Armstrong World Industries was founded when Thomas Armstrong collaborated with John D. Glass in 1860. They opened a one-room shop in Pittsburg, PA making hand carved bottle stoppers out of cork. By 1890, their business became the largest cork supplier in the world. The company was officially incorporated in 1891. In 1909, the company introduced linoleum flooring to the world and has subsequently become the global leader in the design and manufacturing of floors, ceilings, and cabinets. They are the nation’s largest direct distributor of cabinetry.
On August 16, 2006, they reorganized the company, filing Chapter 11 Bankruptcy to handle pending personal injury asbestos claims.