USFloors Set To Open First U.S. Bamboo, Cork Plant

Dalton, GA, Oct. 15, 2008--With the year-end opening of its state-of –the-art cork and bamboo flooring manufacturing facility in Dalton, USFloors said it will be the only manufacturer of cork and bamboo flooring in the U.S.

The manufacturing facility is 100,000 square feet and represents an investment of approximately $10 million. The corporate offices will be relocating to the new manufacturing facility, while the current location will used for warehousing.

“We truly believe the trend towards the use of environmentally responsible flooring, both residential and commercial, is only at the beginning of its growth curve,” said CEO Piet Dossche. He said that cork flooring and bamboo flooring are the ultimate examples of sustainable flooring products, as both species regenerate themselves over and over, without destroying the environment.

“With the start of our manufacturing facility here in Dalton, we are putting our money where our mouth is by investing heavily in our cork and bamboo offerings, as well as other sustainable flooring products. In addition to cork and bamboo flooring, the manufacturing plant will be producing unique and sustainable floors and FSC certified wood products.

"We will present our customers a distinct advantage over the importers by offering the widest selection of cork and bamboo flooring in colors, sizes and finishes that cater to every need of the residential and commercial end- user.

He noted that in today’s turbulent economic climate, most consumers will buy either very economically priced floors or flooring that makes a difference and upgrades the value of their houses.

“With green awareness gaining increased importance at an accelerating pace, I am convinced that within the next five to 10 years, those houses and commercial buildings with no features focusing on environmental conservation, from energy saving and generating equipment to green building materials, including flooring, will be more difficult to lease or sell and will be considerably less valuable than those properties which have recognized and embraced the importance of green building construction practices.”

Designed to become a LEED certified manufacturing facility, this building will also be the first flooring manufacturing facility in North America generating alternative energy through photovoltaic solar panels installed on its roof, the company said.
 
USFloors markets under the brands Natural Cork, Natural Bamboo, and Natural Lino Corkoleum.

(Listen to the Floor Daily interview today with CEO Piet Dossche.)