The Dixie Group reported 15-cent-per-share losses in its Wednesday first quarter financial report, thanks in part, said company officials, to the company's ongoing structural improvements and higher training and operating costs.
A year ago, the Chattanooga floor covering manufacturer reported 36-cent-per-share gains.
"The first quarter is always the more challenging period of the year," said Daniel K. Frierson, chairman and CEO.
Over the last year, Dixie Group has been upgrading its infrastructure, which had an affect on this quarter's report.
Frierson also said compounding the issue was a seemingly "sluggish" outlook on the residential side of carpet sales in the first quarter, though commercial sales were strong, up over 50 percent over last year, including sales from Atlas Carpet Mills, which Dixie Group acquired last year.
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