Calhoun, Ga.— Mohawk Industries has agreed to purchase Foss Floors, a Georgia-based manufacturer known for its expertise in non-woven, needle-punch technology used in products ranging from peel-and-stick carpet tile to artificial turf. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter, after which Foss will be incorporated into the Mohawk Home business. Foss said it will continue to operate under its current leadership, led by president Brian Warren, who will report to Rocky Casteel, president of Mohawk Home.
Warren, a former Mohawk executive, called it “a great day” for Foss. “We’re excited as there are a lot of opportunities to capitalize on synergies with the great company that is Mohawk,” he stated.
In a memo to Mohawk staff, Paul De Cock, president of Mohawk Flooring North America, together with Casteel, described Foss as an “excellent complement to our existing Home business. Foss has a great team of people across its three facilities (in Chatsworth and Rome, Ga.). We have witnessed their commitment to customers, product innovation, safety and sustainability, and we are confident this will be a successful partnership with many opportunities to learn from one another as we go forward.”
Foss Floors, which sells primarily to national home centers and other manufacturers, has become an industry leader in non-woven flooring products—using its innovative technologies for indoor and outdoor rugs, peel-and-stick carpet tile, carpet, artificial turf and specialty mats for commercial entryways, as well as janitorial and sanitation applications and multiple components for other end uses.
Product lines including peel-and-stick carpet tile, Grizzly Grass—artificial turf that flooring dealers have cited as a new alternative to synthetic grass—and Foss Shield (flooring with antimicrobial protection). These branded products have become leaders within their specific niches. The self-stick carpet tiles and planks, for example, allow for easy installation while enabling businesses to open the next day given there are no VOCs used or cure times to be concerned with.
Going forward, Warren told FCNews that Foss will “operate the way we always have operated, which is to continue to be the best non-woven, needle-punch supplier to the industry.”
The company said it expects continued growth in soft flooring for outdoor applications in commercial channels including Main Street. In fact, Foss Floors is about to unveil a new peel-and-stick carpet tile for Main Street commercial. As well, the company said it sees growing acceptance of its new Grizzly Tiles—heavy duty products suitable for vestibules, walk-off areas and other tough applications that require grease, soil or moisture removal.
