Dalton—Following a year of unprecedented growth, IVC U.S., the North American division of Belgian resilient flooring manufacturer IVC Group, has appointed Xavier Steyaert, president, and Don Roberts vice president of retail sales and marketing.

Established in 2004, International Vinyl Co. U.S., stocks and distributes cushioned resilient flooring made of vinyl-encapsulated fiberglass manufactured at its parent company. This new floor covering category is recognized for its remarkable flexibility, realistic beauty and visual detail, noted IVC Group CEO Jan Debrouwere.

Steyaert comes to IVC U.S. from former parent company, the Belgian floor covering manufacturer Balta group, where he served as head of its commercial carpet division, Balta Contract. His career includes a decade of experience as a business and strategy consultant for Accenture in both Europe and the U.S.

“Xavier’s background in strategic planning and business process structuring, combined with his knowledge of the industry, makes him an ideal choice to lead IVC U.S.,” said Debrouwere.

During 2006, Steyaert said IVC will address the company’s continued aggressive sales growth by doubling its current personnel. He expects the company will begin manufacturing in the U.S. within five years.

“Our products redefine what has been known as vinyl flooring,” he said. “With their strength, flexibility, water resistance and realistic visuals, we are lifting the entire image of resilient sheet flooring to a new level.”

As a former president of Carpet One Retail, as well as one of the founders and vice president of sales for Edge Flooring, Don Roberts brings over 30 years of retail flooring sales experience to his new role. His other career experience includes 23 years as regional vice president with flooring retailer New York Carpet World. After it was acquired by Shaw Industries, Roberts served as vice president for both Shaw Retail and Maxim Group (CarpetMax/ Flooring America).

“2006 will be a crucial year for IVC,” said Stefan Debusschere, IVC’s senior vice president of sales and marketing. “Don’s sales force will prove invaluable as we expand our U.S. customer base.”

For more on IVC and its products, call 888/225-8287.