DALTON, Ga. — September 9, 2010 — Deputy Assistant Secretary for Import Administration Ronald K.
Lorentzen today explained how implementing sustainable manufacturing best practices can improve
industry competitiveness and create a more stable environment for job growth during a Sustainable
American Regional Tour (SMART), in Dalton, Ga. More than 60 representatives from the domestic
carpet industry attended the event sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Import
Administration (IA) and Shaw Industries Group, Inc.
“The U.S. carpet and floor covering industries are among the most progressive industries in
addressing environmental and sustainable manufacturing challenges,” Lorentzen said. “The
opportunities associated with these practices can be easily applied to most domestic manufacturing
sectors.”
Lorentzen and Kim Glas, IA’s deputy assistant secretary for textiles and apparel, highlighted
Commerce’s Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative and discussed the resources available from the
Federal government to address the issue of advancing competitiveness through sustainability.
Participants toured local manufacturing facilities and participated in round table discussions on
sustainable business practices.
Lorentzen and Glas joined Representative Tom Graves and Vance Bell, Chief Executive Officer
for Shaw Industries Group, Inc., for a round table discussion with industry representatives
discussing the leadership and competitiveness of the carpet industry.
“The carpet and flooring industries lead by example,” said Bell “Today’s presentations and
tours demonstrate the substantive positive impacts we are having with sustainable manufacturing.
This bodes well for the long-term success of the industry.”
According to the Carpet and Rug Institute, U.S. carpet mills have invested more than $400
million in new technology to improve sustainability.
For more information on the Sustainable Manufacturing Initiative and other regional tours,
please visit:
www.manufacturing.gov/sustainability.
Posted on September 14, 2010
Press Release Courtesy of the International Trade Administration
