Taking “a different approach in the region,” Armstrong has opened a Pacific Northwest distribution business that will cover six states including Alaska.  The new business unit, Armstrong NW, will handle sales and distribution for residential products using a warehouse in Seattle. The credit and customer service departments will be based in Armstrong’s corporate headquarters in Lancaster, Pa., and operate on Pacific Standard Time.

            The decision to set up a distributor in the region comes seven months after longtime Armstrong distributor Sea-Pac Sales ended its 50-year relationship with the company following a contract dispute. Paul Murfin, Armstrong vp sales, noted that the distribution void created by the situation was “something Armstrong would have chosen to avoid.”

            “We are extremely grateful that our customers have continued to work with us on any problems our recent distribution challenges may have caused them and their business,” he said. “We are eager to earn the respect, support and business of the Northwest dealer community.”

            Armstrong has named Pacific Northwest distribution veteran Monte Asken  general sales manager of the new business. Asken, who recently worked for distributor C.A. Newell Co., noted that Armstrong NW will feature a dedicated sales team “backed by a logistics system that provides reliable service on a consistent basis.”

            “We look forward to the opportunity to introduce dealers to the exciting array of new Armstrong, Bruce Laminate and Robbins products launching this season, and to show how Armstrong delivers consumers to dealers’ doors with our national advertising campaign,” he added.

            Armstrong NW will focus exclusively on residential product and will offer Armstrong Residential Vinyl Sheet, MODe LVT, Armstrong and Bruce Laminates, as well as Armstrong and Bruce Hardwoods. Commercial products in the region will continue to be handled by Cascade Pacific and Goodfellow U.S.