Make two into one

Training and Information Center nora systems

Training Center nora systems

New Managing Director Ton van Keken

In August 2018, the Weinheim-based rubber flooring manufacturer nora systems announced its acquisition by the American flooring manufacturer Interface. Since then, Interface and nora executives have been tirelessly working on integration, which is expected to extend until 2020. As already mentioned at the time of the transaction, the merger of the two companies offers significant added value for all stakeholders. "With Interface, we have found an optimal partner," says Christa Hoffmann, Managing Director of nora systems GmbH. "Because our rubber flooring perfectly complements Interface's existing product portfolio in the areas of carpet tiles and LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles). The merger provides both companies with the opportunity to operate in untapped markets through a new range of products and performance features. Interface is mainly specialized in the hotel and office sectors, while the application areas for rubber floors are primarily in healthcare, education, and industry," Hoffmann adds.

Changes in Management

Alongside Christa Hoffmann, nora systems GmbH was also led by Andreas Mueller. During the integration process, at the beginning of 2019, the respective areas of responsibility were adjusted, and the company's management was reorganized. Christa Hoffmann remains CEO at the Weinheim location and also serves as Vice President Finance & Administration for the Interface regions of Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia (EAAA). Andreas Mueller, former CEO of nora, was appointed Chief Customer Officer effective January 1, 2019, and now leads customer support for the entire company worldwide. With the assumption of this role, he stepped down from the management of nora systems GmbH. Dr. Peter Schwarzenberger, previously part of the extended management team, has focused since the beginning of the year on production management in Weinheim, overseeing the manufacturing of rubber flooring. Newly appointed to the management team is Dutch native and long-standing Interface employee Ton van Keken, Vice President Supply Chain. He has extensive experience in managing company locations. Together with Christa Hoffmann, he forms the new management of nora systems GmbH.

nora systems GmbH Continues on Growth Path

As in previous years, nora was able to look back on a solid year in 2018. Interface increased its net sales in 2018 by 18 percent compared to the previous year, from $996 million to $1.2 billion. Since the transaction, nora contributed $113 million to this net sales figure in 2018. Investments at the Weinheim site were also continued. In 2018, the company spent around €6.2 million on new equipment and technical innovations.

Joint Sustainability Journey

Interface is recognized as a pioneer in sustainability within the industry. The company has been awarded annually in the Sustainability Leaders Report by GlobeScan and SustainAbility for over 20 years and is the only company to have maintained its position in this ranking since the report's inception. For Interface, the central pillars regarding this topic are the Mission Zero® initiative to reduce environmental impact, and Climate Take Back™ – an initiative focused on reversing global warming.

As part of Interface, nora systems GmbH will now gradually be integrated into all sustainability programs to work towards the same goals. In the first step, specialized teams will focus on further reducing the CO2 footprint of the entire nora product lifecycle to achieve climate neutrality. "With this step, we are building on our existing sustainability strategy and making a valuable contribution to environmental and climate protection," Hoffmann concludes.

Furthermore, as of January 1, 2019, nora flooring has been included in Interface's Carbon Neutral Floors™ program to further promote the commitment to achieving climate neutrality. As a result, the entire product portfolio of Interface – carpet tiles, LVT, and now also nora flooring – is climate-neutral throughout its entire lifecycle.