Chinese visitors to Armstrong Flooring Australia examine a newly made flooring sample.

Australia’s only manufacturer of vinyl flooring has welcomed a large delegation of Chinese business and sales representatives to its headquarters at Braeside in South East Melbourne.

The 24 person delegation includes 15 customers accompanied by nine of Armstrong Flooring key salespeople in China.

Armstrong Flooring Chinese staff, whose sales areas include 31 regions and all of China’s major cities, have so far seen Australian flooring installed in 40 buildings in China.

Export market

Armstrong Australia General Manager Richard Ye said hosting the delegation was an important milestone for the company and its connection with the Chinese market. “Armstrong Flooring Australia employs more than 100 people and China is one of our biggest export markets.”

“Our high-quality Australian-made flooring is used in hospitals, schools and office buildings across China.”

“The delegation of clients and China-based sales staff will help Armstrong Flooring Australia better connect with the Chinese market by building a deep understanding of our processes, capabilities, innovative approach and how our high-quality product is produced.”

“The visit is meant to help grow our sales in China and secure Australian jobs in South East Melbourne.

“The delegation members saw our factory in operation, watched staff create new colours to meet client specifications and met with staff and management,” Mr Ye said.

Global reputation

Kingston Mayor Cr Steve Staikos welcomed the visitors from China.

Cr Staikos said: “Quality Australian made products, such as Armstrong Flooring, has been identified as a preferred choice in a number of large scale local and national projects and it is commendable that Armstrong also has established a strong brand reputation globally.”

“With Armstrong Flooring Australia’s expansion into export markets, we look forward to watching with interest the company’s continuing success and seeing the community benefit it provides to our local community with regard to employment and local expenditure.”

“We warmly welcome our visitors from China and look forward to continuing strong economic ties with yourselves and our local businesses.”

Article by Jenny Ljunggren