IVC BREAKS GROUND ON DALTON LVT PLANT

Ground has been broken and construction preparations are under way for IVC US’s new luxury vinyl tile and plank (LVT) manufacturing facility in Dalton. “This new LVT plant is an ambitious venture, and one that will add 200 Georgia jobs and continue to strengthen our region,” said Xavier Steyaert, co-CEO, IVC US.

According to Steyaert, the new facility is a projected $100 million dollar investment into the Dalton community. The company is partnering with general contractor, Fox & Brindle Construction Co. to build the new facility

MAPEI ENTERS U.S. CONCRETE ADMIXTURE MARKET

With the acquisition of General Resource Technology (GRT), MAPEI Americas is entering the U.S. concrete admixture market. “By developing synergies with its own product lines, MAPEI expects to expand the GRT footprint east and west in the United States and eventually north into Canada and south into Mexico,” said Luigi Di Geso, MAPEI Americas president and CEO.  “With the addition to our portfolio of an admixture manufacturer based in the Americas, the growth rate of our Concrete Systems category will increase even more quickly. As our global Underground Tunneling Technology division expands, GRT will provide an important source of highly specialized products for this market as well.”

GRT will follow its current operating structure, with Travis Collins, vice president, acting as general manager of the subsidiary and reporting directly to Di Geso.

ARMSTRONG CELEBRATES DISTRIBUTOR MILESTONE

Armstrong World Industries recently celebrated the 90^th anniversary of distributor Cain & Bultman, including recognizing the partnership they have maintained through 80 years of business.

“Cain & Bultman have an outstanding track record of strong sales support and service commitment to customers. The team is committed to providing exceptional service, value pricing, strong inventory and quality sales representation in the field,” said Kevin Biedermann, senior vice president, Armstrong.

The Jacksonville, Fla.-based distributor has been recognized as Armstrong’s Distributor of the Year many times throughout the years. According to Buddy Faircloth, president of Cain & Bultman, the company has strived to build a business based on honesty, integrity and best business practices. “The company has seen the highest highs and the lowest lows of the flooring industry and has been able to react to the changing landscape in order to grow and maintain its business.”

JOHNSON NAMED WFCA CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD

Paul Johnson, president, Interiors One Inc., Carpet One in Tulsa, Okla., has been elected Chairman of the Board of the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA). He fills the role vacated by Janice Clifton of Abbey Carpets in Napa, Calif., who becomes immediate past chairwoman.

At the spring board of directors Meeting in Santa Fe, directors also elected Scott Walker, Walker’s Carpet One, Bellingham, Wash., as chairman-elect; and confirmed Melissa Murphy, Johnson Paint & Decorating, Columbia, Mo., as secretary; Donny Phillips, Jr., Atlanta Flooring Design Center, Suwanee, Ga., as CFO; and Aaron Pirner, CAP Carpet Inc., Wichita, Kans., as vice chairman. These individuals, along with Clifton, will comprise the association’s executive committee for the 2014-15 fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.

Johnson’s career in flooring spans more than 35 years.  He got his start at Thomas Parker Furniture in Laurinburg, NC, during 1978, while still an undergraduate student. Johnson then co-founded a highly profitable subcontractor installation business, which he sold to a partner. Following college he took a position selling Armstrong resilient at JJ Haines Company in Goldsboro, N.C. After Haines, he joined the manufacturing side of the business at Philadelphia Carpet in Tulsa, Okla., in 1983, and then joined World Carpets as regional vice president. He continued his professional growth on the manufacturing side of the business until 1998, when he bought his own store in Tulsa.

ARDEX ELITE INSTALLER PROGRAM CELEBRATES 20 YEARS

Ardex LevelMaster Elite Installers joined Ardex Americas executives for three days to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Elite Installer Program. The event was held at the Herbert Goller Training Academy at the company’s North America headquarters in Aliquippa, Pa.

“These installers are highly skilled flooring professionals dedicated to providing the very best flooring installation quality and craftsmanship to their customers,” said Jesse David, Ardex Americas president, U.S. and Canadian Divisions.

According to David, the program is one element of the Ardex Preferred Partner Program. He stated Preferred Partners are quality-committed, factory-trained contractors specializing in the application of Ardex and Henry products and installation methods. LevelMaster Elite Installer is the highest classification in the Preferred Partner Program.

LATICRETE ACQUIRES DUPONT SURFACE CARE BUSINESS 

Laticrete and DuPont have reached a definitive agreement for Laticrete to purchase the DuPont Surface Care business. Financial terms were not disclosed. With the purchase, Laticrete will merge the DuPont StoneTech, Stone Care and Paver Armor Pro branded products with its existing portfolio of products.

“Laticrete knows the stone and tile market well and sells complementary products, and we believe the DuPont Surface Care business can best pursue its potential and most effectively meet market needs through this transaction,” said Thierry Vanlancker, president, DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts. “The DuPont Surface Care business has a strong team that will join Laticrete to continue to support these products.”

Added Ed Metcalf, Laticrete president, North America, “We are excited about working with the team to build on the strong foundation they have put in place and to achieve the full potential of this business in the future.”

NWFA 2013 EXPO RECOGNIZED FOR FAST GROWTH

The National Wood Flooring Association’s (NWFA) 2013 Wood Flooring Expo has been recognized as one of the 50 fastest-growing shows in the U.S. by Trade Show Executive(TSE) magazine for the second year in a row.

TSE selects winners based on the percentage of growth in net square feet, number of exhibiting companies and number of attendees, according to the publication. The 2013 Expo, which was held in Dallas, was recognized for net square feet and number of exhibiting companies. The 2012 Wood Flooring Expo in Orlando was recognized in all three categories.

“In 2012, our Expo committee and NWFA leadership worked together to completely rebuild the Expo from the ground up, and this growth clearly shows our Expo is delivering a strong return on investment for both our exhibitors and attendees,” said Michael Martin, NWFA president and CEO. “This past year in Nashville, we had another 30% surge in attendance, so we’re looking forward to exceeding expectations in 2015 when we bring the show to St. Louis for our 30th anniversary.”

SELVITELLI JOINS RIA AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Marc Selvitelli, CAE, has joined the Restoration Industry Association (RIA) as executive director. In this role, Selvitelli will work directly with RIA leaders and volunteers to help guide and execute the organization’s strategic initiatives, programs and policies. His expertise includes membership recruitment, financial management, conference and event production, and advocacy and policy development.

Selvitelli comes to RIA from NAIOP: The Commercial Real Estate Association, where he has spent the last eight years as vice president of membership and chapter relations. He also previously served as executive director of the National Association of Community Credit Unions and senior director of strategic planning for the National Society of Professional Engineers. Selvitelli also served as director of Industry Relations and Regional Field Operations for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). 

SCHöNOX NAMES ‘WORST SUBFLOOR’ CONTEST JUDGES

HPS Schönox has selected John McGrath, director, INSTALL; Lew Migliore, president, LGM and Associates Technical Flooring Services; and Jim Walker, CEO, International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) to judge its Worst Subfloor in North America contest.

Those entering the contest are asked to photograph the subfloor conditions before and after the subfloor renovation project and submit photos, along with project information, at hpsubfloors.com/worstsubfloor where all of the contest details can be found. Winners will be announced at Surfaces in 2015.

GERFLOR HONORS TOP-PERFORMING EMPLOYEE

In recognition of his 500^th Taraflex project, Steve Frailey, Gerflor USA sales agent and owner of Kansas City’s Specialty Floors, was flown by Gerflor to the Indy 500.

“Since beginning work with Gerflor in 2000, Steve has shown his dedication and passion to improving our industry through the sheer number of Taraflex floors he’s provided to the education sector,” said Benjamin Bachman, CEO, Gerflor USA.

Frailey added, “I’m thrilled that Gerflor sent me to the Indy 500 for my success in the flooring industry as well as the drive it takes to be a small business owner.”

CRI UNVEILS GREEN LABEL PLUS FOR CUSHION

The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI), in conjunction with the Carpet Cushion Council (CCC), recently unveiled the Green Label Plus program for carpet cushion products. The program uses stringent criteria to measure products that contribute to good indoor air quality.

“Green Label Plus offers cushion manufacturers the opportunity to qualify their products according to these more stringent standards and provide additional assurance for consumers concerned about indoor air quality or potential VOC emissions,” said Jeff Carrier, CRI’s director of regulatory systems.

ACI FALL CONVENTION TO HONOR ONE OF ITS PIONEERS

Sessions at the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Fall Convention will highlight the work of architectural concrete pioneer, John Earley. Scheduled for Oct. 26-30, in Washington, D.C., the convention will include a guided motor coach tour and a walking tour to supplement sessions by providing a look at some of Earley’s unique concrete projects in the D.C. area.

Earley was ACI’s first contractor president in 1938, and was a member for 28 years, serving on the Architectural Concrete of the Exposed Aggregate Type Committee. Elected an Honorary Member in 1943, he was the originator of the ‘Earley Plastic Mosaic.’ In Washington D.C., 20 buildings harbor one or more of his mosaics, according to the institute.

BARRICADE UNVEILS NEW TAGLINE AND REBRANDING

Barricade Building Products’ new tagline, “The Bear’s Got You Covered,” covers a product line that offers a complete building envelope system from top to bottom, according to the company.

“While we offer leading products in the industry, we haven’t been actively promoting ourselves,” said Mike Fields, vice president of sales, Barricade Building Products. “This new tagline speaks to Barricade today and we see this as the right opportunity to reintroduce ourselves in the marketplace.”

Barricade also rebranded its product logos in four easily recognizable product categories: house wrap (blue), flashing tapes (purple), roofing underlayment (red) and flooring underlayment (green).

SOUTHERN CROSS PARTNERS WITH TRUBLACK

Southern Cross Building Products and Hong Kong’s Trublack Holding Limited have partnered to offer their unique products into each other’s global distribution networks. Southern Cross will begin using the Trublack brand in the U.S. immediately.

“We see this as an important step to expand our product lines in markets where we do not currently reach the consumer. Export markets are very important to us,” said Rodrigo Vera, CEO of Southern Cross.

The new Trublack has a global network in seven countries with offices in Chile, Argentina, Peru, the U.S. and Hong Kong. According to the companies, customers will soon have access to more products and increased service across the combined companies’ larger worldwide network. “We are taking the best products and programs of our combined companies and forming one brand that will better serve all our customers and stakeholders not just in the United States but now throughout the world,” added Vera.

BOSTIK RELEASES WARMING SYSTEM EDUCATIONAL VIDEO

Bostik is now offering an educational video highlighting its HeatStep Floor Warming system. This five-minute online video is an assemblage of actual installation sequences, digitized architectural animations, finished vignettes and is narrated by Robert Williams, Bostik’s consumer and construction business unit national sales manager.

“We could have brought in professional actor/voiceover talent for the on-screen narration, but decided upon using Bob Williams, as he did not only a professional job, he also brings strong industry credibility to our video,” said Mike Jenkins, business director, consumer and construction business unit at Bostik.

See the video at bostik-us.com/markets/flooring/floor-warming-products.

CEO ADDED TO NUHEAT PRESIDENT’S TITLE

Chief executive officer has been added to Nuheat President Kevin McElroy’s title. In this new role, McElroy will not only lead Nuheat’s operations in both the U.S. and Canada but will also be responsible for developing long-term strategy and maximizing shareholder value, according to the company.

“The board made the decision to add the designation of CEO to Kevin’s title after a review of his performance during his first year as president,” said Neil Johansen, Nuheat’s chairman. “This change reflects Kevin’s successful transition into the president role.”

McElroy’s career with Nuheat began almost 20 years ago as Nuheat’s first and only salesperson in a company of five employees. He subsequently served as sales manager, director of sales and vice president of sales. “I’m humbled by the recognition and opportunity to serve as Nuheat’s president and CEO and privileged to be leading a dynamic and energized team,” said McElroy.

IICRC RESTRUCTURES ITS GLOBAL REGIONS

In its ongoing effort to establish and advance globally recognized standards and certifications for the inspection, cleaning, restoration and installation industries, The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has announced the restructure of its global regions. The IICRC’s four new global regions include: The Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Japan.

“Through our work with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and other international standards-setting organizations, we’re experiencing greater interest for our standards and certification programs,” said Tony Wheelwright, IICRC chairman. “This decision will enable the organization to expand its reach and paves the way for future global initiatives.”

The IICRC’s previous regions included the U.S., UK, Oceana and Japan, and it currently has offices in each of those regions. For more information on certification programs and other standards offered by IICRC, visit www.iicrc.org.

GAMMONLEY NAMED NAFCD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Kevin Gammonley is the newly appointed executive director of the North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD). He replaces Michelle Miller who left the organization in April to pursue a new professional opportunity.

“Implementation of the recently revised strategic plan, which includes enhancements to the annual convention and the overall NAFCD value proposition, as well as finding new ways to advocate on behalf of the wholesale distributor in the channel are among my immediate priorities as executive director,” said Gammonley. “I look forward to working with the dedicated NAFCD volunteers, staff and partners to execute these objectives.”

Gammonley has been serving as NAFCD’s interim executive director since Miller’s departure and has a long-standing relationship with the NAFCD board through NAFCD’s management firm. He brings 23 years of experience running trade associations including several other wholesale distributor-oriented organizations.

FIANA, CFI TEAMING UP FOR CONVENTION

FIANA and CFI are partnering for a joint upcoming convention in New Orleans, Thursday through Saturday, Sept. 4-6.  FIANA events are scheduled at the Hyatt Regency. The Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome is the location for CFI.

“FIANA members look forward to welcoming the CFI group. The manufacturers and distributors view it as a mutual assistance and a unique twist,” said Doug Ray, president of FIANA.

FIANA will host a welcome reception for its 20th annual convention on Thursday evening, followed by a general membership meeting at 9 a.m. Friday. Presentations are set to include Bob Lysok with “Workforce 2020: Preparing Today for the Workforce Challenges of Tomorrow,” and Rick Farrell with “Selling Has Nothing to Do with Selling.” The trade show will run from 1 to 6 p.m., with a USG plant tour in the early afternoon. On Saturday, the trade show will continue until noon.

The CFI Certification Team will meet on Thursday to review upcoming plans and events. On Friday, CFI will open its 21st convention at 7:30 a.m., followed by a day of seminars and hands-on workshops. CFI will join FIANA for the USG plant tour on Friday, and also visit the FIANA trade show to meet with exhibitors on Saturday. CFI will conclude its convention with a luncheon meeting.

 “The CFI members will have an opportunity to visit the manufacturers’ trade show to view new products and tools which is always on the top of every installer’s list. CFI has a long-standing relationship with FIANA and appreciates being a part of their event,” said Jim Walker, CEO of CFI.

For more information, visit www.fiana.organd www.CFIinstallers.com.

HIGHWAY TO HONOR INTERFACE FOUNDER ANDERSON

The State of Georgia is dedicating 16 miles of Interstate 85 in Troup County to Ray C. Anderson, the late founder and chairman of Interface Inc., whose flagship manufacturing operation is based at either end of the corridor, in West Point and LaGrange. The bill designates the stretch of Interstate 85 in Troup County from Exit 18 to Exit 2 as the Ray C. Anderson Memorial Highway.

“Ray never settled for status quo, and we don’t intend to either,” said Harriet Langford, foundation trustee and Ray Anderson’s daughter. “We have achieved the first step by getting the highway named for Ray, but we are partnering with Interface to go much further. We seek to make this section of I-85 a sustainable, restorative highway. Just as Interface is committed to Mission Zero, the Foundation hopes this highway project will become a legacy project that fully realizes Ray’s vision.”

Anderson, a small-town Georgia boy from Troup County who played football on scholarship at Georgia Tech, began Interface in 1973.  In 1994, he was inspired to challenge his publicly traded company and reimagine the petroleum-dependent manufacturing company based on sustainability principles.Before Anderson died in 2011, he created a foundation in his name dedicated to environmental sustainability and responsibility.

“His far-reaching influence includes all of industry and the next generation of leaders, via his influence on higher education,” said John Wells, president and CEO of Interface Americas and member of the Ray C. Anderson Foundation’s Advisory Board.

WARMLYYOURS REPORTS RADIANT TRENDS

Sales are up “dramatically” for in-floor heating products designed for wood flooring surfaces, WarmlyYours Radiant Heatingstated in its second quarter report. Noting double- and even triple-digit growth across almost every product designed for installation under wood flooring, including natural woods, engineered wood, and bamboo surfaces, the company sees this as an area for future growth in the industry.

“The sales growth in products for wood applications, including the WarmlyYours Environ System, is a good sign that awareness of floor heating applications has expanded beyond the traditional tile and stone into wood. As consumers discover the new possibilities for radiant heating, they will be using it in rooms beyond the bathroom,” said Julia Billen, president of WarmlyYours.

Because homeowners generally associate floor heating with tile or stone, bathroom installations are traditionally the most popular choice for radiant heating installations. They continue to lead in the second quarter, accounting for 55% of all floor heating sales, but they are down from 62% in the first quarter of 2014 as sales for installations in other rooms grow. Billen expects this trend to continue as homeowners begin to fully understand the possibilities of using in-floor heating systems for wood flooring surfaces and increasingly consider adding the comfort and convenience of radiant heat to their living rooms, family rooms, hallways and bedrooms.

MIA HEADQUARTERS RELOCATES TO OBERLIN, OHIO

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) has relocated its world headquarters from Westlake, Ohio to Oberlin, Ohio. The move increases the MIA office space from 2,800 to 4,200 square feet with additional room to grow. In 2015, the MIA intends to open a new training room at the Oberlin location.

MIA Executive Vice President and CEO Jim Hieb said, “We seized an opportunity to relocate the MIA headquarters to a building that provided growth opportunity, while decreasing our overall rent and utility costs. The MIA continues to enjoy easy access to the Cleveland airport.”  He added, “The new office includes a wide variety of stonework which was donated by over a dozen MIA member companies.”

While the MIA phone number will remain the same – (440) 250-9222 – there is a new address and fax number: 380 East Lorain Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074; fax: (440) 774-9222.

FCICA UNVEILS ONLINE CERTIFICATION

FCICA, the Flooring Contractors Association, has launched an online certification program specifically developed for commercial flooring installation managers. The Certified Installation Manager (CIM) program combines manufacturers’ and industry leaders’ best practices to create modules of learning and assessment, according to the trade group.

FCICA staff will guide the CIM Candidates down their learning path comprising eight modules: Utilizing the Estimate, Planning the Job, Understanding Contractual Obligations, Scheduling and Assigning Resources, Managing On-Site Conditions, Managing Change Orders On-Site, Financial Management, and Closing Out the Job. Upon completion of all eight modules and their related assessment tests, CIM Candidates will receive the industry-recognized designation of CIM-Certified Installation Manager.

For more information, visit www.fcica.com.

PROSPEC LAUNCHES MOBILE-FRIENDLY WEBSITE

ProSpec has unveiled its new mobile-compatible website at www.prospec.com/mobile. When accessed by a mobile device, the website provides customers with relevant product information, coverage calculators, technical data and a sales rep locator in an easy-to-navigate and easy-to-read format specially designed for mobile devices.

“When developing the mobile compatibility of our website, we wanted to focus on providing our customers with the tools needed to successfully sell and install our products,” said Sean Smith, director of strategic growth. “It is critical that they have access wherever and whenever they need it.”

SPACE OWNER GOODMAN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT

Haines has announced the retirement of Kent B. Goodman, owner and CEO of Space Flooring. Goodman and his family operated the Atlanta-based company since its founding in 1969, and sold the company to CMH in 2008. He stayed on as president of Space Flooring and became a partner and shareholder of CMH Space.

Goodman’s career in flooring began at the age of 16. He worked through many positions until he was named vice president of operations in 1985. He became president and CEO of Space Flooring, succeeding his father, in 1993.

Bruck Zwicker, Haines president and CEO; and Hoy Lanning, CMH president; joined a gathering of family, friends, employees, suppliers and customers to honor Goodman. In a statement they noted, “Kent was one of the original founders of the Powerhold group and is well-known in the flooring suppliers and accessories business as a sincere man and great leader.”

Distributor Appointments

Gehl Flooringhas joined Kennebec Lumber/Maine Traditions Hardwood Flooring’sdistributor network. Headquartered in Butler, Wis., Gehl is a full-service distributor of wood flooring and flooring-related products, servicing builders, remodelers, contractors and retail stores throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Minnesota.

QEP has appointed CDC Distributors Inc., based in Cincinnati, as the company’s newest flooring distributor. CDC will represent the full line of Harris Wood engineered hardwood and Harris Cork flooring products throughout Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia and the Pittsburgh area.

Upcoming Events

FIANA/CFI Conventions – New Orleans, Sept. 4-6. www.fiana.org and www.cfiinstallers.com

MDNVAFCA Bull and Oyster Roast – Baltimore, Sept. 20. www.mdnvafca.org

NALFA Certification Classes – Anaheim, Calif. Sept. 25: Installers. Sept. 26: Inspectors. www.nalfa.com

Residential Construction and Remodeling Expo – Atlanta, Oct. 7-9. www.rcrexpo.com

FCICA Mid-Year Meeting – Chattanooga, Tenn., Oct. 8-10. www.fcica.com

The International Surface Event East – Miami Beach, Fla., Oct. 19-22. www.intlsurfaceeventeast.com

ACI Fall Convention – Washington, D.C., Oct. 26-30. www.concrete.org

NAFCD/NBMDA 2014 – Dallas, Nov. 18-20. www.nafcd.org

For more industry events and training, visit www.fcimag.com and click the Calendar of Events link under the Resources tab.