From Small-Town Roots to the Global Stage: Robbins Flooring’s Slam Dunk with the NBA
ISHPEMING – What began in 1894 as a modest family-owned floor installation company has grown into one of the sports world’s most influential manufacturers. Robbins Flooring, with its deep Upper Peninsula roots, has now secured an exclusive arrangement to produce all future NBA courts — meaning every one of the league’s 30 teams will play on floors crafted right in Ishpeming.
The facility, operating since 1947, is one of the most specialized in the Robbins network, producing not only NBA hardwood but also the majority of floors for major collegiate programs. Recent projects include custom panels for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ uniquely wide arena. Every floor is laid out, fitted, and perfected on-site before being shipped for finishing. The secret behind Robbins’ global success? Its Rapid-Latch System introduced in 2016 — a cutting-edge design with built-in rubber shocks to protect athletes’ joints and allow arena managers to adjust floor tightness for changing conditions. Even Michigan’s harsh winters can’t slow production, thanks to a new humidity control system that prevents dry-air damage.
Robbins’ reach extends far beyond the NBA. Their floors have been shipped to over 50 countries, countless universities — from Memphis to Texas — and even local projects like the NICE Community School District’s new gymnasium. For Plant Manager Adriano, who worked his way up from an entry-level role nearly 20 years ago, the business is as much about community pride as it is about professional achievement. With multiple family members and local alumni on the payroll, Robbins’ success is a shared victory for Ishpeming — a small town whose work will be seen on the brightest stages in sports for decades to come.