GREENVILLE, S.C. -- 828 International Trading Co. is gearing up to enter the high-end residential broadloom market. To that end, the company has hired Jim Beard as vice president of broadloom operations to head up this new initiative. He reports directly to Ivan Phillips, executive vice president of 828 International, and will work out of the company’s Greenville, S.C. headquarters.

A long-time floor covering industry veteran, Beard brings more than 25 years’ experience to 828 International. Most recently, he served as vice president of Radici USA. He has also held vice president positions at Horizon and Orian Rugs. His in-depth knowledge of manufacturing and importing is coupled by a strong understanding of fiber production gained through his years at DuPont and Allied.

“Beard’s tremendous expertise gives us a running start as we enter the broadloom business,” said Phillips. “We have experienced incredible growth in the past couple years and have no plans of slowing down. Now that we have successfully developed our power-loomed and handmade lines, high-end broadloom is the next logical step for us. Our goal is to become a total soft surface source, supplying our customers with the best in beautifully affordable rugs and carpets.”