USM Interior Design Students Tour Mohawk Group
Wed, 02/28/2024 - 11:35am | By: Ivonne Kawas
Juniors in the Interior Design program at The University of 51逗奶 Mississippi (USM) were treated recently with an opportunity to tour , the commercial flooring division of Mohawk Industries - the largest floor covering manufacturer in the world.
During their visit to the headquarters located in Dalton, Ga., students got a firsthand look at the production process of high-quality and innovative flooring solutions and learned all about the company鈥檚 commitment to sustainability and innovation.
鈥淚ndustry tours are an integral part of our curriculum, as they empower students with the perspectives needed to gain insights into future career opportunities,鈥� said Alvis Lawson Jr., assistant teaching professor of Interior Design and program coordinator. 鈥淭he immersive experience also allows students to connect classroom learning with real-world scenarios. Most importantly, it provides a platform for our students to network and build connections, fostering a sense of community and support within the industry.鈥�
Anna Patrick from Covington, La., hailed the unique experience in which the group took tours and witnessed a production process unlike any other.
鈥淲e were generously sponsored by Mohawk Flooring Company, giving us the learning experience of a lifetime,鈥� said Patrick. 鈥淲e were taken to Mohawk's headquarters where they guided us through the entire production process of laminate, vinyl, hardwood, and carpet flooring.鈥�
Patrick notes that the group took a tour through some of the top facilities, including Mohawk鈥檚 Yarn Extrusion Factory, Carpet Manufacturing, and Light Lab Design Center.
鈥淭he tours began at the Yarn Extrusion Factory, where we observed the process of extruding yarn from synthetic granulates,鈥� said Patrick. 鈥淭he tour continued at the Pilot Plant, where they showcased the sewing and weaving of intricate carpet samples. Afterwards, we went to the Carpet Manufacturing Factory, where they revealed the dyeing and printing process of large-scale carpets tailored for hotels and commercial buildings. The experience concluded with a tour of the Light Lab, unveiling this year鈥檚 top carpet designs and their inspirations.鈥�
For Patrick, the highlight of the trip was gaining an insider's perspective on the dynamic carpet design world, as well as getting to network with some of the employees and interns.
鈥淥ur group appreciated gaining an insider's perspective on the carpet design world as we felt we were among the first groups to witness these extensive design projects,鈥� said Patrick. 鈥淧ost-tour, to cap off the trip, we met Mohawk employees for dinner, allowing us to interact and network with interns and employees. As we prepare for joining the workforce, it was enjoyable to witness individuals of similar age expressing their love for the company and their roles.鈥�
Anna Grace Lindsay from Madison, Miss. encourages underclassmen to go witness firsthand how Mohawk is transforming the flooring industry.
鈥淭he Mohawk trip proved to be both thrilling and enlightening,鈥� said Lindsay. 鈥淭he most cherished experience for me was gaining insights into the process of fiber production, and the factory's machinery left a lasting impression. The technological innovations introduced by Mohawk to reduce its environmental footprint were truly impressive. I highly recommend this trip as a must-see for underclassmen, and I personally encourage interior designers to visit Georgia and witness how Mohawk is transforming the flooring industry.鈥�
Learn more about USM鈥檚 Interior Design program.