Lawrence, MA - February 11, 2008. nora® Technical Academy recently opened its doors to floor covering installers seeking the latest installation techniques and updates to industry standards.

During intensive training sessions, Academy attendees received a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on training that focused on several aspects of installation specific to nora® rubber flooring. Josh Hogeboom, an installer with Spectra Contract Flooring in Orlando, Fla., was among the first technicians to complete the program.

"I've been installing nora® products for about five years," said Hogeboom. "I attended the nora® training program thinking it would repeat all the things I already knew. When I actually got there, saw the new products and went through the program, I realized that I had learned a lot and came away with new skills to help me do things better. We weren't necessarily doing things wrong before, but we were definitely making things harder on ourselves. Now we know for sure how the product is supposed to go down so that it performs the best long term."

Veteran installer John Antonacci, with M. Frank Higgins & Company, Newington, Conn., attended the Academy with Hogeboom and echoed many of the same sentiments as he reflected on his experience. "I've been installing floors for 20 years, but I still found things to learn. The sessions were very good, very informative and shared a lot of useful information on new techniques and products, like the cold weld process and the new nora dryfix installation tape. The videos demonstrating the right and the wrong way to do things were especially helpful, and throughout the session, instructors were always open to questions and suggestions from the installers in attendance."

nora® Technical Academy is specifically geared toward experienced flooring installers like Hogeboom and Antonacci who are working in the field. The program is designed to better prepare these craftsman to provide the most professional, skilled flooring installation services to their customers.

"We're looking for seasoned technicians who would like to hone their skills," said Marc Ilgenfritz, nora® technical specialist and an Academy instructor. "Our slogan - where exceptional performance begins - captures what we see as the significance of the program," he continued. "Any floor covering is only as good as the technician that installs it. If the flooring contractor is equipped with the right skills, the project is a success, meeting and exceeding performance requirements and bringing to life the design of architects and interior designers."

Installers who attend the training sessions learn about everything from sub-floor preparation to the latest industry standards related to new moisture testing methods and equipment. Those who successfully complete the program and demonstrate an understanding of nora products and correct installation techniques are given a nora approved installer status. Depending on ability, they may also be awarded the master or elite status.

Both Hogeboom and Antonacci achieved master installer status. "The master installer status means a lot to me and goes a long way in our field," said Hogeboom. "It allows you to be at the top of the list for any job that comes up. You also have the opportunity to help other installers when they encounter problems with a job."

"Training nora approved and master installers like Josh and John requires a significant investment of time and resources," said Dennis Schmick, president, North America, nora systems, Inc. "But it's an investment that pays dividends with every installation. By going the extra mile and providing instruction in the latest installation techniques and industry standards, we create opportunities for inspired design and ensure the exceptional performance of our floors."

New classes at nora® Technical Academy are forming in February and will run throughout the spring. For more information about the program or to receive scheduling and registration details for upcoming classes, call 800-332-NORA or visit www.norarubber.com.

Seasoned floor covering installers learn latest techniques and earn "nora® approved" and "master installer" certification at nora® Technical Academy

nora systems, Inc. has been located in the United States for more than 30 years. It is the U.S. headquarters of German-based nora systems GmbH, the world's largest manufacturer of commercial rubber floor covering systems. The company has been designing and manufacturing nora rubber flooring for more than 50 years, meeting a wide range of functional performance requirements while paying close attention to the aesthetic aspects of interior design. For additional information, contact nora systems, Inc. at 1-800-332-NORA or visit the company's web site at www.norarubber.com.

Please Direct Reader Inquiries to:
Carol Fudge
nora® systems, Inc.
94 Glenn Street
Lawrence, MA 01843
Toll-free: 1-800-332-NORA
Phone: (978) 689-0530
Fax: (978) 975-0110
www.norarubber.com