Issue Date:3/7/2005
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Issue Date:3/7/2005
Hardwood Floors E-News Monday, March 7, 2005 Issue 258 Next issue published March 21, 2005 Deadline for items: March 16, 2005 Send news to [email protected]
------------------------------------------------------------------------NWFA Flooring School Visits Anaheim, Calif. The NWFA and the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) held an Introduction to Wood Flooring Installation School March 1-4 in Anaheim, Calif. Students led by lead instructor Steve Marley of Cal Coast Hardwood Flooring were guided on the basics of wood flooring installation by Glenn Werneke, 3M; Tony Pantoja, Basic Coatings; Scott Greenwood, BonaKemi USA; Don Smithson, Clarke American Sanders; Terry Green, Dura Seal; Frank Szubart, Harmony Source Inc.; Brett Butler, New Parks, division of Zinsser Co. Inc.; Randy Moore, Powernail Company Inc.; Dave Stark, Virginia Abrasives Corporation; and Jon Namba, WFCA.
Hoboken Floors Enters Texas Market Hoboken Floors (Wayne, N.J.) is breaking its historic growth pattern on the eastern seaboard and is moving westward to Dallas. The opening is scheduled for April 2005. The decision is based on the mutual needs of Hoboken Floors and three of its major suppliers, Harris Tarkett, Mirage and BR-111, to increase their exposure and penetrate into this marketplace, Hoboken says. The company also will provide the relevant installation materials, tools and accessories. "We are very excited to have a physical presence in the Texas market," says Joel Lefkowitz, president of Hoboken. "We will use our infrastructure of buying, merchandising and logistics to provide the Texas market with both existing and future needs in the wood and laminate marketplace." The new location at 2230 LBJ Freeway, Suite 300, Dallas, TX 75234 is centrally located to serve the Dallas Metroplex.
To meet increased product demand, Mirage has increased its production capabilities at its manufacturing plants in Quebec. "With Hoboken Floors in Dallas, Mirage will gain access to a growing region that has been previously untapped by the company," says Chris Thompson, vice president of sales and marketing for Mirage.Armstrong's Emergence from Bankruptcy Delayed Further Armstrong Holdings Inc. (Lancaster, Pa.) has announced that Judge Robreno issued a ruling finding that the Armstrong World Industries (AWI) Plan of Reorganization was not confirmable. The judge found the provision in the plan that provides warrants to existing equity violated the strict priority rule of bankruptcy. AWI's course of action will be determined after a careful review of Judge Robreno's opinion and the company has discussed the options with its advisors and the other constituencies in the case. Armstrong's emergence from bankruptcy will be substantially delayed, the company says.
Manufacturer News Hardwood flooring manufacturers Anderson Hardwood Floors, Appalachian Engineered Floors Inc., Columbia Flooring, Mannington Wood Floors, Stuart Flooring Corporation and Sheoga Hardwood Flooring and Paneling Inc. are leading contributors to the Hardwood Forestry Fund's (Reston, Va.) spring 2005 sustainable forest establishment program. The efforts of these flooring manufacturers help the Hardwood Forestry Fund, a program of the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association, to plant more than 50,000 trees on public forestland in the eastern United States. The Hardwood Forestry Fund is a tree-planting and educational foundation dedicated to sustainable forest establishment, hardwood timber growth and forestry education. Since 1990, the fund has planted more than 2 million trees in 22 U.S. states.
Tom Gormley, formerly senior vice president of Goodfellow Inc., has announced he is a principal partner in Avant Guard Finishing (Ripon, Quebec). Gormley says the 50,000-square-foot finishing plant includes application and drying machinery from Cefla, sanders from Costa, and in-feed and out-feed systems from Mekanica. Akzo Nobel is the finish supplier. Avant Guard is prepared to do custom finishing for interested parties, Gormley says. Another of the principal partners, Earl Laforest, was instrumental in putting this project together and is responsible for the daily operation of the facility. Gormley and Laforest are also partners in Avant Guard Marketing, which Gormley says will sell and market various flooring lines. Avant Guard can be reached at 819/983-1176.Michelman (Cincinnati, Ohio) has announced the opening of its China office, Michelman Asia Inc. Hannah Hu and Official Chief Representative Sky Yuan are available at the offices in central Shanghai for technical support of Michelman's Performance Additives and Performance Coatings groups. Additionally, P. Marshall Wiseman has been appointed regional commercial manager for the Asia-Pacific region and will continue to be responsible for commercial activity. Michelman Asia is located at Office 3042, Central Place, No. 16 Henan Road S., Shanghai, China 200002. The company can be reached by phone at 86-21-6120-4404 or by fax at 86-21-6374-3778. On the morning of March 2, a fire severely damaged the factory and office areas of MP Global Products LLC (Norfolk, Neb.). Plans are underway to rebuild damaged areas, and the company hopes to start producing its products again within a few short weeks. Any questions should be directed to 888/379-9695. Graf Brothers Flooring (South Shore, Ky.), now in its third year, continues to improve the marketing of its wide and long floors, especially its rift and quartersawn plank. Long-length samples are available for all distributors, and samples are now being processed for prefinishing. In addition, Graf Brothers' new lumber grading station is now in the final stages of completion, with more separations being made in the lumber products. The goal is to be able to ship at faster turnaround times for the flooring, the company says. Finium (Frampton, Quebec) has completed the expansion of its current offices and plant. The expansion was done in order to meet the company's growing business and to support its new Just In Time program. For more information, call 866/834-6486 or e-mail [email protected].
Distributor News Stauf USA Adhesive LLC (Memphis) has named Adleta Corporation (Dallas) its 2004 Distributor of the Year. Matt Hafer and his team provided innovative marketing and outstanding salesmanship, and Adleta has exemplified exceptional professionalism and shown extraordinary devotion to product training and brand recognition, Stauf says. Questions regarding Stauf distribution can be directed to 866/GLUE-USA.
Erickson's Flooring & Supply (Ferndale, Mich.) has added three products to its distribution. Erickson's now carries Finium Prefinished Stair Treads, which are stained to blend with all prefinished flooring brands; The Franklin Collection by Zickgraf, which offers old-world hand-craftsmanship sealed with a Diamondized finish; and Napa Cork's seven new styles of cork flooring by Bamboo Flooring Hawaii. Erickson's is distributing these products in its Michigan, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio territories. For more information, call 800/225-9663. Elias Wilf Corporation (Owings Mills, Md.) President Jeff Striegal received five awards on the company's behalf at Surfaces 2005 held the week of January 24. The company took home the National Distributor of the Year Award from Capella Wood Floors and the USA Distributor of the Year for Outstanding Sales Achievement Award from Lauzon Distinctive Hardwood. The company also received two performance awards from Mannington, as well as an award from Quick-Step Laminate. The company is celebrating 90 years of service this year. GE Infrastructure Sensing (Billerica, Mass.) has announced that Taylor Tools (Denver) has become a master distributor for the complete Protimeter product line of hand-held moisture meters and hygrometers. Protimeter's line of meters will be available through Taylor Tools' distribution channel throughout the United States. For more information, contact Taylor Tools at 303/371-7667 or visit www.taylortools.com. Avalon Carpet Tile and Flooring (Cherry Hill, N.J.) recently donated $50,000 to be shared among three charities in southern New Jersey. The company instituted a voluntary donation plan for its employees at the start of 2004, with donations accumulated throughout the year through automatic payroll deductions. Avalon then agreed to match, dollar-per-dollar, the donations its employees contributed. Employees were able to choose where their individual contributions were allocated among three charities they collectively selected at the start of the fundraising campaign: the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Representatives from the three charities were presented with checks at a ceremony held February 2. Sekulic International Trading Company (Encino, Calif.) a nationwide importer and distributor of bamboo flooring, is seeking a bamboo floor project for a home and remodeling show. Those who might know of an upcoming project should call the company at 818/591-8556, fax 440/325-7583 or e-mail [email protected].Contractor News Dennis Prieur, founder of Enchanted Woods in Los Angeles, has relocated to Tampa, Fla., where he has started a new business, Through the Woods Fine Wood Floors Inc. For more information, call 813/232-3985 or visit www.throughthewoods.com.
People News Powernail Company Inc. (Lincolnshire, Ill.) has announced that Ron Domkowski, general manager, will be retiring March 15. Domkowski has been the general manager at the company since 1995 and was hired by Edgar P. Anstett, founder of Powernail. Domkowski's future plans are to spend some quality time with his wife and two grandchildren and to continue with the restoration of his 36-year-old Porsche.
Wood Flooring International (Delran, N.J.) has hired Don Chamberlin as sales manager for its Solid Flooring Division. Chamberlin has 20 years of wood flooring experience, starting as a contractor and most recently serving as sales and marketing director for Rare Earth Hardwoods. He can be reached at 856/764-2501, ext. 135, or at [email protected].By the Numbers Remodeling activity slowed slightly in the fourth quarter of 2004, according to the National Association of Home Builders' (NAHB) Remodeling Market Index (RMI). The current market conditions index fell one point, from 51.8 last quarter to 50.7. The future expectations index moved ahead from 52.4 to 54 points. The market remained virtually unchanged in terms of major additions and alterations, moving from 49.22 in the third quarter of 2004 to 49.88 in the fourth quarter. Minor additions and alterations dropped 1.5 points to 50.15.
Sales of new, single-family houses in January 2005 were at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1,106,000, according to estimates released by the Commerce Department. This is 9.2 percent below the revised December rate of 1,218,000 and is 4.2 percent below the January 2004 estimate of 1,155,000.Job Watch Prolex Flooring USA Distributor (Norcross, Ga.) seeks an experienced, energetic, self-motivated local sales representative to sell its bamboo and other hardwood flooring. In addition to salary, commission and benefits are offered. Interested parties should fax a résumé to 770/242-6338 or e-mail [email protected].
Ointon International Inc. (Atlanta), a manufacturer of Russian oak, American red oak and Brazilian cherry in China, is seeking experienced, independent sales agents and a marketing manager to expand its existing network. Applicants should have solid sales experience and an existing client portfolio (distributors, dealers, contractors, etc.). For more information or to submit a résumé, e-mail [email protected]. Capitol Wood Floors and Supplies (Hillburn, N.Y.), a hardwood flooring supply distributor with more than 20 years in the industry, is seeking experienced inside and outside salespeople looking to earn a six-figure income. Contacts with flooring contractors, general contractors, builders and remodelers are a plus. The position offers a solid salary, generous commission and bonus. Outside salespeople will be provided with a gas card, EZ Pass and cell phone. Applicants must have a proven, successful sales record. Résumés should be sent to [email protected] or faxed to 646/349-4667. A leading manufacturer of wood floor finishes is seeking a regional salesperson. Candidates must be able to travel and work approximately six to eight weekends a year. This position is in the eastern third of the United States, managing a large territory calling on distributors and contractors. Applicants must have an understanding of the wood flooring industry, contractor business and distribution businesses. This position offers an excellent compensation and benefits package. Résumés should be e-mailed to [email protected].On the Web Artistic Finishes Inc. (St. Paul, Minn.) has relaunched its corporate Web site, www.artfinishes.com. Expanded to include more than 100 pages, the site allows visitors to research Artistic Finishes and its products; view product images with dimensions; access care and cleaning advice; obtain installation instructions; request literature; review the company's latest announcements and newsletters; and locate the nearest authorized Artistic Touch dealer. There also is a secure password-protected Distributor-Only area with a new Order Status Inquiry feature. Orders are available online for 30 days after shipment.
Mark Your Calendar Lon Musolf Distributing (Eden Prairie, Minn.) will hold a workshop on March 9 on how to effectively apply a lien. Industry professionals from Lien Guaranty Inc. and Hellmuth & Johnson PPLC will present information on the ins and outs of liens, how they are used and how to apply one. The workshop will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. The event also offers food, prizes and a ticket to enter the company's grand prize 4x4 ATV giveaway, which will take place at its final workshop in May. For more information, call 651/484-3020.
NWFA Member Services Understanding the financial principles and differences between margins and markups is the cornerstone to increasing the profits of your business. Learn how to effectively estimate job costs to increase your profits with the NWFA's latest educational CD set, "How to Make Money on Every Job." The first CD provides instructional material, while the second CD provides form templates to help you make your business more profitable. The CDs are $20 for NWFA members. For more information, contact the NWFA at 636/519-9663 (local and international), 800/422-4556 (U.S.) or 800/848-8824 (Canada), or visit www.nwfa.org.