Initial claims for U.S. jobless benefits posted a second straight decline in the week ended Nov. 9, the Labor Department reported.

Armstrong Holdings Inc. (AHI) and Armstrong World Industries Inc. (AWI) announced recently that the New York Stock Exchange Inc. (NYSE) has determined to suspend trading and pursue delisting AHI's common stock (and of AWI's 9.75 percent Debentures due April 15, 2008 and 7.45 percent Senior Quarterly Interest Bonds due October 15, 2038).

Pergo AB and the main shareholder of Witex AG, HW Industries GmbH & Co. KG, have signed a letter of intent concerning a merger between Pergo and Witex.

Armstrong Holdings Inc. recently reported 2002 third quarter net sales of $846.0 million, as compared to $804.9 million in the third quarter of 2001, an increase of 5.1 percent.

Rug manufacturer 828 International Trading Co. has been recognized as the fourth fastest-growing company in the state of South Carolina.

Armstrong World Industries Inc. has filed a Plan of Reorganization with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware in its Chapter 11 reorganization case.

U.S. economic growth forged ahead during the third quarter at more than twice the anemic rate of the second quarter, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.

In conjunction with a reorganization of the company’s senior management team, Foamex International Inc. CEO Thomas E. Chorman has taken on the mantle of company president.

Accu-Cut/Brockie International announced recently that it has acquired cutting machine manufacturer SuperCut Inc. of Central City, Kentucky.

Coverings, the International Tile, Stone, and Flooring Exposition, today announced eight co-sponsors for this year's event taking place March 24-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla.