Farnham, Quebec, Canada—As part of a continued global branding strategy, Tarkett has reorganized its North American residential business unit. Jan Lembregts, president of the residential resilient division has been given the added responsibilities of the company’s wood division. He replaces Jim Morando, who was named president of customer relations.

The reorganization, noted John Rietveldt, president of Tarkett’s worldwide residential division, will allow the company to present a uniform image to the marketplace, leverage its production capabilities, and ensure success of its U.S. distributors. “With these changes, our mindset is, to ultimately act more as one company in the marketplace,” said Lembregts.

“Everyone respects our organization and how we drive it, but at the same time we need to act more as one business. That is the single biggest objective that we have —to be a more unified company.” In his new function, Lembregts will be responsible for all operational aspects of Tarkett’s residential business in North America, with the exception of the AT Clarion (ATC) Group—the laminate joint venture with Aconcagua Timber Corp. ( FCNews, May 2/9).

He will oversee all production and product marketing of residential resilient and hardwood flooring. The AT Clarion Group is a separate business, noted Lembregts, run by a board of directors with executives from both Tarkett and the ATC Group.

The general manager of ATC is Jean Desautels, who reports to the board. In addition to operations, Lembregts will continue to manage Tarkett Canada and the Domco organization in Canada. He will also focus on further improving the production efficiency of Tarkett’s residential manufacturing facilities.

“What we are driving for, of course, is ultimately, the leading market share,” he explained. “We are in a very significant position in our wood business, and we want to strengthen that leadership position and grow it. The same goes for resilient. We’ve handled our resilient business well, especially with Fiberfloor, which has done well for us. What I will focus on is the operational side of the organization, as well as the product side, in order to really drive new and innovative products.”

In his new position, Morando will be responsible for all Tarkett sales functions and trade marketing in the U.S. He will also be responsible for the company’s U.S. distribution development, growing Tarkett and Domco residential resilient, hardwood and laminate sales as well as overseeing the trade marketing required to build retailer loyalty for Tarkett’s residential products. He will be working out of the company’s offices in Whitehall, Pa.

Both Lembregts and Morando will report directly to Rietveldt. “We’re a growing company, meaning we have significant issues that we need to manage and execute very well,” added Lembregts. “With Jim, who is taking over sales and distribution, he’ll be able to really focus on both sides—improving our distribution as well as working in the sales area to drive our product. I’ll do the same with both developing and marketing new products.”

“By leveraging the strengths of both Jan and Jim,” concluded Rietveldt, “we’ve been able to successfully realign their responsibilities to create a more effective management approach. This new structure will help us further energize our North American business and project a consistent image of Tarkett to our customers.” For more on Tarkett and its products, call 800/367-8275.