Continuing the quest of Roger De Clerck, founder of Beaulieu Belgium, Mieke
and Carl Bouckaert established Beaulieu of America in 1978 as the first producer
of polypropylene oriental rugs. As sales grew Carl and Mieke invested in yarn
extrusion in 1981 becoming the first manufacturer in the carpet and rug industry
to produce their own yarn. Sparked by continued growth, the Bouckaerts
diversified into tufting carpet in 1984, establishing a factory known today as
Beaulieu Commercial in Chatsworth, Georgia.
In 1987, Beaulieu of America's extrusion capacity was greatly increased with the
addition of the Bridgeport, Alabama facility. This modern facility gives
Beaulieu the ability to produce nylon polymers and nylon yarns. In 1990,
Beaulieu continued its vertical integration with the addition of yet another new
facility in Bridgeport, Alabama for the extrusion of polypropylene staple fiber,
polypropylene slit film, and weaving of primary and secondary backing.
The expansion in yarn extrusion and polymer capacity is being driven by the
growth of the carpet and rug manufacturing. From the first carpet manufactured
in 1984 to the acquisition of Conquest Carpet Mills, Interloom, Coronet
Industries, Grass More and D&W Carpets, through the establishment of Murray
Fabrics, Beaulieu of America has rapidly grown into the world's third largest
carpet producer. With the additions of Marglen Industries, Columbus Carpet
Mills, and Peerless Carpet Corporation, Beaulieu of America has further
strengthened its position as the number three soft floor covering producer in
the world.
Beaulieu of America also looks outside the U.S. borders for growth
opportunities. In 1980, Beaulieu Canada was founded for the manufacturing of
woven rugs. The 1990 purchase of Coronet yielded Coronet Canada, the second
largest manufacturer in Canada. In 1998, Beaulieu acquired Peerless Carpet
Corporation, then the number one carpet producer in Canada. This acquisition
secured Beaulieu Canada's position as the largest manufacturer of Carpet in
Canada. Overseas production was expanded in 1995 when Beaulieu acquired an
Australian Manufacturer, Sterling Carpet Mills, creating Beaulieu Australia.
Beaulieu Australia features state-of-the-art extrusion for the production of BCF
polypropylene and nylon fibers following the vertical integration philosophy of
its parent, Beaulieu of America.
In 2002, Beaulieu of America decided to concentrate strictly on broadloom
carpet, and sold its rugs and hard surfaces divisions. This has allowed Beaulieu
to focus its efforts on manufacturing high-quality, affordable broadloom carpet.