Dalton—To ensure proper cleaning solutions and procedures are used in maintaining its products, Beaulieu of America will be amending its product warranty, effective Jan. 1, 2007. To maintain the manufacturer’s warranties, all products purchased after this date will require the use of carpet care products which have obtained the Carpet & Rug Institute’s (CRI) Seal of Approval (SOA) certification.

Proper cleaning and adequate maintenance of Beaulieu products are essential in achieving consumer satisfaction, noted Carl Bouckaert, the mill’s chairman and CEO. “We enthusiastically support CRI’s SOA program which promotes improved cleaning and maintenance materials and equipment.”

“Beaulieu’s move toward these warranty modifications reflects the value we place on the proper care of our products as it relates to consumer satisfaction,” added Ralph Boe, the manufacturer’s president and COO.

Beaulieu’s Complete Warranty & Carpet Care Guide is available to consumers by request from its headquarters in Dalton.

With this move, Beaulieu joins Mohawk Industries and Shaw Industries in similar initiatives. Mohawk announced it will change its warranties to state that its broadlom will require the use of only those products which have earned the CRI SOA, while Shaw has partnered with the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) to service carpets covered by its warranties, ( FCNews, Nov. 14/21).

Beaulieu also announced an ongoing debit card program to reward retail salespeople. The promotion runs through Aug. 15, and includes Carefree Living, Fashion Essentials, Ultimate Performance and Stainmaster Luxury collections.

The debit card can be used anywhere a Visa card is accepted and can be used on future promotions as well.

“This will not be an automatic program and participants must go on-line, www.mybeaulieurewards.com, to register,” concluded Bouckaert.

For more on Beaulieu’s rewards program, salespeople should contact their territory manager.