May 1, 2005—Jon Dougal, President, Sustainable Design Associates and Publisher, igreenbuild.com discusses biomimicry, how the concept originated, the role it plays in the reduction of waste, in industry and in the manufacturing process. Dougal offers examples of how biomimicry fits in the overall sustainability picture and how the process has been practiced in floor covering design.
April 28, 2005—Jan Lembregts, President, Tarkett Residential, North America discussed the company’s recently announced joint venture with Chilean company Aconcagua Timber, a JV that involves a high-density fiberboard plant in Clarion, Pennsylvania, which is scheduled to be converted to produce laminate flooring. Lembregts discusses the specifics of the conversion, the timetable, how the move fits into the company’s long and short-term plans and his expectations in the laminate sector.
April 28, 2005—Mike Barker of Investment & Retirement Management evaluates the current state of the market and what seems to be an overarching feeling that the economy is slowing. Barker looks at yesterday’s GDP numbers and other recent economic news offering his take on how it might further affect the market. Barker also shares his expectations for Tuesday’s Fed meeting.
April 27, 2005—Wanda Ellis, Executive Director, American Floorcovering Alliance (AFA), previews FloorTek Expo, a Dalton, Georgia-based show that focuses on the manufacturing and distribution of floor coverings and well as the ancillary products, equipment and technologies used within the industry. Ellis reviews the exhibitors taking part in the show, which is scheduled for May 17-19 at the Northwest Georgia Trade & Convention Center, the equipment and machinery that will be on display during the show and the events surronding the show including an awards dinner.
April 26, 2005—Frank O’Neill looks back at the week in the floor covering industry, discussing Mohawk’s 1st quarter earnings; Home Depot’s decision to expand its Floor Store unit in Dallas; Italian ceramic company Graneti Fiandre launching StonePeak Ceramics with a U.S manufacturing facility in Tennessee; Invista's Launch of Antron with StainResist and Nourison’s decision to open a permanent showroom at the Las Vegas World Market Center.
April 25, 2005—Jeff Hosking, President of Hosking Hardwood and Payless Floors discusses this 65 year old company, its transition into Internet retailing and the rapid expansion of its brick and mortar operation in the Northeast. Hoskins talks about marketing over the Internet, competing in the hardwood arena, his growth plans for the future and his experiences as the hardwood flooring expert for the PBS show “This Old House”.
April 24, 2005—Excerpts of Mohawk Industries 1st quarter earnings conference call, featuring an opening statement from Mohawk Chairman & CEO, Jeff Lorberbaum followed by a question and answer period with answers provided by Lorberbaum and CFO, Frank Boykin.
April 24, 2005—The financial report segment of the Mohawk Industries 1st quarter earnings conference call delivered by Frank Boykin.
April 21, 2005—Sam Green Director of Sales, Kronotex USA, in the second part of a two-part series discusses the company’s new facility in Barnwell, South Carolina, the products that will be manufactured at the new plant, the employment situation at the plant and changes in the company’s approach once that facility has been completed. Green also looks at Asian produced laminate products, their general quality level and the affects they are having on the U.S. market.
April 21, 2005—Werner Braun, President, Carpet & Rug Institute offers some science-based ideas on dealing with some of the frequent misconceptions consumers have about carpet. Braun offers information on how retailers and retail salespeople can deal with consumer objections involving asthma, VOCs and the cleanability of carpet.