Article Number: 3855
Armstrong to make fiberglass floors in U.S.
LANCASTER, PA.—Armstrong World Industries announced it will convert its plant here to make fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl (cushion vinyl) flooring products. The $23 million investment marks the company’s largest in sheet vinyl manufacturing since the addition of ToughGuard technology in Stillwater, Okla., over 10 years ago.

When the conversion is complete, expected to be in early 2010, the Lancaster plant will be the most technologically advanced sheet vinyl manufacturing facility in the world, noted Allen Cubell, vice president of residential resilient sheet and tile.

“With this investment,” he explained, “Armstrong will be well positioned to serve customer needs for cushion vinyl and other loose lay floors.” Cubell added the investment also “reflects the remarkable job our Lancaster floor plant employees have done of improving both cost and quality.”

The conversion entails the current felt manufacturing line, he noted, and will allow the company to produce all fiberglass floors for sale in the U.S. here. For sales outside North America, the company will continue to utilize its foreign operations.

Cubell said the justification to transition production to the U.S. is Armstrong has seen double-digit growth of fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl floors in North America for several years. “Consumers have embraced fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl floor products like CushionStep, a floor that offers comfort, style and flexible installation options. Volume has grown to the point which justifies the manufacturing investment in the U.S.”

There will be a number of benefits that result from the investment, Cubell said. “Our supply chain will be shorter allowing us to respond more quickly to customer requests. And, we will be able to develop new products not currently in the marketplace today.”

For more information, please call 877.276.7876.