CALHOUN, Ga. August 27, 2018—The magic all began when the first Karastan rug flowed from the power loom at 2 p.m. on April 8, 1928 in Eden, North Carolina.

Marshall Field’s, a leading U.S. retailer, commissioned a unique machine capable of recreating the detailed craftsmanship, vibrant colors and sumptuous feel of a hand-woven rug. These new, machine-made rugs rivaled their handmade counterparts, and their accessible luxury became the enduring hallmark of the Karastan brand.

In 1993, Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring manufacturer, acquired Karastan. Today, the company’s Eden facility produces not only the legendary Karastan rugs but also beautiful woven carpets for residential, commercial and aviation spaces.

For 90 years, the talented and dedicated men and women at the Eden manufacturing facility have crafted a legacy of beauty, quality and performance. This weekend the company honored the contributions of employees past and present with an open house celebration.

“Karastan is renowned for its artistry and innovation and has set the industry standard for craftsmanship and durability," said Brian Carson, President of Mohawk Flooring North America. “None of that would have been possible without the commitment to excellence of this plant’s people and their commitment to carrying on the Karastan tradition. The products they create here are more than flooring. They are the centerpiece of homes all over the country. They are where memories are made. For decades, these rugs have been passed down as heirlooms, and families have marked countless milestones on carpets that defined gracious living. Our colleagues here in Eden have a great deal to be proud of, and I want to thank each of them for their dedication to creating the highest quality rugs and carpet for consumers everywhere.”

To mark this significant milestone, Mohawk invited employees and family members to visit the manufacturing facility on Sunday, August 26, for plant tours, refreshments, photo opportunities and games.

“Our team takes an immense amount of pride in the products we create here,” said Plant Manager Darin Quesinberry. “We couldn’t celebrate nine decades of Karastan without recognizing the remarkable contributions of the men and women here in Eden. They are truly artisans, and many have been with the company for decades. Their commitment to consistently exceeding consumer expectations for beauty and performance have helped Karastan become the legendary brand it is today.”

Approximately 300 people joined in the festivities, celebrating the long history of the Eden location and the individuals who have contributed to its success over the past 90 years.

“I’ve had great-grandparents, grandparents and parents work here,” said Electrical Technician Don Hudgins. “I guess you could say I’m fourth generation. It’s just a testament to the product that we make and the team that we’ve been in business for 90 years.”

Warehouse Manager Garland Neblett said one thing that sets the Eden facility apart is the pride people take in their work.

“Working here becomes part of who you are and people take a lot of ownership in what they do,” he said. “I enjoy coming to work and the craft of what we do here. That’s a big part of my 23-year tenure – it’s the caring mentality. That’s what this place is about.”

Mohawk Flooring North America President Brian Carson, Mohawk Group President and Chief Sustainability Officer Michel Vermette, Senior Vice President of Human Resources Phil Brown, and Vice President of Commercial Product Development Jackie Dettmar attended the event to celebrate this impressive milestone with employees. Eden Mayor Neville Hall and Mayor Pro-tem Jim Burnett toured the facility and met with employees during the open house.

For more information about the history of the Karastan brand, visit https://www.karastan.com/celebrating-90-years.aspx.

About Mohawk
Mohawk Industries is a leading global flooring manufacturer that creates products to enhance residential and commercial spaces around the world. Mohawk’s vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution processes provide competitive advantages in the production of carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone and vinyl flooring. Our industry-leading innovation has yielded products and technologies that differentiate our brands in the marketplace and satisfy all remodeling and new construction requirements. Our brands are among the most recognized in the industry and include Mohawk, American Olean, Daltile,