Larry Press has joined Helmitin Adhesives as director of flooring. He comes to the post from Para-Chem Southern, where he was most recently director of technical services, adhesives. He will be involved in all phases of floor coverings for Helmitin, responsible for enhancing the company’s industry position as well as product development.

An industry expert and authority, he is a frequent speaker and panelist at industry meetings, conventions, conferences and seminars. He is among a group of leaders deeply involved in reducing moisture, mildew and mold problems and worked with committees bringing the concrete and floor covering industries closer together.

Press chairs ASTM F.06 Resilient Committee; ISO Tag 219 Resilient Carpet and Laminates; and is a member of ASTM committees F.13 Slip Resistance, E.06 Building Performances and D.22 Atmospheres. He is co-chair of D.14 Adhesives Specifications, and sits on the Resilient Floor Covering Institute technical and business issues committees. Press also serves as technical advisor on instructional video productions. He is a member of the Construction Specifiers Institute and chairman of the Floor Covering Adhesive Manufacturers Committee on Adhesive Specifications.

Press was owner and operator of a family owned floor covering business prior to joining Kentile in 1987 as director of technical and consumer affairs.

On a more personal note, Larry’s son, Lawrence D. “Larry” Press II, died in an auto accident in late February at the age of 29. He was involved in the industry working as an installer for two uncles, each of whom operates floor covering stores in Bedford, Pa. Hundreds of people throughout the industry rallied to Press' side, for which he says he is grateful.