Farnham, Quebec—Coming on the heels of its recent name change from Domco Tarkett to Tarkett ( FCNews, Sept. 15/22), the hard surface producer has announced it has filled key leadership positions for the Domco brand. Stephen Guindon has been named vice president of sales and marketing, and will oversee sales and marketing initiatives for Domco. In his new role, Guindon is responsible for all “go-to-market” functions in North America, including sales, marketing, product management, distribution, styling and customer service.

Mario Allard has been named product and marketing manager and reports directly to Guindon. He is responsible for product management as well as all marketing and promotional activities. Both Guindon and Allard are Tarkett veterans, having most recently served as national manager, contract division, Domcor, and product manager for Domco Tarkett Residential, respectively. The appointments coincide with the company’s recent announcement to change its corporate name to Tarkett. Even with the renewed emphasis on the Tarkett name at the corporate level, Domco will continue to be supported through clearly differentiated products, services, promotions and merchandising, noted Jan Lembregts, president of Tarkett’s Residen tial division.

“This new, dedicated management team provides a fresh perspective and combines complementary knowledge in manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution,” he said. “The Domco brand will have an opportunity to flourish by developing its own unique products and programs directly tied to its customer base and its position in the North American marketplace.” In other news, Tarkett announced that The Stephens Co. has added the manufacturer’s luxury vinyl tile to its existing line of Tarkett products. A long time distributor of the Azrock and Nafco brands, The Stephens Co., headquartered in Houston, has been in business since 1946. It will now distribute Tarkett luxury vinyl tile in the entire state of Texas. “We’ve been in partnership with Tarkett since 1952, and we recognize the success we have achieved with its products,” said Tom Buckley, president of The Stephens Co.

“Adding the Tarkett luxury vinyl tile line to our collection will complete the range of products we offer from Tarkett and ultimately strengthen our position in the marketplace.” Finally, a linen-weave pattern, marble look-alikes and a traditional ceramic tile are just a sample of the new designs that will be added to the Domco brand this fall. The changes feature a total of five patterns and 18 colors which include three additions to Cerama and a single design each to Image and the CustomFlor line. “For Domco this fall, we’ve put the design focus on three of our most popular mid-priced lines,” said Jacques Bordeau, director of marketing. “We have added a contemporary look and updated our more traditional marble/ceramic tile looks.”

The new introductions feature an overall styling that is much more contemporary in nature yet complementary to the many natural looks in the lines, noted George Graboshas, vice president of design. “For Cenna and Image, we have combined our Natural Wonders low-gloss finish and texturing process with a new embossing technique. The result is that we can give each pattern a subtle yet natural surface texturing that imparts a more urban appeal.” The subtle texturing of finely woven linen is the inspiration for Linea, a contemporary addition to the Cerama line. The use of multiple colors and delicate tonal variations enhance the overall look of the design, noted Graboshas. A nine-inch square tile layout with a thin, straight grout line lends a modernistic look. It is available in four updated colors: Bombay, Cheyenne, Cameo and Good Earth. Infusion is a classic marble in a bold 12-in. square.

The use of one dominant color and the interplay of complementary colors throughout the marble veining update the design. A thin grout line adds an overall graphic look. There are four colors available: Windsong, City Scape, Silver Fox and Stone. The warmth and beauty of a hardwood floor is recreated in Fairfax Plank, a three-in. wide oak plank design in a light and a medium oak. The new addition to Image is Gamma, a 12-in. square marbleized design. “This pattern combines natural marble veining with slightly ferrous colorings,” said Graboshas. “The unique coloring and a grid-like grout line give the design a high-tech look.” Its four colors are: Heather, Light Sugar, Cameo Beige and Espresso. Windstone is the CustomFlor design. It is a reproduction of a classic ceramic tile in a seven-in. square. “Its subtle overall toning with shading along the edges recreates the look of kilnfired clay,” concluded Graboshas. It is available in White Cloud, Pale Taupe, Light Cream and Warm Sand. For more information, call 800/367-8275.