Today's Flooring News

Keep up to date with the most recent news in the flooring industry. Today's News...As it happens! We update this news several times a day so you can stay connected.

Moody's Cuts Congoleum Ratings

New York, NY, Dec. 19--Moody's Investors Service downgraded the ratings of Congoleum Corporation because of mounting asbestos claims, the apparent exhaustion of its primary insurance coverage, and a temporary delay in the attachment of its excess laye

Orders For Durable Goods Fall

Washington, DC, Dec. 24--Orders to U.S. factories for big ticket goods fell 1.4% in November, handing a setback to the nation's manufacturers, which have been struggling to get back on their feet after being knocked down by last year's recession.

Kmart Reports 3rd Quarter Loss of $383 Million

Detroit, MI, Dec. 23--Kmart posted a loss of $383 million, or $0.76 per share in the third quarter, compared to a restated loss of $249 million, or $0.50 per share in the same period a year ago.

Synthetic Turf Signs Agreement with Turf Koat, Won

Colorado Springs, CO, Dec. 23--Synthetic Turf Corporation of America has signed an agreement with Turf Koat, Inc. to supply an antimicrobile product for coating synthetic turf. The product helps prevent growth of bacteria and turf mold.

IICRC Stresses Importance of Background Checks

Vancouver, WA, Dec. 18--The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (www.iicrc.org) acknowledges employee background checks as a necessary and cost effective step in the cleaning and restoration industry¹s hiring process.

Flooring Shipper Using Satellite Tracking

Chattanooga, TN, Dec. 18--U.S. Xpress Enterprises, the fifth largest publicly owned truckload carrier in the country and a subsidiary of floorcovering distributor CSI/Crown, Inc., has agreed to equip its entire fleet of 5,500 trucks with Aether MobileMax.

Home Depot Hits Milestone

Atlanta, GA, Dec. 19--Home Depot today opened its 1,500th store, located in Abilene, Texas, and reaffirmed it is on target to add 200 locations and create 40,000 new jobs by the end of its fiscal year.

Housing Starts Up

Washington, DC, Dec. 17--U.S. housing starts rose 2.4% in November, only partially reversing a big slide the month before, as low mortgage rates lured buyers.