DALTON, Ga. -– Well-known flooring industry executive Ralph J. Boe has assumed the reins as president of the Beaulieu residential division. Boe, who has oversight responsibility for all aspects of his division -- including both hard and soft surfaces, and raw materials – succeeds Piet Dossche in the job.

A physical chemist, with a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Boe spent 15 years with IE DuPont Co. in fiber-related businesses before leaving to become chief operating officer of Horizon Industries in 1984. When Horizon was sold to Mohawk Industries in 1992, Boe joined Diamond Rug and Carpet Mills as president.

In late 1996, following the asset sale of Diamond Rug to Mohawk, Boe joined Shaw Industries and undertook an assessment of the UK business, leading to a turnaround and management buyout in 1998. Boe has served as CEO and managing director of Carpets International and will continue to serve as chairman of the board for a period of time. Carpets International is the largest carpet manufacturer in the UK, serving both residential and commercial sectors.

Beaulieu’s product offerings and brands, such as Laura Ashley, Waverly and Alexander Julian, were cited by Boe as strengths of the residential division. He also referred to Beaulieu’s significant investment in equipment and recent acquisitions as positive factors for long-term growth.

“The complexity of merging business units, controlling expenses and coping with tight margins in the industry are always a challenge,” Boe said. “Nevertheless, strong sales at Surfaces 2001 and other recent shows, along with a drop in interest rates and supportive relationships in the financial sector, are clear indicators for increasing our market share and long-term profitability.” DALTON, Ga. – Well-known flooring industry executive Ralph J. Boe has assumed the reins as president of the Beaulieu residential division. Boe, who has oversight responsibility for all aspects of his division -- including both hard and soft surfaces, and raw materials – succeeds Piet Dossche in the job.

A physical chemist, with a Ph.D. from the University of Maryland, Boe spent 15 years with IE DuPont Co. in fiber-related businesses before leaving to become chief operating officer of Horizon Industries in 1984. When Horizon was sold to Mohawk Industries in 1992, Boe joined Diamond Rug and Carpet Mills as president.

In late 1996, following the asset sale of Diamond Rug to Mohawk, Boe joined Shaw Industries and undertook an assessment of the UK business, leading to a turnaround and management buyout in 1998. Boe has served as CEO and managing director of Carpets International and will continue to serve as chairman of the board for a period of time. Carpets International is the largest carpet manufacturer in the UK, serving both residential and commercial sectors.

Beaulieu’s product offerings and brands, such as Laura Ashley, Waverly and Alexander Julian, were cited by Boe as strengths of the residential division. He also referred to Beaulieu’s significant investment in equipment and recent acquisitions as positive factors for long-term growth.

“The complexity of merging business units, controlling expenses and coping with tight margins in the industry are always a challenge,” Boe said. “Nevertheless, strong sales at Surfaces 2001 and other recent shows, along with a drop in interest rates and supportive relationships in the financial sector, are clear indicators for increasing our market share and long-term profitability.”