Witex manufacturing: ceraclic original

Press Info March 2006
Witex manufacturing: ceraclic original

Costing a one million figure sum, Witex's number “4” plant in Augustdorf underwent reconstruction in the Autumn of 2005 for the manufacture of a new mineral flooring, ceraclic original, during which a new production line was installed.
The entire process is predominantly controlled by a computer programme. From the gluing equipment used to create the X-Protect plastic laminate finish (HPL) with mineral core board (HGF) and Sound Protect acoustic system, to the cutting area where large sheets of flooring are cut into panels, and where the specially developed “clic connection” is double profiled (a patented 5 G locking system by Välinge Innovation). Due to the heavy weight of the product, the manufacturing area is set-out in a particular way: Starting with the creation of special foundations for individual machines, stronger storage and conveyor units throughout the entire production line, as well as special protected, dust-free zones in certain manufacturing areas.

In December 2005, work commenced on the construction of the machinery area. In January/February 2006, the first null series and test series were started, and the last minor adjustments and improvements carried out. The facility has been in operation since the spring time.
In the first stage of expansion, the ceraclic manufacturing area is designed to be able to coat and profile approximately 2.5 million square metres per year. If demand increases, capacity can be extended in the 8,000 m2 manufacturing area, and a second facility can be installed. There are 4,000 m2 of block storage available for ceraclic original.

Deliveries to German retailers have allready commence in April 2006, when the first extensive training courses, given by Witex's Competence Partner, on the new flooring ceraclic original, have been concluded. This ensures that all retailers throughout Germany have the same level of knowledge about the manufacturing process, and also guarantees that all sales partners will be able to offer the same high level advisory service, which is just as hugely important when launching a new type of flooring.

Thanks to the marked way in which ceraclic original is being presented worldwide - ceraclic original has already been exhibited at Surfaces, Las Vegas and at SAIEDUE in Bologna as well as at the Domotex trade show - it is also getting a great international response from architects, flooring contractors and major retailers. In April, ceraclic original has also been exhibited at MoskBuild in Moscow and will be exhibited in May at the Domotex Middle East trade show in Dubai.
Due to the great response received, Witex is not longer planning on building-up a large inventory of all its different decors - as had been originally planned - but will now provide respective markets with flexible and made-to-order products, so that they can tend to their customers' needs as quickly as possible - in the order in which the orders were received. Witex has already established that delivery will take approx. 3-4 weeks during the upcoming quarter.

Contact:
Witex International Flooring GmbH
Marketing and PR Department
Nord-West-Ring 21
32832 Augustdorf
Tel: +49 (0)5237 / 609 -0
Fax:+49 (0)5237 / 609 -180
E-mail: pr@witex.com
Internet: www.witex.com