As part of a new corporate structure aimed at galvanizing Lauzon's position in the hardwood flooring business, the company has established, what it describes as, "three new, separate and distinct vice-presidencies to maximize and harmonize opportunities." In doing so, the company, which markets the Eterna and Dubeau, brands, has added two new senior managers and promoted a third. Central to the new plan is the separation of Lauzon's sales and marketing departments. Each will now operate a distinct entity headed by one of the newly named vice presidents.

Joining the company is Louis Morin, who has been named vice president, strategic and international development. His responsibilities will include strategic planning, development of international markets as well as strategic acquisitions and alliances. Morin was formerly with BOA-FRANC / MIRAGE for 11 years.

Also René Dionne has been named vice president, marketing. He Formerly held the same position at Venmar Ventilation and Broan Nutone Canada since its acquisition by Nortek holding in 1996.

To lead the sales side, Lauzon has promoted Robert Coveney to senior vice president, sales. Previously he was vice president sales & marketing. In his new post he will oversee the Lauzon, Eterna and Dubeau sales organization.

The 20-year old privately held company said the moves come on the heels of a first quarter double-digit sales increase that out paced industry growth . "Lauzon's success and continued sales increase is the result of an aggressive differentiation strategy to maintain its competitive edge and to build customer awareness, achieved through tight and optimal coordination of sales, R&D, marketing and product development functions," said the company ion a statement announcing the changes.

"Our reinforced and unified corporate differentiation strategy supports our mission statement -- to constantly assert our leadership and to continuously challenge the best in the industry", added David Lauzon., the company's founder, president and CEO