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from Coverings | CANADA’S FLOORCOVERING MAGAZINE | January/February 2021

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SASKATCHEWAN CONSTRUCTION outdoor amenity space. Residents will have a fitness studio CODES ACT ADDS ACCESSIBILITY and private terraces equipped for outdoor cooking. On the The Saskatchewan Government Relations Minister Don McMor- ground floor, spaces for cafés, galleries and work-live sturis has introduced legislation to repeal and replace The Uniform dios will be integrated. Building and Accessibility Standards Act (UBAS) with The Construction Codes Act (CCA). “The new CCA will support a better CLARIANT APPOINTS CONRAD KEIJZER AS CEO quality of life for Saskatchewan people by allowing Specialty chemical company Clariant of our government to develop regulations specific to Muttenz, Switzerland, has announced construction standards and building accessibility for Conrad Keijzer has become its new CEO. persons with disabilities,” McMorris said in a statement. Keijzer has a long and successful track The new act allows for independent judg- record in the chemical industry, the ments of construction codes where there company says, most notably his 24 years are disagreements in interpretation, which with leading global paints and coatings supports Saskatchewan’s 20 Actions for manufacturer AkzoNobel. At AkzoNo2020 to reduce government red tape for bel, he last held the position of CEO of the business. The CCA provides Saskatchewan performance coatings division and was the opportunity to fulfill its commitments a member of the executive committee. under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement Most recently, Keijzer was CEO at Imerys, the French supplier of by harmonizing construction codes and mineral-based specialty solutions. Don McMorris allowing for the timely adoption of new editions of construction codes. The CCA LATICRETE U ROLLS OUT FLOORING TUTORIALS also modernizes permitting and inspection programs Laticrete University, the online training branch of Bethany, for large industrial investments. Conn.-based Laticrete, has announced a series of tutorials and a webinar. Tutorial topics include Cold Weather Tile InDISTRIKT BREAKS GROUND stallations, Grout Colours and Sound Control Ratings. The ON OAKVILLE RESIDENCES webinar topic is Design and Installation Considerations for Distrikt and Fiera Real Estate of Toronto have broken Tile Applications in Swimming Pools. The programs are acground on the Trailside and Trailside 2.0 developments cessible at https://bit.ly/3qUx0vl. in Oakville, Ont., beginning construction on a new master-planned community in the town. The commu- NEW DUTY RATES SET nity offers a range of offerings in two mid-rise condo FOR CHINESE FLOORING EXPORTERS buildings plus several The U.S. Department of Commerce has completed its review blocks of two-storey of 2017 Chinese countervailing duty rates for multilayered wood townhomes, designed flooring. Offending companies are Baroque Timber, 14.09 per by Toronto-based cent; Jiangsu Guyu, 122.92 per cent; and all other non-examined Kirkor Architect + companies, 20.75 per cent, which will apply to most Chinese Planners. The projects producers. The new rates will go into effect shortly and retroare more than 80 per actively cover shipments during the 2017 review period. More cent pre-sold. Between than 150 Chinese companies are covered by the higher counterboth buildings, Dis- vailing duty rate. trikt Trailside offers a total of 700 residences and townhomes. All units come with standard 9 to 10 ft. ceilings, and each building offers over 15,000 sq. ft. of indoor and Conrad Keijzer

STUDY TACKLES APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING IN CANADA

A new study, Factors associated with the completion of apprenticeship training in Canada, uses data from the Canadian government Education and Labour Market Longitudinal Platform to

examine which factors are associated with the certification rates of registered apprentices in Canada, including the role played by employment conditions during their onthe-job training. While the data used in the current study were collected prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, the results remain important as they highlight the many challenges faced by apprentices during their training. Less than one-fifth of people who embark upon an apprenticeship program in Canada complete their training within the designated time period. Apprentices in higher paying apprenticeship positions are more likely to complete their program within a given period of time than those in lower paying positions, according to the study. Over the last two decades, the number of new registrations in apprenticeship programs have outpaced certificates granted, suggesting that many apprentices did not complete their program. This has sparked the need to study certification rates of apprentices to better understand the factors associated with successful program completion and certification in the trades. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring the renewal of the skilled labour force in Canada, the study concludes. Download the study at https://bit.ly/3gP6K0w.

WFCA LAUNCHES MEMBER IMPACT CAMPAIGN

The Dalton, Ga.-based World Floor Covering Association (WFCA) has launched a new campaign designed to highlight the importance of member support in its ability to continue to have a positive impact on the lives of floor covering professionals. The campaign theme, Because of You, positions the WFCA as vital to the industry and its members and reinforces the core message that support through its associate partners (manufacturers, suppliers and distributors) makes its mission come to life. “The WFCA is not just about what we have for our members but what we do for them,” Freida Staten, WFCA vice-president, marketing and membership, said in a statement. “The goal of the campaign is to help our associate members understand that membership is a critical part of supporting the infrastructure of our industry, from advocacy to training and education, and what we accomplish would not be possible without their support.” The WFCA is the official sponsor of the annual Surfaces trade show in Las Vegas, and is said to be the floor covering industry’s largest advocacy organization, representing floor covering retailers, contractors and allied service providers throughout North America.

Freida Staten

MANNINGTON ANNOUNCES JOHN B. CAMPBELL AWARD RECIPIENTS

Salem, N.J.-based Mannington Mills has announced 14 associates from across its family of companies have been named recipients of the John B. Campbell Award. Recipients are selected from nominations submitted by Mannington associates, making this one of the highest honours someone can receive for their service. The award recognizes associates who exemplify the qualities that past CEO John B. Campbell valued and continue to be the guiding principles of the company today, including “Care” and “Do the Right Thing.” At each site, one salaried associate and John B. Campbell one hourly associate are recognized. This year’s recipients are: Salem, N.J. — Joel Thomas, quality assurance manager and Howard Ridgway, electro mechanical technician; Calhoun, Ga. — Crystal Ellis, planner and Angel Tucker, yarn/tufting scheduler; Madison, Ga. — Darrell Boswell, letoff utility operator and Ron Cobb, shift manager; High Point, N.C. — Scott Williams, quality manager and Jeff DeHart, distribution centre material handler; Eustis, Fla. — Burke Industries’ Paul Knight, supervisor and Brandon Williams, operator; Dalton, Ga. — Phenix Flooring’s Amy Bradford, human resources manager and Janet Goley, shipping clerk; McAdenville, N.C. — Pharr Fibers and Yarns’ Jack Lainhart, production planner and Mario Perez, twisting technician.

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HAMILTON RESIDENTIAL HIGHRISE MARKET LOOKING UP

A survey of residential construction in downtown Hamilton published last month reveals a very healthy market for highrises 20-storeys and up in the sector, according to Daily Construction News. Research by commercial real estate investment firm Forge and Foster determined there are six projects of that height currently under construction in and near the downtown, and 10 more either approved, in permitting or in pre-construction. The firm notes that with uncertainty over the future of the office and retail sectors, and immigration to the Greater Toronto Area down, amid other factors, the demand for high-density residences in downtown Toronto is trending to cool down, but not in Hamilton.

REPORT LOOKS AT PANDEMIC EFFECT ON CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

During September/October 2020, Procore of Carpinteria, Calif., conducted a survey to gain insights from general contractors, governments, subcontractors, owners and others in the Canadian construction industry. The company has offices in Vancouver and Toronto. There were 340 participants that gave responses to questions about how they have been affected by the pandemic so far, and how they’ve dealt with it. The report also gave insights into the changes they’ve implemented and are considering for how they build across Canada. Perhaps the biggest surprise in the results of the survey is that nearly half of respondents (44 per cent) were able to remain as productive as they had been before Covid-19 hit, the report says, while only 26 per cent saw their productivity drop during the months of the pandemic. This occurred in the face of a general drop in construction activity across the industry early in the pandemic. But what is truly interesting, according to Procore, is that 27 per cent were actually much or slightly more productive, perhaps as a result of productivity-boosting measures put in place to deal with pressing needs brought on by the pandemic. The construction industry, in general, has not seen a significant dip in productivity over the course of the health crisis, the report concludes. The full report can be downloaded at https://bit.ly/37jXiz9.

TTMAC ANNOUNCES 2020 PROJECT OF THE YEAR

The Terrazzo Tile

Manufacturers Association of

Canada (TTMAC) based in Concord, Ont., has announced its 2020 awards, including Project of the Year. The project winner is the Centura Quebec showroom, submitted in the Technical Product Application category that included architect Coarchitecture, general contractor Drolet Construction, owner Centura, trade contractor Les Ceramiques Lindo and supplier Rex Ceramiche Artistiche. The Award of Merit went to Duron Ontario in the Terrazzo category for the Toronto Union Station revitalization. All of the award winners can be viewed at www.ttmac.com.

SAIT TO LAUNCH HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOMES COURSE The continuing education department at SAIT in Calgary has announced its High Performance Residential Design and Construction program that introduces residential design and construction principles, methods and technologies for building high-performance homes. Participants are said to develop leading industry knowledge of building science principles, metrics for verifying performance and prevailing rating and verification systems, as well as gain hands-on experience in detailing methods and best practices for constructing high-performance homes. The program launches in February 2021, and is suitable for professionals in the residential construction industry, including architects, designers, engineers, site managers and trades. It was developed to build upon existing

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knowledge of home design and construction to meet current provincial and national building code energy requirements. To register, visit https://coned.sait.ca.

HUSQVARNA TO ACQUIRE SURFACE PREP FIRM BLASTRAC

Husqvarna Group’s construction division has signed an agreement to acquire Blastrac, a provider of surface preparation technologies for the global construction and remediation industry. Blastrac’s product portfolio includes high-quality and efficient solutions for shot blasting, scarifying, scraping, grinding and polishing, and dust collection. Blastrac has 380 employees globally with manufacturing and sales offices in North America, Europe and Asia, and sales in more than 80 countries, including its Canadian subsidiary Blastrac Diamatic in Mississauga, Ont. “The acquisition of Blastrac strengthens and complements our organic growth ambitions, as we are further expanding into complementary surface preparation solutions,” said Henric Andersson, president and CEO of Stockholm, Sweden-based Husqvarna Group.

B.C. SKILLS GRANT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

The Government of British Columbia has announced the Community Workforce Response Grant program (CWRG) that provides up to $10 million a year in funding for communities and sectors to support in-demand skills training leading to secure and sustainable employment for unemployed and precariously employed (part-time, seasonal or casual) residents. A key goal of the grant is to provide flexible and timely responses to emerging and urgent labour and skills needs in B.C.’s communities and sectors, the province says. It notes that the CWRG program is not intended to meet the same needs as the B.C. Employer Training Grant program (ETG). Please carefully review the objective and criteria of the CWRG program before applying, it adds. If you are an employer looking to train new or current employees, the ETG program may be the right program for you. In addition, the Vancouver Island Construction Association‘s (VICA) Construct Your Future (CYF) program provides an opportunity for 17 to 29-year-olds to learn about the many career paths in construction, as well as the roles, responsibilities and safety requirements. The free program offers individuals to learn in a virtual classroom, on real job sites, independently and as a team. After eight weeks of training, VICA will help students find long-term, lucrative employment with a local construction company. Earn up to $1,400 per month during training in over

ENTRIES FOR COVERINGS 2021 AWARDS NOW ACCEPTED

Tile and stone trade event Coverings 2021, taking place July 7-9, has announced its new deadline to submit projects for the 2021 Coverings Installation & Design (CID) Awards or to nominate a young emerging leader to the 2021 Coverings Rock Star program. The CID Awards recognize and award projects featuring tile and stone that are said to feature beautiful design and impeccable installation. As in the past, multiple entries are accepted and there is no cost to enter. Winners in each category will receive industry recognition and accolades, features in various media outlets and a complimentary one-night stay to attend Coverings 2021. Entries must be received by March 26 at https://bit.ly/2K4Mo7C. Young industry talent with a bright future in the tile and stone industry can be nominated as a Coverings Rock Star. They must be 35 years or younger and currently working in the industry. Selected Rock Stars will receive industry accolades, a complimentary one-night stay to attend Coverings 2021, and unique professional development opportunities. Nominations must be received by March 26 at https:// bit.ly/37lurKR.

Henric Andersson

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100 trades, VICA says, while it supplies boots, work pants and PPE, as well as financial supports to offset expenses such as the cost of food, Internet and transportation.

NFCA WELCOMES ARMSTRONG FLOORING AS NEW MEMBER

The National Floor Covering Association (NFCA) of Canada based in Surrey, B.C., welcomes Armstrong Flooring as a new member supporting quality assurance and best practices in Canada’s floor covering industry. The NFCA promotes industry standards for resilient, carpet, hardwood, laminate, cork and bamboo floor covering installations.

FLOORING PRICE HIKES

Several flooring companies plan to raise prices on select hardwood, resilient and soft surface flooring products. Mohawk of Calhoun, Ga., has announced plans to raise prices five to eight per cent, with a $0.05 US minimum increase per square foot on resilient plank products and a $0.15 US minimum increase per square yard on resilient sheet. In addition, Mohawk plans to increase freight rates on broadloom and carpet tile by a minimum of $0.03 US per square yard, while hard surface freight drop charges will increase by a minimum of $5 US. Mohawk attributes the increases to raw material and labour inflation, as well as higher international ocean and domestic land freight costs. The increases will be effective with orders and shipments on or after Jan. 11.

AHF Products of Mountville, Penn., has increased prices on hardwood products in the U.S. and Canada, effective Jan. 1. The increase averages three to five per cent on the company’s Cambodia-produced engineered hardwood and five to seven per cent across domestically produced solid hardwood. It will impact products across its brands, including Bruce, Robbins, LM Flooring, Hartco and Capella.

Republic Floor of Commerce, Calif., is also raising prices on resilient goods, with expected increases ranging from five to nine per cent across its product offering. The company stated that raw materials have increased nearly 25 per cent, particularly vinyl and plastics, and that the cost of containers have increased transportation costs by more than 200 per cent. It further explained that the exchange rate between U.S. and Chinese currencies have increased costs another six per cent.

FEI GROUP MAKES CHANGES AT THE TOP

Marietta, Ga.-based FEI Group has announced management changes within the organization. The board of directors named Andy Hogan its new CEO, with Graham Howerton assuming the role of president. Hogan, a co-founder of FEI, is said to be a trusted and well-respected member of the floor covering industry and has been with the organization since its inception. Howerton has served the organization in varying capacities throughout his 16-year tenure, most recently as executive vice-president. Both are intimately involved in the day-to-day operations at FEI Group, the company says.

Andy Hogan

CFI INTRODUCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

The International Certified Flooring Installers Association (CFI) of Forney, Tex., has named Dave Garden, president, Installation Services, chair of the board of directors, and Don Styka, director of field services, Tarkett, vice-chair. Outgoing board chair, Jay Zurn, Metroflor, will remain on the board as a director. He is joined by other board members, including: Tony Buckhardt, Carpet Cushions Dave Garden & Supplies; Joe Cea, Congoleum; Alan Ellis, Alan’s Carpet & Floors; Bob Gillespie, Bob’s Carpet Installation Services; Andrew Smith, Mohawk Industries; John McHale, CFI; Roland Thompson, Thompson Installation & Consultant Services; Robert Varden, CFI; Rod Von Busch, CDI Floors; and Mike Welch, Tools 4 Flooring/E.J. Welch. CFI also announced the newly elected co-vice-chairs of the certi- Don Styka fication team, Efran Llamas and Jonathan Varden, as well as the appointment of four committee chairs serving a three-year term: Efran Llamas (resilient committee); Jonathan Varden (carpet committee); Roy Lewis (ceramic committee); and Jeremy Key (wood committee).

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NTCA HONOURS SCHLUTER’S MARY YOCUM

The National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA) of Flowood, Miss., has named Mary Yocum, architectural manager at Schluter Systems, the recipient of the Joe A. Tarver Service to the Industry Award for 2020. Yocum, who was honoured for her active participation and support of leading trade associations such as the NTCA and the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association — where she was a two-time president — is only the second Mary Yocum woman to receive the award. According to Bart Bettiga, NTCA executive director, “As both a distribution and manufacturing representative, she has worked closely with the tile contracting community and has helped communicate the need for hiring qualified and trained installers to the design, building, specification and architectural community.”

CHANGING OF THE GUARD AT NAFCD

The Chicago, Ill.-based North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors (NAFCD) recently announced a new slate of officers and directors for 2021, including Shane Richmond as the new NAFCD president. During his tenure at Fishman Flooring Solutions — a 100 per cent employee-owned company that recently celebrated 100 years as a Baltimore, Md.-based business — Richmond held positions of increasing responsibility, eventually taking on the role of Shane Richmond vice-president. Other officers serving a one-year term include: Kyle Gorny of Blakely Products, president-elect; A.J. Warne of Abraham Linc, vice-president; Robert Marra of Abraham Linc, treasurer; and Dunn Rasbury of A&M Supply, immediate past president. Distributor directors serving a three-year term include: Brian Green of Haines and Derek Brooks of Torlys. D.J. Lee of Professional Flooring Supply will serve a one-year term as distributor director at large, while Michael Eckhart of Next Floor will serve a three-year term as supplier director. Directors completing their terms this year include Steve McKenna of McKenna Distribution and Mark Johnson of Traxx Corp.

KÜBERIT USA JOINS FUSE ALLIANCE

Küberit USA of Florence, Ala., a trim and moulding supplier, has joined the Parker, Colo.-based Fuse Alliance as a preferred supplier. Küberit’s broad line of trim, edge, transition, expansion, ramping, stair-nosing and wall protection profiles will be available to Fuse members through the new partnership. The company said it welcomes the opportunity to work with Fuse’s 120 commercial flooring contractor member owners in over 215 locations in the U.S. and Canada.

APPALACHIAN LUMBER JOINS WOOD FLOORING PROGRAM

Appalachian Lumber Co. of Wilkesboro, N.C., is the latest company to earn NWFA/ NOFMA mill certification from the St. Louis, Mo.-based National Wood Flooring Association (integrating the National Oak Flooring Manufacturers Association). NWFA/NOFMA certification assures a manufacturer’s wood flooring meets or exceeds industry standards for grade, configuration, moisture content and average board length. Certified mills must meet rigorous production standards and are inspected a minimum

William Church

YOUR industry’s online coffee shop www.coveringscanada.ca

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of two times per year to ensure consistent grade standards are maintained. According to William Church, president of family-owned Appalachian Lumber, “The decision to join the NWFA/ NOFMA certified mill program is another tool to assure our customers that our products will meet or exceed their expectations.”

AHF EXPANDS ENGINEERED WOOD FLOOR FACILITY

Mountville, Penn.-based AHF Products announced plans to invest $2.5 million US and create 20 full-time jobs at its Somerset, Ky., facility early in 2021. Work on the expansion already has begun and is scheduled to be completed in February. AHF says it opted to expand its Somerset facilities in large part because of the highly skilled workforce and the company’s strong commitment to U.S. manufacturing and American craftsmanship. AHF employs over 2,000 people across its seven manufacturing locations — six in the U.S. and one in Cambodia. The Somerset location has produced engineered hardwood flooring since opening in 1990.

MISTUDIOS EXPANDS NATIONAL SALES TEAM

Commercial flooring company mistudios of New York City has hired Mark Grund as business development manager, strategic accounts. Grund comes to the company with over 35 years of strategic account management experience in interior finishes. Prior to joining mistudios, he led marketing, sales and project management teams with a focus on building both global and U.S.-based accounts, including a portfolio of Fortune 100 companies. His decades of experience and knowledge in the carpet and flooring industry are said to uniquely position Grund to accelerate the company’s growth through deepened partnerships, exceptional client service and full scope project and rollout management.

Mark Grund

MARMOMAC RENEWS SUPPORT OF NSI GRANDE PINNACLE AWARD

Marmomac, an annual tile and stone trade show held in Verona, Italy, has renewed its sponsorship for the Oberlin, Ohiobased NatElena Amadini (left) of trade show site Veronafiere ural Stone and Jim Hieb, Natural Stone Institute CEO. Institute’s Grande Pinnacle Award for the next four years. Marmomac has sponsored the award since its inception in 2008. The Grande Pinnacle Award is presented to the best overall project entered in the Pinnacle Awards. The winner will receive a trip to Marmomac scheduled for Sept. 29-Oct. 2, including round trip economy airfare, four nights lodging and registration. One architect from the winning project will also receive this award. The Pinnacle Awards honour projects whose beauty, creativity and craftsmanship exemplify professional mastery in the use of natural stone in residential and commercial applications. Last year’s Grande Pinnacle award recipient was honoured at TISE in January 2020, in Las Vegas, and at Marmomac ReStart, the first entirely virtual edition of Marmomac, which took place in September. Learn more about the Pinnacle Awards at www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/awards.

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