Calhoun, Ga.—The Multi-layer Flooring Association (MFA) welcomed new members at its first annual general assembly meeting in Dalton. The newly formed association gathered to define the innovative, robust category of multi-layer polymer composite flooring as well as discuss the need for industry standards regarding performance, terminology, safety and sustainability.
“The MFA meeting was extremely productive with very robust discussions highlighting the pressing need for clear standards and industry terminology for all to use in this fast growth category,” said Harlan Stone, MFA president. “It was hard to believe it was only our first annual general assembly.”
Peter Barretto, president and CEO of Torlys, an MFA member, also serves as MFA’s marketing committee chairman. During the general assembly meeting, he outlined several goals and objectives. Among them: 1.Have the first ASTM standard for WPC products established and in place by the end of the year; 2. Create identifiable category names for the new rigid core LVT sector; and 3. Expand MFA’s marketing committee to help communicate the aforementioned standards and agreed-upon names.
In addition, MFA announced plans to create a new sustainability committee to develop environmental standards for the category. Metroflor’s Rochelle Routman will serve as sustainability committee chair, while David Sheehan (Mannington), Troy Virgo (Shaw Industries) and Amy Costello (Armstrong Flooring) will serve as members on the committee.
“The MFA, as an association, is developing very fast, which is needed in this fast-paced segment,” Barretto said. “This new association already represents the majority of the industry in terms of the top brands and sales volume. We expect the few remaining players will join shortly to make MFA the unequivocal voice of the new rigid polymer flooring category.”
The association comprises 15 of the most influential flooring suppliers, including: Armstrong, CFL, EarthWerks, IVC, Karndean, Mannington, Metroflor, Mohawk, MP Global, Novalis, Pak Lite, PLI, Shaw, Torlys and USFloors. Board members are as follows: Harlan Stone (president) Metroflor; Philippe Erramuzpe (vice president) USFloors; Jamey Brock (secretary) Armstrong; and Mark Hansen (treasurer) Novalis.