graduates of Eco-Grip certification at UMI

Elevating Standards with Eco-Grip Certified Training

Posted by Universal Metro on

Raising the Standard: Universal Metro Invests in Elite Eco-Grip Certification

Eco-Grip is rapidly gaining recognition as a top-tier commercial flooring solution, particularly within the food service, healthcare, and health & wellness sectors. Built to withstand demanding environments, the product combines performance, safety, and sustainability, making it a compelling choice for clients seeking reliable, long-term value. As more organizations look for flooring options that align with sustainability goals, Eco-Grip stands out—crafted from 98% recycled materials, it supports green building practices without sacrificing durability or ease of maintenance.

At Universal Metro, we recognize that great materials are only as good as the people installing them. That’s why we’ve prioritized the education and certification of our labor force—especially with specialty products like Eco-Grip, where proper installation is critical to performance. While it is a seamless flooring system known for its clean aesthetic and watertight surface, the installation process requires specific technical knowledge and precision. Mistakes in preparation or bonding can lead to long-term issues, which is why manufacturer-approved training is essential.

This year, Universal Metro proudly hosted two hands-on training events, each designed to equip our field installers with the skills and certification needed to meet manufacturer standards. These sessions included:

  • Substrate prep and moisture control techniques specific to the product’s adhesive and bonding process

  • Heat welding and seam detailing for a seamless, hygienic finish

  • Best practices for floor layout, wall integration, and perimeter termination

  • Safety training specific to occupied spaces like kitchens and healthcare environments

  • Troubleshooting common site issues and understanding warranty conditions

Led by certified Eco-Grip trainers and supported by our own experienced supervisors, nearly two dozen UMI installers have now earned their qualifications, expanding our ability to serve clients across Southern California and beyond with confidence and speed.

Whether you’re planning a hospitality kitchen renovation, upgrading a rehab facility, or building out a fitness studio, our team is now fully equipped to deliver on the performance promise of Eco-Grip.

To learn more about this innovative product—or to schedule a site consultation

—contact Universal Metro at (562) 906-8484.

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Blastrac BMG 2200 machine

Unstoppable Performance: Why We Use the Blastrac BMG-2200 for Large-Scale Projects

Posted by Universal Metro on

Power Meets Precision: Blastrac BMG-2200 is our Go-To for Large-Scale Projects

When you’re tackling surface prep and polishing on projects over 10,000 square feet, efficiency, consistency, and quality aren’t just preferences—they’re requirements. That’s why Universal Metro Inc. relies on the Blastrac BMG-2200, a ride-on, planetary grinder built specifically for high-output performance.

What Is the Blastrac BMG-2200?

The BMG-2200 is a powerful, self-propelled grinding and polishing machine equipped with a dual-drive planetary system. Unlike walk-behind grinders, this ride-on unit is designed to tackle large surfaces faster, with more consistent results and less operator fatigue. It’s ideal for expansive commercial environments like:

  • Warehouses

  • Shopping centers

  • Transportation hubs

  • Manufacturing facilities

  • Higher education campuses

Key Features & Capabilities

2705 Built for Speed and Scale

The BMG-2200 is designed to handle large square footage in a fraction of the time. With multiple grinding heads and a ride-on configuration, it boosts productivity without compromising quality.

✅ Consistent, High-Quality Finishes

The planetary motion delivers even abrasion and polishing across the entire surface, ensuring a uniform sheen from wall to wall.

✅ Cleaner, Safer Worksites

An integrated dust collection system supports clean, compliant jobsites, making it ideal for environments with strict air quality or cleanliness requirements.

✅ Ergonomics That Matter

Ride-on operation reduces operator fatigue, allowing our crews to work longer shifts while maintaining precision.

Best Practices We Follow

At Universal Metro, equipment is only as effective as the crew behind it. That’s why we pair the BMG-2200 with expert training and proven protocols, including:

  • Surface Moisture Testing: Ensuring optimal conditions before grinding

  • Correct Grit Progression: To achieve the desired gloss level without over-polishing

  • Edge Integration: Managing edges and transitions for a seamless final result

  • Dust Control: Using HEPA-grade vacuums to contain silica dust

Is It Right for Your Project?

If you’re working on a high-traffic, large-format facility that demands durable, aesthetically pleasing polished concrete or a prepared substrate for additional finishes, the BMG-2200 can save time and money while delivering superior results.

Ready to Discuss Your Next Project?

Let’s talk. Our team can walk you through capabilities, timelines, and how this investment in equipment translates into long-term value for your facility.

👉 Contact Us to learn more about how the Blastrac BMG-2200 fits into our suite of advanced flooring solutions.

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Inside Universal Metro’s Bold Pivot: Dave Triepke Talks Growth, Specialization, and Project Excellence

Posted by Universal Metro on

Interview with Floor Daily’s Kemp Harr Highlights UMI’s Strategic Evolution

Inside Universal Metro’s Bold Pivot: Dave Triepke Talks Growth, Specialization, and Project Excellence 14

August 16, 2022—Dave Triepke, CEO of Universal Metro, Inc., shared insight into the company’s evolving business strategy and sharpened focus within the competitive and fast-changing Los Angeles market. The conversation illuminated a deliberate shift away from residential and smaller-scale flooring installations, moving instead toward a more strategic alignment with high-impact commercial projects—particularly within healthcare, education, and public infrastructure sectors.

Triepke emphasized that the move is both a response to industry trends and a proactive strategy rooted in Universal Metro’s core strengths. “Our value is in our ability to handle complexity,” he stated. “From infection control protocols in active hospitals to coordinating around accelerated school construction timelines, these projects demand a level of expertise and accountability that our team is built to deliver.”

As Los Angeles continues to invest in capital improvements—whether through public works, healthcare facility expansions, or LEED-certified educational spaces—Universal Metro is positioning itself not just as an installer, but as a collaborative partner in the design-build ecosystem. Triepke noted that the company is increasingly brought in during pre-construction phases to help identify product solutions, assess logistics, and deliver technical recommendations that reduce risk and increase value for the client.

“Our goal is to be more than a subcontractor,” Triepke explained. “We aim to be a trusted advisor to general contractors, architects, and designers who are navigating tight budgets, complex specs, and aggressive schedules.”

The interview also touched on workforce development, sustainability in materials, and the importance of technology integration for jobsite transparency and efficiency. With Los Angeles as one of the most dynamic and demanding commercial markets in the country, Universal Metro’s evolution reflects not just an internal pivot, but a deeper commitment to advancing quality, innovation, and collaboration across the construction landscape.

To listen to the full interview, visit FloorDaily.net and search for “Dave Triepke – Universal Metro.

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Everyday Essentials Collection Offers Flooring Finishes in 10 Days or Less

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

While it’s always a benefit to get things in a timely manner, we have been conditioned for it in a world where Amazon and other retailers promise quick turnaround for nearly any product you can think of.

We believe that fast turnaround can also be a reality in flooring. As such, we have curated a collection of flooring finishes designed to meet urgent needs without compromise to quality or design. Our EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS Collection includes carpet, LVT, and sheet vinyl flooring finishes that are available to install in as little as 3 days. For the full collection, visit https://universalmetro.com/everydayessentials/.

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UMI President contributes to “Evolution of the Flooring Contractor” Panel Discussion

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

In a June 2019 Floor Focus Magazine article, Universal Metro’s President participated in a panel discussion with three other Starnet Commercial Flooring Contractors regarding new opportunities and challenges facing the modern-day flooring contractor.

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UMI Wins Silver Award for Unique Installation Challenge at Starnet Design Awards

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

This weekend, Universal Metro, Inc. was honored at Starnet Commercial Flooring’s Annual Design Awards with a Silver Award in the Unique Installation Challenge category.

The complexity of this project was rooted in OSHPD requirements, intricate designs, inherent moisture conditions, and phased scheduling that allowed an acute care facility to remain open and operational during nearly two years of construction.

We’re humbled and gracious for the recognition we received and the opportunity to acknowledge the outstanding work of our team. Additionally, we’re grateful for the Vendor Partnerships that helped us execute this work and the design executed by c|a Architects of Long Beach, CA.

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Training Day – Ardex Demo and Silica Sand

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

As we grow, our team is continuously making strides to better itself. On Friday, that commitment was on full display, as staff and crew members took part in #ARDEX product demos and Silica Sand Compliance Training. This knowledge contributed to our #LevelMasterElite Installers’ expertise with direct, hands-on demonstrations using Ardex’s newest product innovations. Immediately following the product demos, our team was engaged in an extensive seminar focused on Silica Sand Best Practices, including Q & A time and a round table discussion with their fellow teammates.

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Four Crew Leads Achieve Armstrong’s Level III Certification

Posted by Alexis Triepke on

“Building Leaders” and “Strategic Partnerships” are both core values at Universal Metro. These four crew leads exemplified both, as they all earned a Level III Certification with Armstrong Commercial Floors today: Armstrong’s highest level of distinction for craftsmanship and skill.

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Universal Metro: Growth and Success by Meeting Clients’ Needs

Posted by Alexis Triepke on
January 6, 2017 Written by David Triepke on behalf of Floor Trends Magazine It’s never an easy decision to begin scaling your business for growth. When balancing the risks of new opportunities with the uncertainty of a stagnant national economy, the decision for any business owner to invest in growth is rooted in one key question: is this sustainable? By understanding our journey and our purpose, we at Universal Metro believe we can do so effectively, without compromising our service and value, by answering the call of our clients to serve as trusted advisors for all of their flooring covering needs.
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