Issue Date:2/7/2005
Log in to view the full article
Issue Date:2/7/2005
Hardwood Floors E-NewsMonday, February 7, 2005
Issue 256
Next issue published February 21, 2005
Deadline for items: February 16, 2005
Send news to [email protected]
Surfaces 2005 Breaks Exhibitor Record
Although official exhibitor and attendee figures for Surfaces 2005 were unavailable at press time, Surfaces officials have declared the show, which was held January 28-30 at the Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas, a success. Just prior to the show, it was announced that more than 1,000 exhibitors were expected, the highest number of exhibitors in the show’s 16-year history. Among the exhibitors were 220 NWFA-member companies, up from 165 member companies at the 2004 show, many of whom also viewed the show as a success.
Lanny Trottman, CEO of Global Market Partners (Memphis) experienced a great show, despite a booth relocation from previous years. “We had an excellent show. In previous years we had been upstairs, but this year our location was downstairs very near the registration area, and traffic was excellent there.†Don Finkell, CEO of Clinton, S.C.-based Anderson Hardwood Floors, meanwhile, found his company’s booth attracted wall-to-wall traffic. “Our traffic was really strong Wednesday and Thursday. Friday, as usual, was a little slower … We were wall-to-wall in there a lot of the time with legitimate buyers, so it ended up being a strong selling show for us as well. It was the most successful show we’ve had to date.â€
The NWFA sponsored two well-attended seminars during the show. January 30, Leonard Hall, owner of Endurance Floor Co. (Miami) led a seminar on “How to Make More Money on Every Job,†and NWFA Technical Director Steve Seabaugh presented a seminar titled, “Domestic & Exotic: The Different Kinds of Wood Species.â€
All the World’s a Stage for NWFA Members at Domotex 2005
For a handful of NWFA members, the chance to sample the global economy was reason enough to exhibit at Domotex 2005 in Hannover, Germany, in January. By all accounts, those who made the trip were glad they did, especially because they were able to substantially reduce their costs by participating in the National Wood Flooring Association Pavilion. This third-annual NWFA Pavilion at Domotex was the most successful yet, says NWFA Executive Director Ed Korczak. “Europeans do business much more based on relationships than we do in the U.S.,†says Korczak. “They really have to get to know you before they do business with you, and now after three years, we’re seeing that happen. We’re in this for the long haul, and we’re starting to see the payoff.â€
Mark Elwell, owner of Bamboo Flooring Hawaii, says his company’s first experience this year at Domotex was successful already, with “a lot of contacts and likely sales†from Lithuania, Spain, Germany, Poland and the United Kingdom. He agrees with Korczak that relationship-building is key to the European market. “We’ll definitely be back next year,†says Elwell. “Being part of the association pavilion also gives us a lot of credibility in Europeans’ eyes.â€
The NWFA Pavilion at Domotex also represents a chance for North American companies to find out how they fit into the global market. One member, for example, took a product to Domotex to exhibit, and found out that the product, as configured, would not sell in Europe. After some minor modifications, the company now has a product tailor-made for Europe. “The president of that company told me it was the best money he ever spent on market research,†says Korczak. “We think that it’s part of our responsibility as an association to help our members explore emerging markets, and for a lot of our members, that means Europe.â€
Companies participating in the NWFA Pavilion at Domotex were Anderson Hardwood Floors, Bamboo Flooring Hawaii, Duleader Wooden Products Ltd., Porta-Nails and Venteak. In addition to Korczak, NWFA President Wayne Cotton of Design Flooring Distributors also represented NWFA at the pavilion. In addition, the following NWFA members (or their parent corporations) exhibited at Domotex 2005, separate from the NWFA Pavilion: Altena Parket, Amorim Industrial Solutions, Berger-Seidle America, ChinaFloors Ltd., Foresbec, HangZhou DaZhuang Floor Co., Hertog Vloeren, Inpa Parket, Loba GmbH, Marinepar Industria e Comercio, Mohawk Industries, Morin Parquet, PG Hardwood Flooring, Plyquet of America, PPG Industries, Prestige Enterprise International, Preverco, PT Tanjung, Robinson Lumber and Flooring, Shanghai Anxin Flooring, Shanghai Sihe Wood, Shaw Industries, Swiff-Train Co., TSH Products, Weitzer Parkett, Witex and Yingbin Wood Industry.
With attendance of 43,500, turnout was higher than expected, Domotex officials say. The show occupies 89,544 square meters (about 963,500 square feet) of space. The number of exhibitors was also up, with 1,226 participating companies, compared with 1,185 in 2004 and 1,061 in 2003.
Manufacturer News
Wickham Hardwood Flooring (Wickham, Quebec), a manufacturer of Signature Floor products, has added five dryers to its facility for a total $1.2 million investment. The dryers strengthen the company’s 100-percent-integrated production. For more information, call 819/398-6303 or e-mail [email protected].
Groleau Inc. (Beloeil, Quebec) has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Beaulieu Canada, a leading carpet manufacturer and distributor in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The pact will help Groleau expand its sales network for its hardwood and composed engineered flooring, as well as its laminated and parquet flooring.
Distributor News
Madeira Hardwood Floors Ltd. (Woodbridge, Ontario) has moved to its new location at 331 Trowers Road, Unit 5, Woodbridge, ON, Canada L4L 6A2. The phone number is 905/851-5233 or 877/913-3364; the fax is 905/851-5956; the e-mail is [email protected]; and the Web site is www.madeirafloors.com. In addition, the company has acquired a 7,000-square-foot retail location and boasts more than 300 flooring samples.
People News
Tembec Industries Inc. (Huntsville, Ontario) has named Dennis P. Hrusa sales and marketing director for the Muskoka Flooring division. Hrusa has more than 10 years’ experience in the hardwood flooring business and more than 20 years’ experience in the floor covering industry. He comes to Muskoka from his role as vice president of sales from one of America’s largest wood flooring firms. Hrusa will be located in Buffalo, N.Y., and will report to Kenton Martin, vice president of hardwood flooring for Tembec.
Lon Musolf Distributing Inc. (Vadnais Heights, Minn.) has promoted John Rassett to vice president. Rassett has been with Lon Musolf Distributing for the past 17 years. He can be reached at 651/484-3020.
PoloPlaz (Jacksonville, Ark.) has appointed Chad Baker vice president and general manager. He was appointed to the position on December 28, 2004.
Distributor www.specialflooring.com (Los Angeles) has added Laura Andrews as a salesperson at its Los Angeles office. Andrews can be reached at 818/591-8556.
Mark Your Calendar
The NWFA will hold an Advanced Installation School Feb. 9-11 at the NWFA headquarters in St. Louis. In addition, the NOFMA/NWFA/MFMA School will take place in St. Louis March 15-18. For more information, contact the NWFA at 800/422-4556 (U.S.), 800/848-8824 (Canada) or 636/519-9663 (local and international), e-mail [email protected] or visit www.nwfa.org.
The FCICA will hold its 23rd annual convention March 9-12 in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico. The show will offer educational sessions, industry networking opportunities and more. Topics to be discussed include wood flooring installation issues, existing floor removal and subfloor preparation. For more information, call 248/661-5015 or visit www.fcica.com.
The 49th annual CSI Show & Convention will be held April 20-22 in Chicago. The show gives exhibitors the opportunity to influence specifiers, architects and project managers, as they peruse the showfloor for new products and to evaluate and compare products for future purchases. For more information, call 703/934-4700 or visit www.thecsishow.com.
Owens Flooring Company (Shawano, Wis.) is sponsoring an NWFA Installation, Sand and Finish School to be held at its Shawano location June 15-17. Topics to be covered include an introduction to engineered flooring; engineered versus solid flooring; concrete subfloors and moisture content testing procedures; glue-down installations; adhesives; trowels; installation of a medallion on previously installed floor; sanding and edging; finishing and staining. A tour of the Owens Flooring plant also is included. For more information contact Jane Bubolz at Owens Flooring at 715/524-6080, fax 715/524-3204 or e-mail [email protected].
Job Watch
A leading manufacturer of hardwood flooring and sports floor systems seeks a self-motivated, experienced flooring salesperson. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years’ experience in sales and dealer distributor markets; experience dealing with architects and/or contractors; and hardwood flooring or related industry experience. The ideal candidate will have the opportunity to advance to the position of national sales manager. Salary is commensurate with experience, and a full benefit package is available. Résumés with cover letters and at least three professional references should be e-mailed to [email protected].
A hardwood flooring manufacturer in the province of Quebec is recruiting a sales representative to work with its existing clientele and to expand its market. Candidates should possess good knowledge of wood flooring. The benefit package will be discussed. To apply, e-mail a résumé to [email protected] or fax to 819/398-5355.
Floor Crafters Hardwood Floor Company (Boulder, Colo.) is seeking an experienced lead position hardwood floor sander/finisher. Job requirements include a past lead position, tool and product experience and a clean driving record. Résumés should be sent to Floor Crafters Hardwood Floor Company, 1501 Lee Hill Road, Unit 1, Boulder, CO 80304, faxed to 303/449-5215 or e-mailed to [email protected].
NWFA Member Services
Catalina Research recently released its “Chinese Floor Coverings Market Report,†which provides information on market size, growth potential, end-user markets, regional markets and competition. The report will help you identify growing product lines, strengthen distribution, penetrate end-user markets and plan for the future. NWFA members can receive the full report at a 15 percent discount. Use code #CR033NWFA to receive the discount. For more information, contact Catalina Research at 561/988-0853, or at [email protected].