Calhoun, Ga.— Mohawk Industries has realigned its residential and commercial flooring businesses into two strategic business units (SBU) to better assist its customers and enhance operations. “What we’ve really done is split-up our manufacturing operations to focus solely on residential or commercial produc tion,” said Mike Zoellner, Mohawk’s vice president of marketing services.

“Up until now the plants were co-mingled and under the same management. This move places each group closer to the manufacturing process than it was before. It’s really more of an internal move so that our people can focus on one particular part of the business—either residential or commercial—which ultimately helps the dealer.”

“Our intent is to develop a structure which allows Mohawk employees to utilize their skills, increase responsiveness and contribute to our overall success,” added Jeff Lorberbaum, the company’s chairman and CEO. The change will not effect Mohawk’s retail groups or its reps who call on customers, noted Zoellner.

“In fact, for our customers, there really is no change. Our delivery systems are already segmented just by the nature of who you’re taking product to. The retailers will still deal with their territory managers and the products and brands will remain under their respective categories.”

Monte Thornton, president of the Mohawk Group, will head the SBUs. Included in the residential division are Tom Lape, who will be responsible for sales and marketing, and Frank Peters, who will lead carpet and yarn manufacturing, product development and planning. Jim McCallum will head sales and marketing for the commercial unit, while Jim Prettyman will be responsible for carpet manufacturing, product development and planning.

In addition, Joe Yarbrough will lead operations and be responsible for extrusion, distribution, backing and cushion. “Mohawk continues to grow because it is willing to embrace change that can improve performance,” concluded Lorberbaum. “By focusing on both strategies for internal improvements and synergies, Mohawk can continue to exceed customer expectations in terms of value, service and product lines.”

Mohawk Featured In National Launch Of Swiffer Dalton— Mohawk carpet has been selected as the product of choice for the new Swiffer CarpetFlick, a tool that makes it easier for consumers to clean up crumbs and other debris between vacuumings. Demonstrations of this new product, which began last month and run through December, are taking place in over 15,000 stores nationwide.

Each demo will be done on a 2X4-ft. piece of Mohawk carpet which includes a small plaque with the manufacturer’s logo and a consumer toll-free number where homeowners can call for more information and to find the nearest Mohawk retailer. “This is an excellent opportunity not only to reinforce the comfort, beauty and ease of cleaning today’s carpets, but it’s another way in which we are building value in the Mohawk brand,” said Ed Williams, the mill’s senior vice president of marketing.

“Swiffer has established a strong presence in consumers’ minds as a premier product of quick clean-ups. Mohawk’s association with Swiffer is just one more way we can assist with bringing consumers into retail stores.” For more information about Mohawk’s participation with Swiffer, call 800/241-4900, ext. 24989.