Server: Netscape-Communications/1.1 Date: Thursday, 18-Dec-97 04:46:47 GMT Last-modified: Wednesday, 08-Jan-97 18:29:04 GMT Content-length: 6177 Content-type: text/html Interface - Interface Flooring Systems Interface Flooring Systems logo AFTER TWO YEARS OF RESTRUCTURING, INTERFACE FLOORING SYSTEMS (IFS) ACHIEVED GRATIFYING RESULTS IN 1995. Styling and simplification programs, coupled with efficient mass customization, resulted in an optimized delivery system and a significantly increased number of product introductions. These high quality tile and six foot modular introductions were warmly embraced by the interior design community. IFS - Window Sculpture photoBecause of its exemplary, turnaround, the company's successful model is being implemented throughout the floorcoverings group.

Under the direction of new President and CEO John Wells, former Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, the company's make-to-order, mass customization directive, calling for the introduction of at least one new product every month, broke new ground within the industry.

During 1995, selecting from among 20 new product introductions, the International Interior Design Association presented the prestigious APEX award for Northern ExposureTM. Similarly, the new and highly stylized group, called lntersculptTM patterned carpet, which accounted for the preponderance of the company's new products in 1995, received accolades for the bold styling influence of the Roman-Oakey group, whose efforts continued to generate excitement throughout the design community.

At the same time, IFS reduced inventories, and improved customer service by shortening lead times from eight weeks to five. The goal for 1996 is to halve that figure. In short, the continued focus on mass customization yields success that is measured, not only by the sheer quantity of products introduced, but by greater product quality and styling options, improved service levels, lower inventory levels and increased sales.

One of IFS's top initiatives for the year involved connecting its people in innovative training and developmental processes. In addition, IFS's participation in QUEST met with great enthusiasm, and the organization led the Interface, Inc. group of companies with the most improvement in 1995. In December, management capped the year by seizing the opportunity to "put its people first," enrolling over 700 associates in a Pecos "Play to Win" program.

IFS Shared the life changing Pecos spirit externally by giving 100 customers the opportunity to experience a weekend "Play to Win" event, called the Why? Conference. Larry Wilson, Founder and President of the corporate training company, Pecos River Learning Centers, led the team building event. The value of this investment immediately became evident in more effective partnering between the company and its customers. In conjunction with sister companies Bentley Mills and Prince Street, IFS plans to make closer connections with more of its clients in the year ahead through expanded Pecos involvement.

IFS also completed a master organizational and facility plan during 1995. The plan resulted in cultural changes, such as simplified reporting structures and daily work patterns and practices. Along with cultural change came the completion of an open office configuration which eliminates the physical obstacles to efficiency and teamwork. This well received, holistic office concept will be applied to other corporate facilities in the future.

Another milestone was achieved in 1995 with the lease of "Catawba" in Pine Mountain, Georgia, the Interface family's home-away-from-home for conducting business with customers. Built in 1957 near beautiful Callaway Gardens at the southernmost reach of the Appalachian chain, this American Institute of Architects award-winning home mirrors the reenergized culture of IFS. Renovated and redecorated, Catawba serves as a lodge for visiting client project teams who find easy inspiration in the design sensibilities surrounding them.

Another resourceful connection, made in the spirit of EcoSense, was reflected in IFS's striving toward closed-loop recycling. Defying business-as-usual paradigms, IFS led the way by implementing the visionary EverGreenTM Lease. Under this "products of service" concept, inspired by architect Bill McDonough and articulated in Paul Hawken's ground-breaking book, The Ecology of Commerce, Interface retains ownership of the installed carpet tiles, maintains them, and selectively replaces and recycles worn tiles. Guided by environmental builder and consultant John Picard, the Southern California Gas Company's Energy Resource Center became the first participant in in this program which is patterned after nature's own cyclical processes. IFS initiated another carpet recycling program as a primary member of DuPont's Partners for Carpet Reclamation Program. By year's end, the company had taken the lead by recycling more than any other industry participant.

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