Tarkett is pleased to announce that it has entered into a joint venture with Aconcagua Timber Corp. (ATC), a North American wood panel manufacturing company in an effort to increase wood panel and laminate production and distribution throughout the rapidly growing North American market.
Implemented in stages, the first undertaking of the partnership will be the refitting of the existing plant located in Clarion, Pennsylvania, which will produce high-density fiberboard in sizes to accommodate laminate flooring production. The second stage will expand manufacturing MDF moldings by the end of 2005 and begin production of laminate flooring in 2006. The total investment will be close to $130 million over the next three years.
The fully integrated partnership will be equally owned and operated by Tarkett and ATC. “We needed a strategic partner to help us expand our manufacturing capabilities and allow us to continue to provide our customers with the top quality and innovative products they have come to expect from Tarkett,” said Jan Lembregts, president, Tarkett Residential, North America. “Our ultimate goal is to increase our North American laminate market share to a leadership position, and with ATC’s technical expertise and business development strategy, we are confident that this will come to fruition.”
In an effort to expand the company’s already solid position as a leading world-wide laminate manufacturer, Tarkett approached ATC based on the superiority of their engineered panels and the recent runway success of the Tarkett Laminate launch. “Tarkett is the true leader in laminate flooring solutions and this joint venture will solidify that position as we expand our product offerings and service for our customers,” added John Rietveldt, president, Tarkett Residential, Worldwide.
Download
Section 