In a recent effort to broaden our students’ horizons, the Chinese Language Program embarked on an enlightening field trip to the American Flooring LLC factory in Pittston, Pennsylvania. Hosted by none other than Penn alumnus and esteemed member of our Board of Trustees, Mr. Harlan Stone, this exclusive excursion offered an unparalleled glimpse into this thriving enterprise.
American Flooring LLC, a subsidiary of HMTX Industries in the United States, and a result of a successful partnership with Elegant Home-Tech Co. in China, is a pioneering venture in the flooring industry. Our students had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the state-of-the-art machinery and processes that go into producing some of the finest flooring materials in the market.
Moreover, the visit was enriched by the presence of Ms. Huilu Shi, fondly known as “Evonne,” from Elegant Home-Tech Co Ltd. She provided insights not only into the manufacturing processes but also the global collaborations that drive success in the modern business landscape.
During the trip, our student representatives, Blairy Yuan, Camilla Valente, Celeste Xu, and Daniel Rourke, gave two bilingual presentations about the flooring industry and American Flooring LLC. The visit also benefited from the active participation of two distinguished members of our faculty, Frederick R. Dickinson, Professor of Japanese History and Director of the Center for East Asian Studies, and Shu Yang, Joseph Bordogna Professor and Department Chair of Materials Science and Engineering. Their presence added a valuable academic dimension to the visit, providing students with a holistic understanding of the industry.
The journey through the inner workings of American Flooring was nothing short of inspiring, offering our students valuable lessons that extend far beyond the factory floor. As we reflect on this exceptional opportunity for learning and growth, we’re excited about the potential for future collaboration and the bright future ahead for our students.
