LANCASTER, Pa., Oct. 30, 2008 -- Armstrong World Industries will convert its plant in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to make fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl (cushion vinyl) flooring products. This investment reflects the remarkable job our Lancaster floor plant employees have done of improving cost and quality. When the conversion is complete, the Lancaster plant will be the most technologically advanced sheet vinyl manufacturing facility in the world.  This is Armstrong’s largest investment in sheet vinyl manufacturing since the addition of ToughGuard® technology in Stillwater, Oklahoma over 10 years ago. 

“With this investment, Armstrong will be well positioned to serve customer needs for cushion vinyl and other loose lay floors,” said Allen Cubell, vice president, Residential Resilient Sheet and Tile. 

Consumers have embraced fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl floor products like Armstrong’s CushionStep™, a floor that offers comfort, style, and flexible installation options.  Armstrong, the market leader in resilient sheet flooring in North America, has seen double digit growth of fiberglass-backed sheet vinyl floors in North America for several years.  Volume has grown to the point which justifies manufacturing investment in the U.S.

 “There will be a number of benefits that result from this investment.   Our supply chain will be shorter allowing us to respond more quickly to customer requests.  We will be able to develop new products not currently in the marketplace today,” said Cubell.

Contacts:
Investors: Beth Riley, (717) 396-6354, bariley@armstrong.com
News media: Jennifer Johnson, 866-321-6677, jenniferjohnson@armstrong.com

Armstrong World Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design and manufacture of floors, ceilings and cabinets. In 2007, Armstrong’s consolidated net sales totaled approximately $3.5 billion. Based in Lancaster, Pa., Armstrong operates 40 plants in 10 countries and has approximately 12,300 employees worldwide.  For more information, visit www.armstrong.com.