The First Facility Management Blog


October 1st, 2008

Gerflor Relocates U.S. Operations

The France-based designer and manufacturer of vinyl resilient floor coverings has relocated its U.S. operations from Atlanta to Georgia, effective today, October 1. The relocation to the former Architectural Flooring Systems (AFS) headquarters, which Gerflor acquired in early June, includes Gerflor’s Sports and Commercial flooring divisions. The company states that its move to Chicago represents its continued growth in the U.S. commercial vinyl flooring market.

“Gerflor’s recent acquisition of AFS immediately increases our internal sales support operations, which is a vital component in our organizational expansion plans,” said Alan Fennell, president of Gerflor Commercial Flooring previously. “Our offices will officially close in Atlanta at the end of September, although business is already up and running in the new Chicago office.”

The company’s customer service phone number (877-437-3567) remains the same.

LABELS Flooring, Gerflor No Comments »

July 8th, 2008

Gerflor Ramps Up Conservation Effort

Gerflor, a global leader in the design and manufacture of vinyl resilient floor coverings, recently announced its Sample Reuse Program exclusively through its website at www.gerflor-us.com. By visiting the environment section of the website, visitors can print off a prepaid U.S. postage label and return Gerflor vinyl flooring samples to its Atlanta office for reuse and redistribution. The Sample Reuse Program aims to reduce environmental impact and creates a new way to achieve sustainable results.

“For more than 20 years, Gerflor has been committed to the concept of creating environmentally friendly products by making the strategic decision to place ‘green’ issues at the top of its agenda,” said Alan Fennell, president of commercial flooring. “The Sample Reuse Program is yet another way we show our commitment to the environment and further extends our leadership in developing sustainability practices.”

“When designing a space, we use samples to convey concepts or ideas to colleagues and clients,” said Robyn Dubick, interior designer, CR Goodman Associates. “With Gerflor’s new Sample Reuse Program, we have the opportunity to return unused samples that will ultimately help conserve natural resources and reduce the negative impact on the environment.”

Steps for mailing samples back to Gerflor:
• Print off the prepaid United States Postage label and instructions
• Pack the samples back into the original packaging or other box/envelope
• Give package to your mail delivery person or drop it off at the nearest post office

Gerflor has the largest collection of commercial vinyl flooring products in the world, with offerings ideally suited for health care, education, retail, corporate, and public spaces. Founded in 1937 and headquartered near Lyon, France, Gerflor provides unique product and design solutions and is present in 100 countries around the globe with more than 1,700 employees.

LABELS Flooring, Gerflor, Interiors, The_Environment No Comments »

June 11th, 2008

Gerflor Extends Market Reach In U.S.

The flooring company has established exclusive agreements with numerous sales representatives to extend its reach within the U.S. resilient flooring market.

“We are pleased to work with Gerflor whose trusted reputation in providing quality flooring and cutting edge designs is matched only by their product innovation,” said Al Buchholz of Buchholz Associates in Chicago. “When a job calls for aesthetic resilient flooring that is durable, hygienic and sustainable, Gerflor is an excellent choice.”

With the exclusive agreements, Gerflor has added the following companies to its distributor network: Action Commercial Sales of Orange, CA becomes the exclusive representative of Southern California; Buchholz Associates of Chicago, IL becomes the exclusive representative of Illinois; Hi Tec Flooring of Houston, TX becomes the exclusive representative of east Texas and Oklahoma; Indiana Carpet Decorators of Indianapolis, IN becomes the exclusive representative of Indiana; and Spartan Surfaces of Lancaster, PA becomes the exclusive representative of Delaware, Maryland, Northern Virginia and Washington DC.

About Gerflor
Gerflor has the largest collection of commercial vinyl flooring products in the world, with innovative offerings ideally suited to the, healthcare, education sports, retail, leisure, corporate and industrial sectors. Founded in 1937 and headquartered near Lyon, France, Gerflor provides unique product and design solutions and is present in more than 90 countries around the globe with over 1500 employees. Gerflor’s environmental record includes ‘A’ rated Green Guide (BRE) certification, outstanding whole life cycle performance, as well as full compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards.

LABELS Gerflor, Interiors No Comments »

March 13th, 2008

Gerflor Launches New Web Site


The France-based designer and manufacturer of vinyl resilient floor coverings has introduced its U.S. commercial Web site (www.gerflor-us.com). Features of the new Web site include a product section categorized by type, market, and color. Also, exclusive to the Gerflor Commercial U.S. site is a rep locater map, which allows visitors to click on a state to find their Gerflor sales rep. An e-newsletter option also allows visitors to receive the latest Gerflor product or feature news.

“The sales landscape has changed dramatically since the advent of the Internet and we want to equip potential customers with the tools necessary to make an informed decision,” said Alan Fennell, president of Gerflor Commercial Flooring. “Our goal is to provide consumers with timely, pertinent information about Gerflor vinyl flooring and its representatives through an easy to understand, easy to navigate website. The new site enables customers to reach out directly to the Gerflor sales force with questions or concerns. In addition, the new site keeps consumers up to date with what’s happening in the world of Gerflor vinyl flooring through the news and useful links sections.”

About Gerflor
Gerflor’s collection of commercial vinyl flooring products are suited to the healthcare, education, sports, retail, leisure, corporate, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1937 and headquartered near Lyon, France, Gerflor is present in more than 90 countries around the globe with over 1500 employees. The company’s environmental record includes ‘A’ rated Green Guide (BRE) certification, outstanding whole life cycle performance, as well as full compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards. Gerflor commercial flooring can contribute toward LEED credits and is 100% recyclable.

LABELS Gerflor, Interiors No Comments »

January 11th, 2008

Gerflor Products Hit The Right Notes For Television Network


The designer and manufacturer of vinyl resilient floor coverings announced the use of its Taralay Premium Compact collection in a major music television network building in Los Angeles, CA. Taralay is designed to perform in high traffic areas and is treated with the patented floor treatments Sanosol®, an antimicrobial solution, and Protecsol®, a “no-polish-for-life” solution. Available with optional acoustic closed cell backings that provide ergonomic relief and comfort underfoot, Taralay also provides sound absorption.

“Shimoda Design Group is pleased to specify Gerflor flooring on this project,” said Shimoda project designer, Sue Chang. “When Shimoda Design Group considered floor coverings for the staff café, Gerflor’s diverse product designs and superior performance qualities were major benefits to our client. Gerflor flooring solutions are easy to clean and reduce noise to provide a welcoming, clean environment for employees.”

“Gerflor offers designers and customers a wide range of design options for all types of commercial environments,” said Alan Fennell, President of Gerflor U.S. Commercial Flooring. “Our extensive offerings of high quality products and vibrant colors further extend our presence in the U.S. as the world’s leader in vinyl product selections.”

Gerflor uses ingredients that are non-carcinogenic, non-mutagenic, and non-reprotoxic in the floor manufacturing process. The company’s patented floor treatments reduce the use of aggressive chemicals during maintenance, which helps to conserve water and energy, and improves indoor air quality. All of Gerflor’s flooring is 100% recyclable at the end of lifecycle.

About Gerflor Gerflor offers a collection of commercial vinyl flooring products, with innovative offerings ideally suited to the healthcare, education, sports, retail, leisure, corporate, and industrial sectors. Founded in 1937 and headquartered near Lyon, France, Gerflor provides numerous product and design solutions and is present in more than 90 countries around the globe with over 1500 employees. Gerflor’s environmental record includes ‘A’ rated Green Guide (BRE) certification, outstanding whole life cycle performance, as well as full compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 standards. In addition, Gerflor commercial flooring can contribute toward LEED credits and is 100% recyclable.

LABELS Flooring, Gerflor, Interiors No Comments »