W
ith almost 100 plants, more than 250 distribution points and 32,000 employees — Jeffrey
S. Lorberbaum, Mohawk Industries president and CEO, is at the helm of a growth machine in the
flooring industry. Fueled by a wide array of products, and by distribution and sales that have
grown from $300 million in 1992 to almost $5 billion today — the momentum for both internal growth
and growth through acquisition seems unstoppable.
Textile World
’s Carpet Editor Peggy Whaley reports in this issue’s cover story that Mohawk’s dedication to
growth is not new. Rather, it has been the thrust behind moving market share from 3 percent in 1992
to a little less than 30 percent today. Whaley points out the company’s financial success as well,
noting a top-line compounded growth rate of 16 percent over the last five years.
It is no wonder that Lorberbaum has been nominated for the Contribution to the Industry
Award. The award is among this year’s new Best of FloorTek Awards, to be presented by the American
Floorcovering Alliance this month at FloorTek Expo in Dalton, Ga. Lorberbaum’s dedication to both
the customer and Mohawk’s retail partners, as well as the swift focus he has shown in moving the
company from “carpet supplier to total flooring company,” illustrate the dynamic nature of his
leadership.
Today, the US flooring industry is revered on a global basis, and it is companies such as
Mohawk that have made that happen. Leadership, innovation, investment, as well as a focus on
delivering value to the customer in the face of changing tastes, keep this segment vibrant and
healthy.
As difficult times have affected many sectors of the textile industry, Mohawk aptly
redefines itself, never forgetting its 1920s heritage from the Shuttleworth Brothers and McCleary,
William and Crouse. Mohawk continues moving forward, focusing on meeting its customers’ needs.
Strategically, becoming a national distributor of Congoleum vinyl; adding $1 billion in sales in
the hard surface arena through Dal-Tile; and acquiring American Weavers’ and Crown Crafts’ woven
businesses, making it a leader in throws and pillows — all illustrate the breadth and depth Mohawk
brings to the consumer product segment.
Given Mohawk’s history, when Lorberbaum states, “We’re excited about the opportunities for
Mohawk’s future growth,” one can imagine what the future holds. Clearly, an even stronger, more
integrated Mohawk is on the horizon.
April 2003
