A new Wichita-based company with a product called Carpet DogTM is ready to bite into the commercial carpet installation market. The business bears the same name and is owned by local entrepreneur Keith Hanson.
Over a three year period, Hanson designed and patented an electric machine that pulls up old carpet quickly, quietly and operates virtually dust-free. Over 87% of office carpeting is glued down and removal is generally labor intensive.
“Anyone who has ever tried to remove commercial carpet glued on a concrete floor knows how many long hours of manual labor are involved,” said Hanson. “The Carpet Dog can cut a 23 inch strip of carpet, pull it up, and feed it out the back of the machine in a long strip. The operator simply rolls up the old carpet for easy removal. Installation time is reduced dramatically because the Carpet Dog pulls up the old carpet at the rate of 30 ft. per minute, or 200 yards per hour.”
Hanson has been preparing for the roll out of his product for nearly two years, with help from MAMTC (Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center). “MAMTC Marketing Consultant Dale Krebbs has worked with me on every phase of getting ready to take the product to market; conducting market research, developing a strategic business plan, creating marketing materials, even building the Carpet Dog sales force,” Hanson said.
Hanson’s new machine is electric, self-propelled and constructed of aluminum and steel with a black, powder coated finish. Patented mechanics make the machine exceptionally efficient. Carpet Dog’s quiet and dust-free operation allows carpet installers to schedule carpet removal during office hours without disturbing the work environment in adjoining offices. The machine weighs about 200 lbs. and fits easily through all standard sized doorways.
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