MARIETTA, GA Nov. 15, 2011— The Mohawk Group’s revolutionary, next-generation carpet is gaining the attention of Georgia’s leaders in sustainability and agriculture. SmartStrand® Contract, which was awarded a 2011 Best of NeoCon® Gold award for its bio-based fiber system, is now the featured carpet incorporated into the design of the Georgia Department of Agriculture building in Atlanta, GA. The partnership comes at the same time the Department of Agriculture is revamping its Georgia Grown campaign, which helps retailers promote locally grown produce and locally manufactured goods to consumers.

“The Georgia Department of Agriculture shares our deep rooted commitment to building sustainable communities,” said Tom Lape, president of residential and commercial business at Mohawk. “We are honored that they recognize SmartStrand Contract as a ‘Georgia Grown’ carpet with an innovative fiber system, bio-cell backing and numerous green attributes.”

To show its support for the Georgia Grown philosophy, and local businesses and famers nationwide, The Mohawk Group donated all of the SmartStrand Contract included in the Georgia Department of Agriculture building. SmartStrand Contract is made with DuPont™ Sorona® renewably sourced polymer, which replaces more limited petroleum ingredients with corn. 37 percent of SmartStrand Contract’s DuPont Sorona polymer is made from this renewable resource. In addition to being highly sustainable, SmartStrand Contract is engineered specifically for commercial and hospitality applications, with inherent stain, soil and bleach resistance that won’t wash off or wear away over time. Its unique triexta fiber is extremely durable, resisting crushing and matting, thus giving SmartStrand Contract a remarkably long lifespan.

“I believe the future is bright for Georgia, thanks to innovative companies such as The Mohawk Group, who have a real passion for developing and manufacturing sustainable products,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary W. Black. “These products make our world a better, healthier place, and I am proud we could utilize SmartStrand Contract in the Georgia Department of Agriculture building.”

To learn more about SmartStrand Contract, go to www.TheMohawkGroup.com. For additional information on the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Georgia Grown campaign, visit www.agr.georgia.gov.

*Photo Caption - left to right:
G.L. Bowen, III, President of Georgia Traditional Manufacturers Association
Gary W. Black, Georgia Agriculture Commissioner
Tom Lape, President, Mohawk Residential and Commercial

About The Mohawk Group
The Mohawk Group and its four brands – Karastan, Lees, Bigelow and Durkan – are helping to define a new generation in commercial carpeting. A leading manufacturer of award-winning broadloom, modular and custom carpeting for every installation, The Mohawk Group is propelled by its legacy of world class performance, cutting-edge style and sustainable innovation. For additional information about its proven and new generation design solutions, and to learn more about what’s next from The Mohawk Group visit www.themohawkgroup.com or call (800) 554-6637. Connect with The Mohawk Group on Facebook and Twitter.