The U.S. economy grew at a faster-than-expected 2% annual rate in the first quarter, as a rise in consumer spending outweighed drops in business investment and inventories.
Spurred by lower mortgage rates, sales of new U.S. homes rocketed to a record rate and existing U.S. homes rose to their second-highest rate on record in March, according to separate reports released by the U.S. Commerce Department and National Association of Realtors (NAR).
Worldwide commercial interiors products and services provider Interface Inc. reported net income of $4.4 million, or 9 cents per diluted share, on sales of $306.5 million results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2001.
EmilAmerica Inc., the wholly owned subsidiary of Italian ceramic tile manufacturer EmilCeramica SpA, has opened a new 20,000-square foot North American headquarters and distribution center in Alexandria, Va.
Harris-Tarkett Inc., the hardwood flooring subsidiary of Domco Tarkett Inc., has acquired the former Burruss facility in Brookneal, Va. for $3.5 million.
Building upon the momentum established in preceding quarters, Interceramic posted record sales, operating income and EBITD in the first quarter of 2001.