Foss Manufacturing gets into flooring game with Smart Transformations

HomeInside FCNewsFoss Manufacturing gets into flooring game with Smart Transformations

January 5/12, 2015; Volume 28/Number 14

By Ken Ryan

Flooring dealers may not be familiar with the name Foss Manufacturing just yet, but they have almost certainly come into contact with one of its products over the years.

Foss, a 60-year-old manufacturer based in Hampton, N.H., is known as an innovator in the use of nonwoven fabrics and specialty synthetic fibers for a variety of industries, most notably automobile, where it provides interiors for vehicle floors and ceilings. “Any car manufacturer in America has Foss carpeting on the floor,” said Mark Gauthier, director of marketing.

Foss also manufactures indoor/outdoor carpets used in basements, garages, on decks and around pools, and the company is now embarking on a flooring venture with a line of commercial carpet tiles called Smart Transformations. The product, which will be on display at Surfaces, targets Main Street commercial.

“This is a product when you need something in a pinch,” Gauthier said. “If you have a storefront and don’t want to lose a couple days of business, this is the product for you. We have done jobs where we came in at 6 p.m. and within two hours the carpet tile was replaced and the business opened the next day.”

The tiles, specifically engineered for commercial environments, are made from recycled plastic drinking bottles and install over most existing flooring surfaces by simply peeling off the plastic backing and adhering the tile to the floor; no glues or pastes are required. “Installation is essentially ‘goof proof,’” Gauthier said. “We have formulated a new adhesive; if you pull it up it peels right off. There is very little left. You can cut and patch it in any shape.”

Smart Transformations includes an antimicrobial technology, called Fosshield, which is designed to counter the damaging effects of bacteria, mildew and mold. And, Gauthier said, Foss’ solution-dyed polyester is excellent for color fastness and UV protection.

One of Foss’ newest customers is Brazos Flooring Agency, a sales and marketing firm representing flooring manufacturers and distributors. Mike Donarumo, owner/president of Brazos, has known Foss president Mike DeGrace for more than 25 years. “We have stayed connected to each others’ ventures over the years,” Donarumo told FCNews. “This past September Mike suggested we get together to review an opportunity that he was looking to launch at Foss. In visiting the manufacturing facility in New Hampshire and meeting with the management team I came away excited to join forces.”

Donarumo said his major accounts have been impressed with the new Foss product, which is ideal for the DIY customer. “Having the characteristics of transforming any space with a trendy new look without a large investment by the consumer is an important hook in today’s busy lifestyle. I am not easily drawn to introducing new products without a track record, but after meeting the folks at Foss and seeing the products firsthand I committed on the spot.”

Must Read

Southwind names Jim Mahaffey divisional VP

Dalton, Ga.—Jim Mahaffey has been chosen to be the divisional vice president for Southwind's Northeast region of the sales team. Mahaffey joins Southwind after...

Aladdin Commercial unveils new Main Street collections

Calhoun, Ga.—Aladdin Commercial has unveiled new and refreshed Main Street collections designed to complement every setting with a mix of fresh style and long-lasting...

Coverings 2024 and Earth Day activities

Atlanta—Coverings, North America’s largest and preeminent international tile and stone exhibition and conference, has released a curated selection of sustainability-centric show activities to commemorate...

Cali launches new Mavericks laminate collection

San Diego, Calif.—Cali has introduced Laminate Mavericks. Named after the Northern California surf spot known for its massive waves, this new NALFA-certified collection offers...

Natural Stone Institute Awards Program calls for entries

Oberlin, Ohio—The entry period for the 2024 Natural Stone Institute Award Program is now open. The association is calling for entries for the Pinnacle...

Wood: Opportunities abound at the high end

In the current inflationary environment—although there are signs that it seems to be cooling—one might assume that subsegments such as the ultra-high-end hardwood flooring...
Some text some message..
X