This statistical illustration appeared in the Sept. 29, 1986, edition of Floor Covering News, and it provides an interesting contrast to references in this special Statistics Issue. In two decades there has been a dramatic change in carpet shipments. In 1979, 30 mills shipped 65% of the carpet produced, and in 1986, 30 mills accounted for 85% of the shipments. Today, the top three carpet companies account for 87% of the shipments, and the top four, more than 90%. That overwhelming dominance came in the wake of the great consolidation that has gripped the carpet industry since the mid-’80s.