Nox Celebrates Ohio Facility Grand Opening

FOSTORIA, OHIO—Nox Corp. celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new facility in Fostoria, Ohio. “This facility gives us the opportunity to better serve our current customers in the U.S.,” said Dan Koh, president of Nox.

The state-of-the-art facility has been producing luxury vinyl tile (LVT) in full scale operation since December. The 350,000 square-foot luxury vinyl tile (LVT) manufacturing facility, set on 29 acres, will also utilize the Integrated Vertical Production (IVP) system.

The event was attended by over 100 city and state officials, business and community leaders. Eric Keckler, Fostoria’s Mayor, welcomed the company to the city.

For more, visit noxprime.com/eng.

J+J Flooring’s Delozier Speaks at ‘Zero Waste’ Event

DALTON—Russ Delozier, J+J Flooring Group’s director of sustainability, delivered a presentation titled “A Journey of 1,000 Miles Starts…How J+J Achieved Zero Waste to Landfill Certification” at the Alliance for Innovation and Sustainability’s “Zero Waste Strategies” event at Dalton State College.

Delozier’s presentation focused on how the company’s landfill reduction efforts began nearly a quarter of a century ago and some of the sustainable best practices it has taken to reach that milestone.

“It was a pleasure to be a part of this important event and to share J+J’s approach to going landfill-free. We hope other companies may benefit from our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned along the way to help them in their sustainable efforts,” said Delozier.

J+J is the first commercial flooring manufacturer in the U.S. to achieve zero landfill-free status and have its waste diversion efforts audited and verified by a recognized, third-party certifier of environmental claims, GreenCircle. The company received its certification in June 2015.

J+J’s landfill free status was accomplished five years ahead of its scheduled goal, according to Delozier. The efforts were accelerated by the company’s 20/20 Vision, a roadmap and set of goals for achieving holistic sustainability by the year 2020.

For more, visit jjflooringgroup.com or call (800) 241-4586.

Artistic Finishes Announces Leach’s Retirement

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Dennis Leach, president/CEO of Artistic Finishes, announced that Tom Leach has retired.

Calling him his “longtime business partner and brother,” Leach stated, “Tom was responsible for the implementation and branding of the Artistic Touch program, which sells our products through distribution across the U.S. and Canada. He elevated the company from a regional finishing business to national recognition. I sincerely appreciate Tom’s critical contributions to making Artistic Finishes the successful business we are today.”

He added, “We wish the best for Tom in his retirement. He will now have time to travel, get more involved in volunteer projects and enjoy quality time with his family and friends.”

To send a note of congratulations, Leach can be reached at tomr.leach@gmail.com.

Gilford•Johnson Names Senior Executive Team

JEFFERSON, IND.—Gilford•Johnson Flooring’s senior executive team has been announced.

Scott D. Roy has been named president and CEO. He succeeds Dennis Cook, who will be retiring from the position at the end of March. Cook will still remain on board to assist Roy in the transition and integration process in the coming months.

Roy was most recently with J.J. Haines & Co. for 11 years, beginning as vice president of sales and then promoted to senior vice president of Armstrong sales & marketing and customer service, where he was responsible for leading Haines’ dedicated Armstrong division. Roy has almost 30 years of experience in the floor covering and window treatment industries.

“With the recent merger of Gilford and Johnson, we now have two great companies joining forces to provide outstanding products, services and value to our customers. I look forward to working with Blue Equity, the Gilford-Johnson team, suppliers and customers,” Roy stated.

Melinda McChesney will be leading the Southeast Division of the company as president. Scott Shanks has been appointed senior vice president of finance and administration. Rob Purkins has been appointed senior vice president of products and marketing. Nik Burdett has been appointed senior vice president of sales. David Dobbs has been appointed vice president of purchasing and technical/sales service. Jodie Doyle has been appointed vice president of product management. Chris Nelson has been appointed director of human resources and general counsel.

For more, visit gilfordjohnson.com.

Fuse Names Newest Board Members

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CALIF.—Jamie Gilmore, Brittany Purdy and Garry Ruick have been appointed to Fuse Alliance’s board.

“As we continue to build our network of knowledgeable and skilled flooring contractors, it’s an immense benefit to be able to get advice from a board made up of network members that are so well-versed in the flooring industry,” said Geoff Gordon, executive director at Fuse.

Gilmore, president of Pavilion Floors, has over 25 years of experience in the commercial flooring industry. Purdy is a principal at Resource Floors in San Diego. She has experience in commercial flooring sales and specification, business development and marketing. Ruick is president of Continental Office and has been working in the flooring business since 1975.

For more, call (888) 586-1198 or visit fusealliance.com.

Metroflor Awards Outstanding Distribution Partners 

LAS VEGAS—In celebration of the dedication and accomplishments of its distribution partners, Metroflor presented its 2015 performance awards in Las Vegas.

“We credit our outstanding 2015 results in large part to the efforts of our distributors, in concert with our sales team,” said Russ Rogg, Metroflor’s president and CEO. “Our sales achievements happened because our partners outdid themselves in 2015, and we’re proud to acknowledge their role.”

Tri-West Ltd. won the most awards—Engage Distributor of the Year, the Visionary Award bestowed to Larry Johnson, Western Region Sales Champion Brady Dunn, and the Presidents Award honoring the distributor that exhibits the most comprehensive support of Metroflor, its brands and products.

Herregan Distributors received the Metroflor LVT Distributor of the Year award, and the Paramount Award honoring the distributor that purchased the greatest amount of Metroflor products in 2015. Additionally, Clint Hill was acknowledged as the Midwest Regional Sales Champion.

Adleta Corp. was honored as Artistek and Prevail Distributor of the Year, and Jeff McCurry was acknowledged as the Southwest Region Sales Champion.

William M. Bird Company garnered two wins—as Aspecta Distributor of the Year, and for National Sales Champion Chris Gaddy.

For more, visit metroflorusa.com or call (866) 882-4407.

CARE Announces Assessment Increase

SACRAMENTO, CALIF.—The Carpet America Recovery Effort (CARE) and CalRecycle announced at a public meeting an updated assessment fee of 20 cents per square yard on all carpet sold or shipped in California, effective April 1.

“The assessment increase is necessary to offset the negative impact recent market developments have had on carpet recovery efforts and carpet recycling infrastructure in California,” said Bob Peoples, CARE’s executive director.

The rate is an increase from the previous assessment of 10 cents per square yard, to be collected as a non-tax item at the point of sale, throughout the sale and distribution chain, to the final customer.

“We are hopeful that with the increased assessment fee and additional program incentives, CARE can help reinvigorate carpet recycling in California in 2016 and beyond,” said Peoples.

For more, call (706) 428-2127 or visit carpetrecovery.org/ca-retailers.

Mullican Revamps Website

JOHNSON CITY, TENN.—Mullican Flooring’s updated website gives the company a robust online presence that meets the needs of both homeowners and building professionals, according to the company.

“Mullican’s website has always served as a key communications tool for connecting with homeowners, builders and designers, while providing insightful information about Mullican Flooring and our extensive product line,” said Neil Poland, president. “Our goal is for this redesigned website to serve as a comprehensive, information-rich, go-to resource for all things related to Mullican Flooring.”

With its updated web platform, Mullican is providing customers an easy-to-use resource for obtaining extensive product details and viewing hundreds of photos showcasing the company’s wide array of solid and engineered hardwood flooring. In addition, the website incorporates a responsive design for mobile devices and provides visitors with increased ease of use and functionality.

For more, call (423) 283-4695 or visit mullicanflooring.com.

NWFA Partners Join for Smart Home Build

ST. LOUIS—Several National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) members partnered with the Gary Sinise Foundation for the latest smart-home building project.

Dedicated to Army veteran Chris Sanna in House Springs, Mo., about 1,400 square feet of wood flooring was installed by a group of St. Louis contractors on the main level of Sanna’s ranch-style home, and about 700 square feet of tile in the basement.

“It’s a privilege to be a part of the Gary Sinise Foundation programs,” said Michael Martin, NWFA’s CEO. “It’s important to recognize our veterans and their families for the many sacrifices they make on our behalf, and to give back in ways that can improve their lives.”

Also participating in the project was the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA). NTCA coordinated tile donations for the home, with tile donated by Florida Tile. MAPEI donated the setting material for the tile projects, as well as the grout.

Other NWFA member companies that have committed to participate in the program include American OEM, Galleher, Mannington, Maxwell Hardwood Flooring, Mullican Flooring, Rust-Oleum, Somerset Flooring and WD Flooring.

“So far, NWFA has completed or committed to complete 16 homes,” said Martin. “As more veterans are identified, more member participation will be needed, including donations of product, product delivery and product installation.”

For more, call (636) 519-9663 or visit nwfa.org.

Ford Joins Shaw as Hard Surfaces Marketing Director 

DALTON— Katie Ford is Shaw Floors’ new hard surfaces marketing director. In this role, Ford is directly responsible for developing innovative marketing solutions for all hard surfaces product categories.

Prior to joining Shaw, Ford served at Beaulieu of America in various sales and leadership positions, including her most recent role as leader of sales training. Additionally, she spent several years at Mohawk Flooring working as a West Coast territory manager in the company’s builder division.

“Katie’s professionalism and enthusiasm are engaging and welcoming,” said Kathy Young, vice president of marketing services. “She’s made an immediate, significant impact to the business and we look forward to her leadership and industry expertise to help drive additional growth and profitability of our hard surfaces categories.”

For more, visit shawfloors.com or call (800) 441-7429.

Nourison’s Luminance Rug Awarded

SADDLEBROOK, N.J.—Nourison was honored at America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards during the Atlanta International Area Rug Market.

America’s Magnificent Carpets Awards recognizes the newest area rug introductions in a special night of celebration and achievement. Nourison’s winning design was in the Machine Made $400.01+ category for its Luminance rug in Bone.

The Luminance rug has an heirloom quality patina in a refined Persian facsimile design. The delicately stylized floral motifs in a pale grisaille palette of bone and silvery grey have a luminescence enhanced by silken Luxcelle fiber.

For more, call (201) 368-6900 or visit nourison.com.

Dal-Tile Hosts Annual Statements Conference

DALLAS—Dal-Tile hosted its third annual Statements Business Conference for the Dal-Tile Statements Dealer Program.

Statements is an elite dealer program developed to support tile and stone showrooms by helping create a design destination for consumers, according to the company. Launched in 2011, Statements offers dealers targeted merchandising, marketing and financial benefits—all designed to strengthen their position as a market leader and boost sales.

The conference was held at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. The event brought together over 100 Statements dealers and Dal-Tile representatives to celebrate program achievements to date, learn about future Statements program enhancements, hear from guest speakers and network with industry peers.

At the event, three Statements dealers were honored for their exceptional performance. Tony Wright of Jack Laurie Group was honored as the Statements Dealer of the Year, Mark Wiles of Wayne Wiles Floor Coverings received the Statements Outstanding Sales and Achievement Award, and Greg Knable of Floor Solutions was honored with the Statements Rising Star Award. Dal-Tile sales manager, Rick Willoughby, was named the Dal-Tile Regional Sales Manager of the Year.

For more, call (214) 398-1411 or visit daltile.com.

Tarkett Attends World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND—Tarkett attended the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland. This year, the core theme of the summit surrounded the “Fourth Industrial Revolution,” referring to the current transformation of production, distribution and consumption systems.

Michel Giannuzzi, CEO of Tarkett, said, “We are proud to be involved in these important discussions, which will contribute to discovering the best ways to develop a vibrant and sustainable global economy in the short and long-term based on collaboration and innovation. I am convinced that, in these challenging times, it is vital for leaders from the private and public sectors to come together in order to explore initiatives for unlocking creativity and technological change and to support sustainable economic growth across the world.”

For more, call (888) 639-8275 or visit tarkett.com.

DACF Promises Extensive Carpet Showcase

SHANGHAI, CHINA—Domotex asia/ChinaFloor (DACF), taking place March 22-24, will feature intricate new carpets, handmade pieces of art and carpet flooring innovations, according to show organizers.

With carpet products covering everything from hand-made carpets, wall-to-wall carpets and carpet tiles to woven and machine-tufted carpets, mats, fibers and yarns and the latest carpet technology, DACF is the place to get an overview of the carpet market, its latest trends and the biggest players in the field.

Approximately 500 domestic and international manufacturers of all types of carpets, rugs, carpet raw materials and carpet technology will be exhibiting.

“Domotex asia/ChinaFloor is an important yearly carpet event which allows us to show the latest products and innovations to the audience and meet with other industry peers from China and all over the world. The show offers a lot of useful information to the visitors and is a great opportunity for us to build international partnerships,” said Peter Han, international sales director at Haima Carpets Group. “The carpet industry in Asia is developing fast. In China in particular, the carpet industry is undergoing consolidation and a transformation of processes, shifting from focusing on quantity to quality.”

For more, visit domotexasiachinafloor.com.

Editor’s note: For complete coverage of these and other industry news stories, visit our website at floortrendsmag.com, where you can also sign up for a free subscription to our daily enewsletter, TalkFloor.