Shaw Industries

Acquired in 2001, Shaw Industries is the world's largest carpet manufacturer.

Business Model

Shaw manufactures carpet and other flooring products for both residential and commercial use. It is a vertically integrated company, controlling everything from fiber production to distribution.

Berkshire Acquisition

• Manager: Robert Shaw (Founder).
• Rationale: Buffett admired the company's efficiency and its dominance in the Georgia-centered carpet industry. It was an iconic "Old Economy" business that Buffett felt comfortable owning forever.

Quotes

"Robert Shaw is a legendary manager... He built a powerhouse from scratch." — 2001 Letter

📅 2017: U.S. Floors Acquisition

• Bolt-on Acquisition: Acquired U.S. Floors ("USF"), a rapidly growing distributor of luxury vinyl tile.
• Source: 2017 Letter