, NY, has been in business for seven years. Its mission is to represent and supply quality materials to the wholesale marketplace, and to focus on and support the professionals in the tile industry.