June / July 2020
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
High performance with style… even in damp environments
SYSTEMS FOR INSTALLING LVT IN DAMP SURROUNDINGS With Mapei products you can install LVT to renovate walls, floors and environments that are frequently in contact with water.
Learn more on mapei.com.au
NOW ARRIVING 2021
IMPORTANT
UPDATE: LAU We regret that NCH POSTPO due to the incre NED TO EAR dibly high dem floors, the long LY 2021 and for Belgian -awaited Persp -made, Quick-S ective Nature la tep Laminate unch has been re-scheduled fo r early 2021.
PUTTING NATURE INTO PERSPECTIVE Our best laminate yet! Quick-Step proudly presents its new Perspective Nature collection, a revolutionary floor that combines lifelike design, detailed structures and unparalleled performance. It’s Quick-Step’s finest laminate moment!
Contents
3
vol 38 no3
Product Update
Editor’s Note
4
Installation of LVT in wet areas by Mapei
Icon 8
Ian Valentine
Insurance Matters 12
Insurance Matters by FloorInsure
Spotlight On 14
Get more out of your flooring business
Feature 16
Welcome to the June /July issue of Flooring Magazine. Inside this issue you will find our Focus on Australia Feature where we look at the rise in demand for locally made and grown goods by consumers and businesses alike. Now more than ever before, to meet the requirements of our country in this time of need, local, responsive manufacturing is essential. In this issue we pay our respects to fallen industry Icon, Ian Valentine. Highly regarded by everyone he came into contact with, Ian was instrumental in establishing the first ever floor coverings curriculum at TAFE before venturing out as a private industry consultant and onsite trainer. Please feel free to contact me directly regarding any relevant news or events, or if you know of a person worthy of Icon status, by email at michelle.cammiade@elitepublishing. com.au.
Focus on Australia
Technical Bulletin 42
Installing a flocking awesome floor covering
Until next time, enjoy your read.
Safety 45
Dust the international hazard
Michelle Cammiade Editor
Software 48
COVID-19 What happens next?
Flooring Magazine is now on: @flooringmagazineaustralia
Front Cover Mapei www.mapei.com.au
@flooringmagazine @flooringmagazine
Flooring June/July 2020
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Product Update
4
Installation of LVT in wet areas by Mapei Installation of LVT on the wall and floor in showers is now possible thanks to the Mapei 4 LVT line of products. Mapei’s experience in the installation of resilient and waterproofing products has led to the development of a series of complete systems for waterproofing and installing LVT in showers, bathrooms, and damp environments. Mapei has always aimed for developing solutions that are functional, durable, and reliable while meeting design and aesthetic requirements. Mapei’s range of high-performance products offer safer and more durable installation of LVT, SPC, and rigid LVT, materials. The Mapei 4 LVT range has become increasingly popular with designers and architects thanks to its excellent performance properties and ease of installation and maintenance. These qualities make the system perfect for use in residential and commercial buildings and in the hotel, aged care, and hospital sectors. Another benefit is the ability to install LVT in damp environments such as bathrooms and showers. These systems are designed for both horizontal and vertical surfaces and include solutions to installing LVT new or over existing ceramic tiles.
These advanced systems include: • Installation of LVT over existing tiles in bathrooms without grouting • Installation of LVT over existing tiles in bathrooms with grout • Installation of LVT in new bathrooms without grouting • Installation of LVT in new bathrooms with grout To find out more about Mapei’s 4 LVT range, visit their website at mapei.com.au
Above: Grouting LVT in Bathrooms with Kerapoxy 4 LVT ULTRABOND ECO MS 4 LVT WALL – a onecomponent polymer-based adhesive for both floor and wall applications (no vertical slip) KERAPOXY 4 LVT – two-component epoxy resin-based grout for both floor and wall FLEXCOLOR 4 LVT – pre-mixed grout paste that is easy to apply on both floor and wall MAPECOAT 4 LVT - an anti-slip finish which can increase the slip-resistance of floors up to class R11 (DIN 51130) and A+B (DIN 51097).
Above: Grouting LVT in Bathrooms with Flexcolor 4 LVT
About the range Systems include innovative products for the installation of screeds, waterproofing bond breakers/fillets/tape, waterproofing membranes, smoothing compounds, adhesives, grouts, protective coatings, and sealants.
Above: Installation of LVT on floors and walls in Bathrooms using Ultrabond Eco MS 4 LVT Wall.
MAPECEM PRONTO – pre-blended quickdrying engineered screed MAPELASTIC AQUADEFENSE – rapid drying liquid waterproofing membrane
Above: System for the Installation of LVT in a Bathroom over Existing Ceramic Tiles
Flooring June/July 2020
MAPEGUM WPS – fast drying flexible waterproofing membrane
Above: Installing Planiprep 4 LVT to existing Ceramic Tile grout lines prior to installing LVT
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Product Update
6
DriTac Introduces - 8801 CoverGuard DriTac Flooring Products recently launched DriTac 8801 CoverGuard. A premium-grade 1.85mm semi-ridged foam that provides scratch and dent protection for newly installed floors and existing surfaces to prevent damage during and after the installation process. CoverGuard is scored and breathable, allowing sub-surface moisture to pass through. It restricts surface spills and water spots on the top of the film surface, protecting surfaces from stains, oils and chemicals. CoverGuard protects concrete, wood, tile, stone, linoleum, LVT, WPC, countertops, furniture, and most other floor types. Unlike lower-grade and thinner floor protection material, 8801 combines 1mm
designed to remain flush to the floor to help prevent the risk of tripping or falling on the floor. DriTac has manufactured Americanmade, full-spread wood and resilient flooring adhesives for over 60 years. DriTac’s extensive experience in producing innovative, premium-grade flooring installation solutions led directly to the introduction of this scratch and dent protector for valued flooring installations. of grooved foam technology fused together with a smooth-surface film layer. This dramatically adds to the gauge thickness and layer of armored defense for all surfaces, including a high resistance to tears and punctures. CoverGuard is
CoverGuard is VOC compliant and can be installed in four easy steps: clean, roll, connect and tape. It is available in 800 sq. ft. rolls and is reusable, roll it up and transport it to the next job.
Introducing - Sphera SD|EC by Forbo Flooring Systems Forbo Flooring Systems introduces Sphera SD|EC, a homogeneous vinyl collection with conductive properties in sheet format. Sphera SD|EC is specifically designed to control static discharges and particle emissions in the most sensitive controlled environments. The collection is an addition to the successful Sphera homogeneous collection. The low emission values of Sphera SD|EC make it a suitable solution to control the cleanliness of the air and surfaces. Sphera SD has been approved for cleanrooms up to class 6 and Sphera EC for cleanrooms up to class 5, both independently tested by the Fraunhofer institute.
Flooring June/July 2020
The applied conductive backing on both Sphera SD and Sphera EC, means there is no need for conductive adhesive underneath the full sheet. The conductive backing reduces installation costs and the risk of installation errors. Forbo – creating better environments with high quality ESD vinyl.
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by Kenbrock
Elevate any space whether it be home or office with allure and warmth. This striking collection was crafted using authentic Australian timbers including Spotted Gum and Blackbutt. With its long plank format and commercial grade quality, it really can be installed almost anywhere. It is phthalate free with no harmful fillers nor harmful plasticisers, giving it a low environmental impact and making it safe for the whole family.
The perfect combination of durability and extravagance.
www.kenbrock.com.au
Icons
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Ian Valentine:
Fallen ICON Story by Philip Ashley
I
an Valentine was born in Preston, Victoria in 1939. He left school as many young men did during that time, around 15 or so, when his parents were told to ‘get him out of Melbourne.’ His son Peter describes him as a bit of a larrikin, a term of endearment depicting a mischievous but good-hearted person. Despite this he was good at everything he put his mind to, a quality that was to accompany him throughout his life. And so, fresh out of school, Ian found himself in the Victorian seaside town of Apollo bay where he held several diverse jobs. At times he worked as an aircraft instrument maker; a cray fisherman; in a woolshed; as a milkman and even delivering silk stockings. At one stage he was doing three jobs in the one day. It was during these early years in Apollo Bay that Ian met his wife, Joyce. They moved to Melbourne for a while where their first son Peter was born, then back to Apollo Bay where they had their daughter Julie, and back to Melbourne where their second son, Greg was born.
Ian Valentine passed away in April this year. He is described by his TAFE teaching mate Ray Cook as ‘A man for Floor Covering and training’ and ‘Good at whatever he set his mind to’ by his son, Peter Valentine. Flooring June/July 2020
It was about this time that Ian first got into the flooring industry where he learned the trade with his brother-in-law Bill. At that time Floor Covering was a trade without a qualification. Peter can’t remember a time when his father was not laying carpets, and recalls his Dad making up Axminster carpets in the middle of Caroline Crescent in Blackburn North for his first flooring
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business, Aaballa. There was a time Ian was in business with someone else and later, laying carpets for others. Needless to say, Ian had a solid foundation for his future career in the training sector.
A change of direction In 1979 and probably following his brother Neil, who was a carpentry teacher, Ian was appointed to the Melbourne College of Textiles (MCT) as a Floor Covering Installation instructor where he met his mate, Ray Cook. The newly accredited trade course was a first in Australia, beginning in the early 1970’s. In those early days there was no established curriculum or syllabus to work from, just manufacturers standards and guidelines for their products along with the tradesman’s own knowledge and experience in the field. Ray says, “In some part it was a journey of trial and error over our years on the job.” At the time of Ian’s appointment to the role, the team consisted of six instructors, including Charles Booth; Ray Cook; Ian Valentine; Ron Dunstan; Mike Lawton; John Westerdale and David Ball. Charles; John Doenson (joined TAFE in 1986); Ray; Ian and Ron (left to right) appear in the ‘Reunion” picture. They each brought a variety of skills and strengths in the many different aspects and areas of installation, forming a comprehensive knowledge base. Then in 1980, in conjunction with Industry representatives they began developing the first ever Floor Coverings curriculum for the MCT, a program that was structured to run over three years and concluding with the students’ gaining their Trade Certificate. Ian took on the initial work, writing and creating the first training workbooks for the course. Developed in a modular format, each module targeted a specific objective or area of installation. These
Flooring June/July 2020
Above: Reunion (l-r) - Charles Booth; Ray Cook; Ian Valentine; Ron Dunstan; Mike Lawton; John Westerdale and David Ball. Charles; John Doenson (joined TAFE in 1986); Ray; Ian and Ron workbooks were produced according to the Australian Standards of the time and were first published for use at the MCT in 1982 following approval by the Industrial Training Commission of Victoria. Ian put tremendous energy into the development of these first workbooks and they have become a standard built upon and used to this day. In fact, in his early 40’s, Ian himself became one of the first graduates of this new qualification.
Above: 1982 Syllabus
In addition to writing a number of those early student resources Ian was also at the forefront of many programmes and initiatives at that time. These included night classes for flooring salespersons in measuring and estimating and Australian Standards; obtaining a school bus for field trips to companies such as Armstrong and Victoria Carpets; and live, industry-based projects. Ian also wrote many articles detailing training requirements and education for the trade media and these proved vital for the MCT by furthering awareness of the new programme for the formal accreditation and training of new tradespeople. Over the years MCT was shifted to Batman College in North Coburg, Victoria, where Ian took charge of organising the setup of the new facility. Another move to a vacant building in Brunswick saw Ian became head of department. During this time Ian worked with the Industrial Training Commission of Victoria to get already experienced installers their Trade Certificate. Ian performed on the job assessments of installers long before outside assessment became the norm and with John Doenson, started the outside assessment of apprentices in conjunction with the Textile Fashion Industry Association (TFIA).
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11 Asked how he would like to remember him, Peter said, “I envy him. I never met a carpet layer on a site who didn’t know him, partly because both Greg and I are site managers for construction companies. Dad was successful with everything he took his hand to. He was all about getting young people into work, even those who may have had trouble at school. I remember him saying one day that you don’t have to be able to read and write to be a tradesperson, just show me you can do it.” This state of mind led of course to the competency-based training students learn by today.
Above: Ian and Joyce
Ian was a man you could rely on, a family man highly regarded by everyone he came into contact with. It is fair to say that the trade would not be what it is today without Ian Valentine.
About this time Ray moved to South Australia in 1987 to head up the Marleston College of TAFE’s new program. Over the following years the members of that original team kept in touch and reunited to reminisce whenever the opportunity arose. Ray said, “The reputation we earned, and the friendships formed in those early years has stood us all in good stead throughout the years. I learned a lot from Ian. His enthusiasm and energy for the training and education of students and installers gave me the confidence to undertake the task of setting up a program at TAFE in South Australia; a program built on the solid foundation of our work together all those years ago.”
After TAFE Ian left TAFE to go out as a private industry consultant and on-site trainer. He would offer professional advice on carpet laying issues, for a time on call with several of the carpet manufacturers. He also consulted for builders seeking advice on floor surfaces throughout Australia. Ian travelled fairly often but did not like being away from home long. Peter recalls his father going to China to look at some carpet at the airport and getting back on a plane the same day to come home. Peter said, “Dad didn’t know how to retire” and even after giving his consultancy to John Doenson, up until his mid-70’s, Ian would often find himself being picked up by John for some project or other. There was also a time when he kept bees with his brother-in-law Bill. Eventually though, Ian had to give it away and was able to spend more time with his thirteen grand-children and ten great grand-children, who he loved all equally. Through his life, Ian loved playing with cars and there was always an engine being built somewhere. Ford or Holden, it did not matter to Ian and a Ford 302 V8 ended up in a boat Ian and his brother built fifty years ago. The boat, according to Peter is still sitting in the garage. There’s even a $650 MG he got as payment for a job, putting it all back together and that car still runs today.
Flooring April/May 2020
Floorcovering Association of Victoria Inc.
FAV Awards Postponed for 2020 The Flooring Association of Victoria regrettably has had to postpone its’ 5th Annual Awards event. The awards event will now take place on the 7th August 2021. We will now incorporate projects completed from the 1st July 2019 up to 30th June 2021. The Gala evening will recognize the industry’s best work and will give us something to look forward to in these troubled times. We can celebrate our resilience and our emergence into our new future. The Flooring Association hopes for all its members to stay safe.
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Insurance Matters
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Insurance Matters by FloorInsure Article by Ian Jones
W
elcome to the first Insurance Matters article by FloorInsure. FloorInsure are proud to be involved with Flooring Magazine as their insurance partner by providing relevant and current information about the insurance sector and its effect on the flooring industry with regard to specific insurance trends, products and general information on how flooring industry businesses can better equip themselves to reduce insurance costs. As well as tips on managing any potential risks and hazards within your business and ensure that flooring business owners have the right cover by way of our free flooring business insurance audit. Insurance needs always differ between businesses no matter how similar they may be seen to be. Although flooring retailers have similar products, business operations can vary greatly in the insurance protection they need, as do the insurers that offer cover for these businesses. Just like the huge amount of floor covering products available, not all are the right fit for use in any situation so heavy reliance is on the right advice from the flooring consultant to ensure the right product is used in the right environment. Also, just as with the many flooring products, the cheapest is always cheap for a reason and this same rationale applies to the variety of insurer’s policies
Flooring June/July 2020
available. The old saying that you get what you pay for applies to both flooring and insurance as it does for many products. The bitterness of a poor-quality insurance policy lasts long after the sweetness of the low price is forgotten. Insurance is a water tight contract between the insured and the insurer. So, it is paramount that it is done correctly before a claim arises as little can be done after the event which can leave the insured angry and feeling hard done by after years of paying premiums and no option than to blame the insurer and look for alternative options upon renewal. The key to preventing this is simple. Your insurer or insurance broker needs great knowledge not only of your business but of your industry – your relationship with sub-contractors, the stock levels of timber and engineered flooring kept and faulty workmanship issues on installation to name few. The cover you really should have and the right advice on the best and most cost effective way to insure your business are key discussions your insurer or broker should be having with you. For example, one particular insurance section we have been active in deleting or reducing over recent years is ‘Money Insurance’. Historically flooring retailers have held cover against cash but with trends towards cashless payments like EFT, Bpay and AfterPay we are finding it is almost irrelevant to many flooring businesses. So why pay for it?
Over the coming editions we will be targeting specific areas of insurance that are relevant to your industry. We will be discussing insurance classes that you may not have been previously advised on and the pros and cons of keeping your insurance costs down whilst maintaining the protection and cover that relates to your business. We will also be welcoming a Q & A section for any readers who may be unsure of any aspect of insurance they hold or simply want more information on or have a current insurance problem or claim we can assist with. Simply email us with your question or enquiry at insure@floorinsure.com.au.
FloorInsure aim to provide relevant insurance information whilst educating Flooring Magazine readers about what is often considered a confusing and not so interesting topic. Ian Jones is the principal insurance broker of FloorInsure, Australia’s only flooring sector specific insurance broker with 33 years’ experience in advising the flooring sector on its insurance needs across Australia. www.floorinsure.com.au 1800 607 205 insure@floorinsure.com.au
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a dedicated industry insurance broker? that’s something to smile about‌ Tailored insurance for Flooring & Carpet Retailers Our experience and understanding of carpet and flooring retailers allows us to provide policies specifically suited to your business, with no cost additional covers, superior policy wordings and outstanding claims service from dedicated account managers who understand the flooring industry.
For more, call 1800 607 204 or visit floorinsure.com.au
Spotlight On
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Get more out of your Flooring Business – Join Andersens Floor Covering
A
ndersens is looking for both new and existing business owners, within the flooring industry, to join their respected brand and benefit from the groups buying power and support. If you have a successful business in the flooring industry, there is typically no cost to join the Andersens brand. With a world class training and support structure in place franchisees are guided through a smooth, seamless transition. Andersens have a company culture where they strongly believe that they need successful franchisees to be a successful franchisor. The company CEO regularly visits stores as does the dedicated field team. Andersens has franchisees who have been with the brand for well over 30 years and stores are often handed down or sold onto family members as the original owners retire. “Andersens isn’t just a group, it’s like a family. The country town service and strong family values are what sets Andersens apart.” – Andersens Ipswich, QLD. Company Profile Andersens was founded in the late 1950s in the town of Gatton, just west of Brisbane. Perhaps it is their country roots, but from the beginning, Andersens has always maintained
that their customers are their livelihood and they are therefore 100% committed to ensuring that their satisfaction comes first. Andersens was founded on the principles of honesty, integrity and respect in all aspects of the business – a philosophy which is still paramount today, and which, combined with their professional, leading-edge business operating systems and practices, has earned them the reputation of being one of the most respected names in floor coverings for over 60 years. Andersens takes pride in supplying their customers with a superior product range and is continually sourcing quality brands to add to their comprehensive range. Many products and product ranges are developed exclusively for Andersens by Australia’s leading flooring manufacturers, which is one of the many compelling reasons customers make Andersens their first choice in flooring.
Andersens understand that customers want fast, professional service and so they ensure that all requests, no matter how large or small, are handled with a sense of urgency and efficiency. Their centralised warehousing facility allows them to have large volumes of stock readily available at all times, so customers can rest assured that in most instances they can supply, deliver and install their new floorings with minimal turnaround time. In line with changing market trends, Andersens has expanded its range of flooring products from carpet and vinyl flooring to include timber, timber laminates, bamboo, tiles, and window furnishings. Every type of floor covering and budget is catered for, making Andersens a genuine one-stop flooring retailer.
Their commitment to service doesn’t stop once the sale is over and the product installed. Andersens offers a number of exclusive service and installation guarantees including ongoing maintenance and care advice to ensure customer satisfaction. If you would like to know more and have a confidential discussion with their Group Expansion Manager, please call Dean Lightfoot on 0408 067 439 or email dlightfoot@andersens.com.au
Flooring June/July 2020
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Join Andersens Floor Covering to get more out of your Flooring Business Enquire 0408 067 439 www.andersens.com.au/franchising
Andersens Floor Covering is looking for existing or new business owners in the flooring industry to join our respected brand. You will benefit from our own Warehouse, Groups buying power, operational support and training, 60 years of experience and strong supportive network.
The respected name in Floor Coverings for over 60 years
Please Contact Andersens Expansion Manager - Dean Lightfoot 0408 067 439 or email : dlightfoot@andersens.com.au
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Feature
Focus on Australia
T
oday’s flooring landscape offers buyers variety and choice like never before. In fact, there are sometimes so many options to choose from it can be difficult for retailers and consumers to navigate. However, new consumer research from Roy Morgan has shed some light on consumer buying preferences, and the ‘Aussie factor’ is as popular as ever. Conducted in 2019 by Roy Morgan, the research shows the appetite for Australian Made products is strong, with more Australians preferencing local products in a wide range of categories. The research found that 65% of Australians prefer buying Australian Made building and renovation materials, followed by 61% for tools and hardware, and 60% for home furnishings. Ben Lazzaro, Chief Executive of the Australian Made Campaign, said “The demand for authentic Aussie products is growing. When you buy Australia Made, Australian Grown products, you know what you are getting — products made to some of the highest quality and safety standards in the world. At the same time, you are helping to support local industry. “Roy Morgan’s latest research highlights the importance Australian’s place on locally manufactured products and show that there is an increasing demand for authentic Aussie brands in market. The best way to identify genuine Aussie products is by looking for the Australian Made logo. It makes the ‘Australian connection’ instantly making it an effective sales and marketing tool
Flooring June/July 2020
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Feature
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for Aussie brands, as well as a solution for shoppers who want to easily identify Aussie products.” In the study, almost all Australians (99%) indicated that they were aware of the Australian Made logo and 88% trust the mark as an identifier of genuine Australian products. The vast majority (84%) associate the logo with supporting local jobs and employment and over half of Australians associate the logo with products that are of high quality (58%) and are produced using ethical labour (57%). Sustainable, environmentally friendly and clean and green attributes were similarly top of mind, with nearly half of Australians (49%) connecting them with the iconic green and gold kangaroo logo. Mr Lazzaro said, “These environmental considerations, which are intrinsically linked to many Australian products, are continuing to be important to consumers when making purchasing decisions. “We are seeing a shift in consumer preference, they want to know who made the product, the story behind it and how it will suit their specific needs, all whilst contributing to the local economy and community. The smarter brands are telling consumers their stories, focussing on the uniqueness, origins and quality of their products, as well as how they employ people locally and support their immediate communities. The Australian Made logo delivers a key element of this story and complements the brand’s own story.” Australian Made licensee and Australia’s only manufacturer of commercial vinyl flooring, Armstrong Flooring, has been manufacturing locally for over 50 years, producing durable, high-performance products for the domestic and export markets.
Flooring June/July 2020
When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, they were able to capitalise on the benefits of manufacturing locally, adapting its business to meet the demand of local health facilities. Armstrong Flooring’s General Manager, Rob McLorinan, said, “Rarely has there been a time in recent history that has better reflected the importance of local manufacturing than during the COVID-19 crisis. We have seen in no uncertain terms the necessity for local agile manufacturing to meet the requirements of our country in its time of need. “During this crisis our Melbourne manufacturing facility has been able to quickly supply products for key hospital, healthcare and testing facilities with short manufacturing lead times, and without the delays that have been experienced through the supply chains of importers. We are extremely grateful for the flexibility and commitment of our production workers who have kept our factory running and enabled us to maintain headcount.”
Since its establishment in 1999, the Australian Made Campaign has helped thousands of brands communicate their Australian Made credentials with authority and credibility. It is an effective sales and marketing asset for any business making or growing products here in Australia and helps those brands sell their products—here and overseas. If being recognised as genuinely Australian is important to selling your products, certify them to carry the iconic Australian Made, Australian Grown logo at www.australianmade.com.au/apply. Australian Made Campaign www.australianmade.com.au, info@australianmade.com.au
Mr Lazzaro said given the rise in demand for locally made and grown goods by consumers and businesses alike, it was important for producers to market their products with prominent country-of-origin branding.
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Feature
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Beaulieu - committed to Australian manufacturing
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eaulieu Australia have been proudly manufacturing broadloom residential and commercial carpet in Australia for over 40 years since the early seventies. Based in Queensland, from small beginnings, they have grown to now produce over 4.5 million square metres of carpet per year. In an era that has seen cheap imported products start to dominate the floorcovering market in Australia, Beaulieu commissioned the construction of a new state of the art production facility in Yatala, Queensland. The environmentally friendly, 5-star Greenstar rated facility, the only one of its kind in the country, represents not only an investment and commitment to Australian manufacturing and the future job security of their staff, but an equally important investment and commitment to their valued and respected customers.
products for customers, consumers and the planet. Beaulieu are now producing safer products for Australian consumers. The only broadloom carpet manufacturer to be approved by the National Asthma Council of Australia, Sensitive Choice program. A not for profit organisation that informs the public of asthma and allergy aware products and services. Beaulieu is also the only manufacturer in Australia using the latest MICROBAN antibacterial and antimicrobial technology in carpets, giving consumers a safer choice for their families. The past and future success of the business has been built and depends on the trust and respect of their staff, customers and suppliers. Relationships are an important cornerstone of business and it is to this end that Beaulieu want everyone in this value chain to get a fair deal, a core value of what it means to be Australian.
Too many Australian jobs have been exported to foreign countries in the pursuit of higher profits made from cheaper materials that do not stand the test of time and ultimately end up becoming another disposable item far too quickly. How can iconic brands such as Holden and many others be wiped from the face of Australian manufacturing, when we all know, the product will be built better here. With the willingness and continued support of valued customers and the Australian consumer, Beaulieu look forward to supporting Australian jobs and being part of manufacturing in this great country long into the future. Made in Australia, by Australians, for Australia’s future. web www. beaulieu.com.au
The new facility has allowed the team at Beaulieu to reduce their environmental footprint by harnessing the power of the sun from over 300 solar panels, harvesting rainwater for manufacturing, staff facilities and irrigation and the use of the latest technologies to reduce power consumption from the grid. Staff now benefit from a safer working environment achieved by efficient plant layout and production flow, vastly improved lighting and clearly defined transit areas. This coupled with their commitment, and achievement, of the removal of all harmful chemicals from the production processes, ensures not only a safer working environment for their staff, but safer
Flooring June/July 2020
Above: 5 Star, Green Star Production Facility in Yatala Queensland www.flooringmagazine.com.au
Carpets made in Australia, by Australians, for Australia’s future. Beaulieu Australia is the premier producer of environmentally friendly textile floor coverings in Australia. Select carpets have been approved by the National Asthma Council Sensitive Choice Program. Activecare Exclusive.
Proudly Investing in Australian Manufacturing Since 1973 www.beaulieu.com.au Sales
The self-renewing odour destroying carpet treatment
1800 777 007
Beaulieu of Australia Pty Ltd PO Box 6160 Yatala DC, Qld 4207
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From construction to healthcare Australia’s only respirator manufacturer finds itself at the forefront of the COVID crisis CleanSpace Technology, an innovative, Australian company that designs and manufactures next-generation respirators in Sydney’s North, has found itself at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proprietary technology, at the heart of all CleanSpace respirators, was designed by ex-ResMed (a world leader in CPAP devices) biomedical engineers. The engineers had a vision to make devices that delivered high level protection in an easy to use and comfortable system. The company has been successfully protecting workers in a wide range of sectors for the past ten years. Until CleanSpace, the technology for masks had not changed for 30 years. Traditional devices were typically uncomfortable, hot and provided low protection. Industries such as mining, metal works and stonemasonry where workers are exposed to harmful contaminates such as coal dust, silica and welding fumes, welcomed the reusable CleanSpace respirators. Afterall, they are comfortable, easily deployed, offer the highest protection available, and their teams love wearing them. The CleanSpace Ultra, being IP Rated 66 water tolerant, has been well adopted by stonemasons, and those working with crystalline silica. “Our technology was been as game-changer, and still is. One of the main reasons people go unprotected is
Flooring June/July 2020
because of low compliance. If masks are uncomfortable or not quick and easy to put on, then it simply doesn’t get used,” said CleanSpace Technology CEO, Alex Birrell. “CleanSpace is unique, it’s a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) without the heavy and cumbersome belt and hoses associated with PAPRs. Its simplicity with fresh air on the face, makes it far preferable to the N95 disposable.” Their technology was so well received CleanSpace Technology has gone on to develop several respirators for various industries. Australia is a great place for launching and building a business around workplace safety. It has a solid international reputation for high safety culture. “Australian companies were the first to adopt the CleanSpace respirators. They have taught us a lot about the evaluation, training and deployment process in large complex operations,” said Dr Birrell. “It has been the key to accelerating growth in other sectors and export markets.” CleanSpace HALO, the company’s healthcare offering, continues to protect the lives of thousands of frontline healthcare workers globally. This unique system has become the ‘standard of care’ for protection of high-risk healthcare teams in anaesthetics, surgery and general care. The advantages of reusable systems with superior protection and a secure supply chain make this Australian manufacturer an attractive and reliable vendor for many Australian and international hospitals.
Since COVID-19, with the rapid depletion of disposable masks and reliance on lean supply chains, hospitals and industries globally were suddenly desperately seeking alternatives to disposable masks. “The need is very real and very urgent, we have had to quickly adapt our manufacturing to respond to the need,” added Dr Birrell. “Our manufacturing facility in Sydney was upscaled and we had to hire a lot of people and train them in advanced manufacturing and logistics.” Initial risks around airfreight (with restricted commercial flights) were quickly overcome with the assistance from Austrade, DFAT, IFAM and DHL who organised CleanSpace priority status and secured regular flights into Australia. “The COVID crisis has forced a rapid evolution of the company’s operations from supply chain, manufacturing and training delivery to meet a high and urgent demand,” said Dr Birrell. “One thing that remains constant is the confidence we have in the technology and its ability to protect workers facing airborne contaminates that risk their health and safety. As Australia’s only respirator company, we are proud to be protecting those on the frontline of healthcare, and various industries such as mining and construction that rely on respiratory protection.” web www.cleanspacetechnology.com
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YOUR DEFENCE AGAINST SILICA CleanSpace Respirators exceed minimum requirements for new QLD Code of Practice on silica dust exposure.
sales@cleanspacetechnology.com WWW.CLEANSPACETECHNOLOGY.COM
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Designer Flake - The Quiet Achiever
E
verything old is new again. Epoxy seamless Flake flooring has been around since the 1940’s and was the go-to product for commercial and industrial flooring. Over the decades Flake flooring has evolved into more of a decorative stylish coating, now being utilised in many domestic applications. Domestic applications range from garages, driveways, foot paths and patios to internal bench tops and living areas. Flake has also found its way into many more commercial areas that require a more decorative and hard-wearing surface. Seamless Epoxy Flake coatings continue to grow in popularity every year. This is a testament to its versatility and durability in any application. Designer Flake commenced operations from humble beginnings in 1990 out of two 90m2 factories at Ashmore on the Gold Coast, achieving steady growth year on year to date and now operates from a 2000m2 plus factory at Yatala, half way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The current factory has the capacity to double production lines for future growth. The office and management systems through to orders and dispatch
Flooring June/July 2020
have also been modernised and streamlined to keep up with the increased turnover in production lines. Designer Flake benefit from being the only Australian made and owned Flake manufacturer. Bob Fletcher alongside his family still heads up Designer Flake and has done so since its inception. Bob leads the company with his 60 years of experience, ranging through from Bob’s experience on the tools to his current management roll overseeing all day to day operations. Bob is also passionate and heavily involved in the research and development department. Designer Flake has always been an innovator in its field by pushing the boundaries to bring out the most up to date colours and concepts. Flake has been used in epoxy coating systems for the last 70 years and some of the original colours still remain in place today. Whilst still producing some original colours and blends for customers, the main sales are in custom colours and blends. Some of these colours and blends are so unique that they remain unmatched by global opposition.
The latest innovation to come out of Designer Flake’s research and development department is the Natural Stone Range. This product has the appearance of ground stone or polished concrete. The Natural Stone Range has brought Flake out of the dark ages and up to date with all the latest natural aesthetics due to its warmer colour tones and unique size Flake blending. This latest range now adds to Designer Flake’s custom blends, alongside Stone Grip, Marble tone and Classic XL Ranges. Designer Flake’s product remains one of the most user and environmentally friendly Flakes in the market place; being acrylic it isn’t harmful to the environment or the installer/applicator. Designer Flake is compatible with most coating systems on the market. The unique production process means this Flake maintains an aerated construction, like honey comb. This has two main benefits; the most important is that it remains porous, absorbing the basecoat from beneath and the topcoats from above to become the binder in the system (no chance of delamination). The second benefit is that being aerated makes the Flake lighter in comparison to most of the imported / opposition Flake, which is a polyvinyl make up and 30% heavier in weight than Acrylic Flake. As Flake is generally sold by weight, you would have to allow 30% more Polyvinyl 24 Flakes to match Designer Flake’s coverage.
www.flooringmagazine.com.au
Natural Stone Range Blue Stone
Earth Stone
Latest Innovation in Flake D e s i g n e r F l a k e ’s N a t u r a l S t o n e R a n g e has an appearance that is a cross between stone, granite and polished concrete – a look that is ver y much on trend. Available in 10 stylish colours that would suit any area indoors or out.
Fire Stone
D e s i g n e r F l a k e ’s D e c o r a t i v e F l a k e s a r e i n c o r p o r a t e d i n S e a m l e s s e p o x y a n d Po l y u r e t h a n e f l o o r s y s t e m s. A g r e a t alternative to other types of floor and wall c o v e r i n g s . D e c o r a t i v e , t o u g h , l o w maintenance, durable and hygienic. Suitable for floors, walls and other surfaces in any domestic or commercial situation
Gem Stone
www.designerflake.com
Graphite Stone
Green Stone
Grey Stone
Natural Stone
Suitable For All High Traffic Areas
Quartz Stone
Real Stone
Designer Flake Pty Ltd
• 1800 260 850 •
sales@designerflake.com
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Let the buyer have faith with Armstrong
Designer Flake’s next focus phase is on expansion of their production area. This means cutting down on production costs while producing a more environmentally friendly product. Designer Flake believe that going greener in the production process will lower production costs further. This will equate to a top-quality Flake product in the market place at a very competitive price. Designer Flake already purchase all raw materials in Australia from Australian companies and endeavour to source all plant and equipment from Australian companies or fabricate it in house. So, let’s all work together and support Australian Made, Grown and Owned and help this country increase its independence. web www.designerflake.com.au
Armstrong Flooring’s resilient vinyl floor and wall products are made and manufactured right here in Australia. Armstrong’s reputation for customer and product support is renowned throughout the industry and is true to the philosophy of ‘Let the Buyer have Faith’ upon which Thomas Armstrong built his business in 1860. Since 1969 Armstrong Flooring has proudly been manufacturing vinyl flooring at their factory in Braeside, Victoria and currently employs over 110 people throughout Australia. A Short History • 1930’s - While Armstrong Products have been distributed in Australia since at least the 1930’s, it was not until May of 1961 that Armstrong Cork was registered as an Australian business. • October 1968 - A joint venture between Melbourne’s Nylex Corporation and Armstrong Cork Co. saw investment in an Australian local manufacturing facility at Braeside, Victoria and the creation of Armstrong-Nylex Pty Ltd. • November 1969 - Armstrong-Nylex produced its first Australian Made Tessera Corlon Vinyl Flooring. • Late 1960's - Armstrong purchased the Dunlop Flooring Vinyl Composition Tile (VCT plant at Reservoir, Victoria) • 1980’s - Armstrong became Australia’s only manufacturer of vinyl flooring and began to manufacture vinyl tiles at Thomastown, Victoria. • 1993 - Armstrong-Nylex began producing Accolade Homogeneous vinyl sheet and 27 years later, are still manufacturing onsite and exporting globally.
Flooring June/July 2020
• Late 1990’s - A change of focus saw Armstrong World Industries buy out Nylex and Armstrong-Nylex became Armstrong World Industries (Australia) Pty Ltd. • 2008 - Launch of Infinity, a bespoke flooring design tool which offers users the ability to customise the look of their Homogeneous Vinyl sheet flooring. • 2016 - Armstrong Flooring Inc. separated form Armstrong World Industries and listed on the New York Stock exchange as a stand-alone global flooring manufacturer. • 2016 - Armstrong Flooring Australia Pty Ltd was born and adopted its current branding. • 2018 - Armstrong Flooring celebrates 50 years of continuous investment in Australian Manufacturing Environmental Credentials Armstrong Flooring has a strong emphasis on sustainability and its environmental credentials. Their Australian made vinyl floor and wall products, achieve third party certification by NCS International, the Green Building Council of Australia’s (GBCA) PVC Best Practice Guidelines and by Ecospecifier to GreenTag Greenrate Level A which helps promote the use of Armstrong Flooring’s Best Practice PVC products in GBCA Green Star projects. This commitment sees Armstrong Flooring products installed within many key education, retail and health care facilities throughout Australia, such as the University of Sydney, Perth Children’s Hospital,
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Feature
25 Recycling and Renewable Energy With assistance from the Victorian State Government, Armstrong Flooring installed solar panels at their Braeside plant. The system consists of 912, 300w panels, and generates an estimated 387.8-megawatt hours a year, which delivers enough energy to supply 100% of their warehouse and office needs.
Queensland Children’s Hospital, Gold Coast University Hospital, Mudgee Hospital and most recently, Royal Hobart Hospital. All of these facilities feature a selection of Armstrong Flooring’s off the shelf and custom Australian made best practice PVC products (Accolade Plus, Accolade Safe, Infinity or Wallflex) which meet the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) best practice PVC guidelines and offer a range of durable, low maintenance floor and wall solutions where environmentally preferable materials are required.
Through partnerships with other local manufacturers to recycle and repurpose product and packing waste, Armstrong achieved a result of net negative waste to landfill in October 2019.
Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile, Homogeneous Sheet, Heterogenous Sheet, Vinyl Composition Tile, Safety Flooring, Woven Vinyl Flooring, and Wall Coverings. Residential Flooring – Hybrid Rigid Core, Luxury Vinyl Plank and Laminate. Installation and Maintenance Accessories – PVC extrusions (skirting), adhesives and floor care.
Market Solutions Australian Made – Accolade Plus, Accolade Foothold, Accolade Safe, Australis, Quantum, Armalon NG, Armatrans and Wallflex.
Distribution and Export Supported by local businesses Armstrong Flooring has distribution networks right throughout Australia and New Zealand. With export customers and distributors in more than 20 countries across the globe, including China, USA, Canada, Chile and India.
Commercial Flooring – Hybrid Rigid Core,
web www.armstrongflooring.com
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Buying Australian made has never been more important
D
uring the challenge of Covid-19, the team at Godfrey Hirst is continuing to work closely with customers to provide strong business continuity and ongoing support, as well as supporting the local community. With multiple manufacturing facilities in Geelong, a broadloom distribution centre in Laverton, a state-of-the-art palletised distribution centre in Truganina, and state sales offices nationwide, when you buy a Godfrey Hirst or Feltex Carpet you are supporting over 450 Australians and their families.
Their Australian history spans back to 1865, when the Victorian Woollen and Cloth Manufacturing Company began operations in Geelong, and was purchased in the 1890’s by Godfrey Hirst. Godfrey Hirst’s entrepreneurial skills and knowledge of the industry lead to the great success that was furthered even more so by the McKendrick family in the 1960s. In 2018, the Godfrey Hirst business was acquired by Mohawk Industries, the world’s largest flooring company, expanding its product offering and capabilities to a global scale.
Flooring June/July 2020
Today, thousands of metres of carpet are produced in their state-of-the-art Australian facilities every day, and both their carpet and hard flooring set the safe, comfortable and beautiful interior foundation for millions of homes. Commercially, their customisation capabilities and vast archive of designs are trusted for major projects in all market segments across workspace, retail, hospitality, healthcare, education, public space and multi-residential in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. Local investment in people, manufacturing, warehousing and distribution provides total supply chain capability, ensuring quality control and consistency from product design, right through to delivery. Godfrey Hirst are proud to have a loyal and long serving inclusive and diverse workforce while managing organisational renewal to ensure an excellent mix of new thinking and deep knowledge.
wool, synthetic and triexta carpets along with world class hard flooring solutions in hybrid, timber, laminate and vinyl. Sustainability also remains at the core of their business. They actively seek out the highest standards in product design seeking to minimise negative impacts on the environment at all stages of the product lifecycle. Local manufacturing is a top priority within the business to continue to provide the quality, consistency, flexibility and dependable local team to support local businesses. web www.godfreyhirst.com
Through local design, manufacturing, distribution and sales offices across Australia, Godfrey Hirst provide locally based product support and an industry leading knowledgeable sales team in every state. Their longstanding relationships with flooring retail channels, commercial contractors, architects and interior designers, allow them to supply to consumers throughout Australia high quality Australian and New Zealand made
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Proudly Australian Made FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS, GODFREY HIRST HAS CALLED GEELONG HOME FOR GENER ATIONS. With a rich history spanning back to 1865, the Victorian
Through continued local design, manufacturing and local
Woollen and Cloth Manufacturing Company began operations
distribution facilities across Australia, we provide locally based
in Geelong. 1890 saw the Barwon Mill being purchased by
support on your project journey with passionate in-house
Godfrey Hirst and Charles Shannon, and the Victorian Mill
designers and local knowledgeable sales teams.
was later purchased in 1899. Godfrey Hirst’s entrepreneurial skills, together with knowledge of the industry lead to the success of the business.
Australian made remains at the core of our business and has allowed us to ensure quality, consistency and flexibility for over 150 years.
With three local manufacturing facilities in Victoria and a strong local heritage, Godfrey Hirst has grown into one
Contact your local representative.
of Australia’s largest flooring brands, committed to designing, creating and supplying high-quality floorcoverings throughout
Discuss our Australian made product
Australia and New Zealand.
offering for your next commercial project.
Amongst our portfolio of global products, GH Commercial proudly offer high quality Australian made tile and broadloom
Look out for our Australian Made icon on your sampling and our website.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
products when, where and how you need them.
g h c o m m e r c i a l . c o m | 1300 444 778 | 0800 500 210
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28
Australian Made Carpet Gripper and Seaming Tapes Manufacturing with BBS – Australia’s last installation accessories manufacturer. Making what we need here, in Australia, is a popular idea in our modern economy. It is more common to look overseas than to search locally for a supplier. Through the 1990s and the 2000’s Australia opened up its economy by lowering tariffs, floating our exchange rate and encouraging the free flow of goods, money, people and ideas. As a result of these changes many products that were once made locally began to move to off-shore factories. To survive in the open market local manufacturers had to learn to compete with low cost competitors, particularly those from Asia. Prices came down and off-shore competitors started to take market share from the existing Australian manufacturers. This had the greatest impact on ‘trade exposed’ industries – where imported products could be loaded into containers and cheaply shipped into the Australian market. Our new off-shore competitors were able to offer lower prices because they regulated their industries differently. This freed them from the social costs that Australian companies had to carry like minimum wages and benefits, and safety and environmental protections. The Australian consumer rightly asked “why should I pay more for the local item, when the import is cheaper”. In hindsight we should have also asked “why are these imports cheaper”, and “what are we really buying when the cheaper import is chosen”. The shift to imported manufactured goods accelerated after 2001 when China was
Flooring June/July 2020
admitted to the World Trade Organisation. With their masses of newly urbanised workers and state assisted export assistance, China’s expanding manufacturing capacity sent shockwaves around the world. As China’s exports grew, local manufacture in places like Australia went into accelerated decline. Local carpet gripper and heat bond tape manufacturers were hit hard. In the early 2000’s there were as many as eight local makers of these products across Australia and New Zealand. But by 2019, BBS Flooring Products, was the only local manufacturer of these products. Just recently we have seen the rise of counter arguments to global trade in the form of American economic nationalism, the global warming threat from emerging markets and concerns about supply chain disruption from pandemics and other international shocks. It is time we asked ourselves “what have we also given up in our drive for the lowest global price”. What are the benefits of local manufacturing that we trade away when we choose a cheaper import? Let me list a few. 1. Resilience: This is our ability to withstand any shock the world might throw at us, from climate change to financial turmoil in international markets, to trade wars or medical pandemics. Being more resilient means our lives don’t get thorn about by these outside forces. A problem with being integrated into global trade is that we are exposed to every shock that rocks global system. The effects of Covid-19, the recent trade embargo on barley
and education exports illustrate how less resilient we become when we are highly integrated. By making more of what we consume locally and being more self-reliant we become more resilient and less vulnerable to international trade shocks. 2. Shorter supply chains: The length of our supply chains can be measured by how many hands and how many kilometers goods must travel through to get to our market. Globalisation of supply extends and complicates these chains. More component suppliers get involved and our goods must travel further before they reach us. This makes our supply of these goods more vulnerable to disruption when things go wrong in the world. When we make more products locally, we are less vulnerable to this disruption, particularly when the supply chain starts and finishes within our borders. 3. Control over standards: Australian industry is well regulated with clear standards for workers’ benefits, safety in manufacture and product design, product quality, and what is permissible with environmental discharges. Many countries that manufacture the goods we consume do not keep similar standards. Very few countries pay equivalent wages and benefits to Australia. The same can be said for safety standards in manufacture, and for the discharges industry is allowed to put into the environment.
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There is good reason for concern about the global warming pollutants that factories in emerging economies push into the environment in their pursuit of cheap power and cheaper industry costs.
The same works in reverse. When we no longer make the traditional products then we have less resources and capacity within the economy to switch to the new products of the future.
When goods are made overseas, we don’t have control over these important standards. Making more products locally gives us the ability to directly manage manufacture and the environment around our manufacturing for our long-term benefit.
A critical benefit we get from keeping our local manufacturing healthy is that it enables us to switch to new industries of the future as they arise. 5. A greater diversity of jobs: Covit-19 has shown Australia to the risk of being overly reliant on service industries for our national employment.
4. Local capacity: A critical amount of local infrastructure is needed to keep our manufacturing capacity in place. If we are making the nuts and bolts it is easier for us to make machines. With these machines we can move on to make the cars of today, and when we make combustion engine cars it is then possible for us to make the electric cars of the future.
This unexpected pandemic selectively hit our hotel, travel, tourism, education, restaurant, entertainment and other services industries closing many of them down completely. While we need these service industries within our economy, we also need to keep a balance of employment opportunities available to young Australians so that we can be more resilient if another crisis like this strikes. So, the next time we reach for cheaper products on our shopping shelves we should also ask ourselves “what else do we get with that lower price”. It is likely you are also buying a less resilient or diverse future, more prone to disruption and where we are left with less local capacity and have less control of our standards and our environment. web www.bbscarpetgripper.com.au
Australian SureEdge®
CARPET GRIPPER Honest. Australian. Quality GRIPPER THICKNESS
NO WATERFALL APPEARANCE Match gripper and underlay heights
9mm Gripper 8-12mm underlays
7mm Gripper 6-8mm underlays
Underlay 5mm Double Bond Gripper 4.7mm underlays
Low Profile Gripper without underlay
PIN LENGTHS
LONG PIN (L)
woven, rough or thicker carpet backings
2 / 75 Zenith Road, Dandenong, VIC, 3175, Australia Tel: +61 3 9793 2244 EMAIL: info@bbsfp.com
MEDIUM PIN (M)
most carpet backings
SHORT PIN (S)
light or thinner carpet backings
BBS Flooring Products
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GMK Logistics – An Australian Success Story
A
ustralia was a very different country back in 1962. Robert Menzies was in his 15th year as Prime Minister, our population was only 10.7 million but the country was quickly growing and becoming more prosperous. A young John Kane had been doing deliveries for his father’s bike shop and decided to venture out on his own. On the 31st of October 1962, John registered G.M. Kane & Sons Pty Ltd, naming it after his parents George and Muriel. He started out with just one truck, providing general freight services between Sydney and Camden. John soon decided to focus on transporting flooring products and invested in specialised equipment to handle carpet and vinyl rolls. He later expanded his delivery network to the rest of NSW and adopted the business name of GMK Transport. John firmly believed that the way to differentiate yourself in transport was to provide exceptional customer service. This commitment remains a key part of the GMK philosophy to this day. In 2005, John appointed his daughter Sharon as Managing Director. Sharon had worked in the family business since leaving school and understood the operation extremely well. As John gradually stepped back from day-to-day operations, Sharon began formulating a plan to take the business to a national level. She identified a need for a transport business that understood the complex service requirements of the flooring business. On the 25th of March 2008, Sharon Kane rebranded the business as GMK Logistics and opened depots in all major capital cities, offering full 3PL services and a national transport network.
and raised in the Riverina area of country NSW, David trained as a diesel mechanic and soon went into the transport business with his father. He has driven trucks on almost every road in Australia and knows the country like the back of his hand. Like John Kane, David set up his own business, Knagge Transport, and soon began to specialise in moving flooring products. When GMK went national, many of David’s long-term flooring customers moved across to GMK Logistics. David’s extensive knowledge of both flooring and transport continued to be influential in defining the operation and culture of GMK. David understands everything from the mechanics of a prime mover to the service requirements of the most specialised flooring customer and is the driving force behind GMK’s commitment to the highest possible levels of customer service. As David frequently tells the GMK team “In transport, there are many factors outside your control such as traffic and weather. However, if we keep our customers informed and give them a solution, they are generally understanding. It’s not about what you get wrong but how you recover, that’s what sets us aside from the rest.” In the warehousing and transportation of flooring products, GMK is always dealing
with tight deadlines. On many jobs, carpet and vinyl layers have been booked weeks in advance or the window to complete the work is very limited. Some are large commercial building projects where a delay can have a huge financial impact. David’s experience over 40 years in the industry has enabled him to train the GMK team in dealing with these requirements. He has always maintained the principle that “For every problem there is a solution” and that “Communication costs nothing, but helps solve most problems.” In 2015, Perth based and ASX listed company CTI Logistics Limited was looking to expand to the Eastern States. They soon identified GMK Logistics as a well-run and specialised business that would be a great starting point for their national ambitions. Acquiring GMK in June 2015, CTI recognised the strength of the GMK brand and have been at pains ever since to support its development as a specialised logistics business, dedicated to the flooring industry. CTI have also continued to invest in the GMK business, a prime example being the purchase of a custom made state of the art carpet-cutting table, which was commissioned in Melbourne in April 2019.
In the background, but playing a key role in running the operation, was David Knagge who had joined the business in 2004. Born
Flooring June/July 2020
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Feature
Built by Perpetual Machine Company in the U.S.A., the Carpet Boss III represents a very substantial investment by GMK in its customers and the Australian flooring industry. This fully automatic machine is capable of an impressive 45 cuts per hour or 342 cuts in a standard day shift, which includes check measure balances and finished product wrapping. It’s the most advanced cutting machine in Australia. Also, in 2019, GMK implemented the Jaix Logistics Software suite, an ERP product developed in Adelaide specifically for the Australian logistics sector. GMK had been using Jaix in its Melbourne warehouse for many years and having examined a number of other options, proceeded to implement the Jaix Transport, Warehouse and Accounts modules in all locations. Incorporating endto-end scanning, the new system provides customers with full visibility of their product throughout the supply chain. The GMK
31 warehouse effectively becomes the customer’s virtual warehouse providing full visibility of their product from receipt, processing of orders and delivery to the customer. Signon-glass technology enables real time track and trace and immediate POD visibility.
without the distraction of a warehouse operation • no warehouse WHS or HR compliance issues • reduced capital investment and improved cashflow
The new cutting machine, along with the Jaix IT solution, puts GMK at the leading edge of the Australian flooring logistics market. Customers utilising the GMK outsourced warehouse solution now have a number of distinct advantages over their competition, including:
In 2020, GMK Logistics has over 75,000 square metres of warehousing space, a fleet of 85 specialised trucks and employs 195 experienced staff and permanent subcontractors through Australia.
• speed to market, with immediate access to GMK’s extensive national transport network • world class equipment and IT solutions, with full product visibility • the ability to focus on their core business
Whilst the GMK story features a number of strong and focused individuals over its near sixty-year history, it is those 195 committed Australians, working together as a team, that sets out every day to deliver the best possible service to its customer. web www.gmklogistics.com.au
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DecoFloor - Flooring of the future
D
ECO Australia’s revolutionary new flooring product is set to shake up the flooring industry. Designed to replicate the form, feel and appearance of real timber floorboards, DecoFloor is made from solid, powder coated aluminium, eliminating the issues associated with hardwood and laminate floors, including rotting, swelling and fading. The realistic, textured sublimated powder coat finish gives DecoFloor an authentic timber look with the unparalleled performance of aluminium. Designed and manufactured in Australia, the complete, easy-to-install flooring system offers a durable, non-combustible alternative to traditional hardwood floorboards and laminate floating floors. Made from long lengths of lightweight aluminium, it is DIYfriendly and easy for any flooring installer to use. DecoFloor also offers the added bonus of being maintenance-free, requiring no sanding, staining or oiling throughout its lifetime. Easy installation DecoFloor’s self-mating interlocking board system has been designed to easily snap together, allowing carpenters and flooring installers to complete the job quickly and effectively. Fast installation across large areas is also achievable thanks to DecoFloor’s long 5.4 metre board lengths.
A range of colour-matched accessories, including angles and carpet connectors, provide a seamless transition to carpets, rooms and walls. Custom folded flashings and custom colour-matched accessories are also available for unique project requirements. DECO Australia’s Research and Development Manager Richard Hamber said that DecoFloor will revolutionise the way specifiers, builders and installers approach floor covering solutions. “This is a one-of-a-kind in flooring design.” he said. “The DecoFloor system was designed with simplicity and ease in mind, to create a flooring solution that not only looks great, but also offers fast installation, greater durability and better fire safety than a lot of other flooring products currently on the market”. Strong and durable Made from solid aluminium with a Super Durable Class 2 powder coat finish, DecoFloor will not crack, split or splinter. Its resistance to moisture and humidity means it will not swell, bend or cup as timber floorboards can, and its UV stable finish ensures its timber-look appearance will not weather, fade or change colour even when exposed to sunlight. This durability means DecoFloor is ideal for multiple applications, especially in areas where moisture leaks and spills may occur. The natural look of timber DecoFloor is available in 30 beautiful DecoWood timber-look colours. DecoWood is the premium woodgrain powder-coated finish from DECO Australia that will leave you amazed. It is 50 per cent more durable than standard powder coating, and utilising an innovative photo imaging technology, the DecoWood finish will not rub or peel off,
Flooring June/July 2020
and unlike real timber, never needs painting, oiling or staining. The safer choice Made from solid aluminium, DecoFloor is been deemed a non-combustible product in accordance with the National Construction Code, offering a fire-safe option for commercial and public spaces as well as egress pathways. DecoFloor has also been tested and certified by the CSIRO to Australian Standards AS 1530.1 and AS 1530.3. DecoFloor has been tested to slip rating standard AS 4586 and achieves a P2 slip rating. This means it is suitable for use in commercial applications such as common areas, lobbies of commercial buildings and hotel kitchens and bathrooms. Australian quality you can trust DecoFloor has been designed and manufactured in Australia to comply with Australian Standards. DecoFloor is made using the highest quality powders in accordance with specifications set out by Qualicoat, the international powder coating body, and also undergoes DECO’s stringent in-house quality control processes to ensure a premium product. For more information or to request a product sample, please visit DECO Australia. web www.deco.net.au
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THE REVOLUTIONARY NEW
ALUMINIUM FLOORING SYSTEM Introducing DecoFloor, the new flooring system from DECO Australia. Designed to replicate the form, feel and appearance of real timber floorboards, DecoFloor is made from solid, powder-coated aluminium for a durable and longlasting flooring solution for almost any residential or commercial application.
25 Timber-look DecoWood® finishes
Fire-safe non-combustible aluminium
Unaffected by water and termite attack Quick and easy installation Concealed fixings for a seamless finish Long, 5.4 metre precision extruded boards Australian Standards compliant Australian designed, made and owned
Contact us for more information or to request a free product sample.
(02) 9603 1888 | info@deco.net.au | deco.net.au
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Birrus – three generations of innovation
W
hen Gregor Rusden returned to Melbourne from England in 1965 to take over the family engineering firm, Rusden Birrell, he had already established a reputation as a brilliant engineer through his work in vehicle design. Since 1948, they had been importing and manufacturing engineering products and had become an important employer in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Rusden Birrell were already a well-known firm locally but gained wider attention when, in 1954, they were responsible for importing five machines known as ‘Ducks’ from England. These power cleaning machines were to be used for a slightly unusual purpose, to suck moisture from cricket pitches to avoid first class cricket matches being washed out by Melbourne’s rain. These machines had already proven their worth in Manchester (another city famous for rain) by ensuring the match between England and Pakistan could take place earlier in the year, despite English newspapers saying that play would be impossible. However, this was not the last time that this company would see opportunity in bringing products from overseas to Australia.
Gregor had seen the high-quality entrance matting systems that were used in the UK and understood that he could help to build a new area of focus for the business. He signed an agreement to import the Matador matting range, however this system was not perfect. Gregor noticed that high-heeled shoes could get trapped in the matting, an obvious flaw in the product. As an engineer, Gregor knew that he could fix this problem with better design. The result was one of the first commercial matting ranges to be designed and manufactured in Australia. It was a great success and over the next 30 years, matting systems became the focus of the business with the company renaming themselves as Birrus Matting Systems in 2001. Today, Birrus is one of the best-known names in the industry and is in its third generation of family ownership. Their manufacturing is now done in Dandenong South, from which they supply products throughout Australia and internationally. However, they have not forgotten their heritage and their place in the local business ecosystem.
“We have always focussed on sourcing materials from Australian suppliers where we can. For example, we’ve only ever used aluminium from Australian-made billet, which has been milled locally. We know that this will provide us with a consistent, highquality material with reliable availability. When international supply chains were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, it didn’t affect our clients’ project timelines as we were able to continue with all the materials we needed.” Melissa McRae, General Manager, Birrus Matting Systems For all their heritage, Birrus has never been one to rest on their laurels. Perhaps because of their beginnings over 70 years ago as an engineering innovator, Birrus has always been at the forefront of developing new products for the built environment. Now supplying a wide range of matting systems and flooring safety products, Birrus has done 36 a great deal to respond to the demands of
Flooring June/July 2020
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Ultramat The Ultimate Design Choice Australian Made Leaders in quality Matting systems Birrus ULTRAMAT is seen here installed in car dealerships in Melbourne. This system is proudly Australian made and is used in a range of buildings including retail, residential developments, offices and hospitality venues. ULTRAMAT is available in a range of finishes and with different carpet inserts including ecospecifier global Green Tag Certified options.
www.birrusmatting.com.au
Birrus Matting Systems
ı 1300 369 858 ı www.birrusmatting.com.au ı sales@birrusmatting.com.au
Feature the industry. This not only reflects changing tastes and implementing modern design and manufacturing techniques. Increasingly, this has been focussed on the demand for environmentally and responsibly sourced solutions. As well as implementing measures to reduce their carbon footprint and increase recycling at their factory, Birrus has also introduced solutions to the Australian market that offer benefits beyond the quality and durability of the products themselves. Their flagship ULTRAMAT and DURAMAT products are both ecospecifier Global Green Tag Certified and last year, Birrus launched Treadtiles in Australia. This heavy-duty carpet tile system is 95% recycled and is manufactured from used aircraft and truck tyres. It is exactly this type of innovation
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that has kept the Birrus name in the heads of flooring installers, interior designers and architects when they are considering matting and flooring safety systems. Birrus’s combination of customer service, product innovation and engineering quality has brought them to where they are today and they will continue to stick to these guiding
principles as they look to the future in what is an ever changing and challenging industry. Birrus Matting Systems provide matting and flooring safety systems throughout Australia. To learn more about their products or request product samples visit the website. web www.birrusmatting.com.au
Continued investment in the Australian manufacturing landscape
B
org Manufacturing was founded over 30 years ago by brothers Michael and John Borg, originally a small joinery business on the Central Coast of NSW that now employs over 2000 people nationwide. Borg Manufacturing is a vertically integrated business, with Green Tag and PEFC certifications. The company sources timber from sustainably grown Pinus Radiata from which particleboard and fibreboard substrate are produced. The business has grown over the years on the back of significant capital investments in automated technologies as well as a commitment to product innovation and development. This commitment has seen the company rise to the top of its class as best demonstrated by the world class technologies in place in its major manufacturing facilities in Somersby, Oberon, Charmhaven and Mt Gambier.
Flooring June/July 2020
Above: Borg 5.5 HPL Underlay example of 5.5 HPF underlay application Sustainability ensures the company utilises timber from Responsible Wood and PEFC certified forests backed by Chain of Custody and Green Tag Level A certifications. In addition, the company deploys sustainable practices like water recycling and full product life cycle waste minimisation programs to ensure the company can stand behind its sustainability claims. Significantly, Borg Manufacturing have been investing in solar power since 2018. Over the last 2 years the company has installed over 32,900 solar
panels across its network of factories, thereby becoming more energy efficient and reducing carbon emissions. Borg Manufacturing are now one of the largest manufacturers of high-performance fibreboard and structural flooring in Australia, particleboard and MDF. The 5.5 HPF Underlay is an environmentally friendly High-Performance Fibreboard manufactured in Australia to E0 Standards for use over particleboard, strip timber, concrete flooring
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5.5 HPF Underlay is an environmentally friendly High Performance Fibreboard underlay manufactured in Australia to E0 standards. For use over particleboard, strip timber, plywood and concrete flooring 5.5 HPF Underlay provides a strong flat ultra smooth uniform base for resilient floor coverings. Australian made and Australian owned Ultra smooth and strong indent resistant surface Easy to score and snap with clean snap lines Minimum face reaction to staples means less sanding and preparation work required Double sided feature adds strength and versatility E0 and environmentally friendly Smart cost saving solution
www.borgmanufacturing.com.au
Safe Easy Smart
Feature and STRUCTAflor. 5.5 HPF Underlay provides a strong, flat ultra-smooth, uniform base for resilient floor coverings, with minimum face reaction to staples and less preparation work required. This popular underlay solution is double-sided for added strength and versatility while remaining a cost-saving solution. Environmentally friendly and Australian Made, Borg Manufacturing products are manufactured using renewable forest products. Borg Manufacturing is continuing to invest in the Australian manufacturing landscape with the commissioning of a state-of-theart $110m continuous particleboard line, and two highly automated low pressure melamine press lines in Oberon, NSW. Recent developments in the management of pine plantations and wood waste recycling programs have allowed for further company growth, while minimising overall environmental impact. 5.5 HPF Underlay Features and Benefits • Ultra-smooth and strong indent resistant surface • Easy to score and snap with clean snap lines • Minimum face reaction to staples means less sanding and preparation work required • Double-sided feature adds strength and versatility • E0 and environmentally friendly • Smart cost-saving solution • Manufactured to meet or exceed the standard as required in AS1884-2012. web www.borgmanufacturing.com.au
Above: Oberon Manufacturing Facility Flooring June/July 2020
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Polivac - safety, productivity, quality, and sustainability
P
olivac International are experts in designing and manufacturing innovative technology for the flooring and cleaning industry. Their product range includes sanders, polishers and scrubbers. All machines are designed and manufactured in Australia, hence ensuring the quality and reliability for each product. With over 70 years of knowledge and expertise, Polivac has managed to meticulously design heavy-duty sanding machines. There are five different Polivac sanders available including the Slow-speed SV25 Supervac and High-speed SV30 Supervac Vacuum Sanders the Polivibe Oscillating Floor Sander, Slow-speed SV25 and High-speed SV30 Sandivac floor Sanders.
clean the indoor dusty mess for you. Supervac sanders are fitted with extra weights that offer ideal downward pressure to ensure sanding work is done effectively. These features ensure the sanders offer the high performance required to satisfy the rigorous demands of floor sanding applications. Both the Supervac sanders can be used for scrubbing and stripping applications Above: Polivibe after switching off the Oscillating Floor vacuum motor meaning Sander multiple jobs are complete with one versatile machine.
Polivac Slow-speed SV25 Supervac and high-speed SV30 Supervac Vacuum Sanders are known for their quality and efficiency in the industry. These sanders are packed with features that aid in executing tough sanding jobs. The Slow-speed SV25 Supervac Vacuum sander is powered with a 1.1 kw, 4 pole motor and 188 rpm pad speed. The High-speed SV30 Supervac Vacuum sander is powered with a 1.5 kw, 2 pole motor and 364 rpm pad speed. Both of these Vacuum sanders are equipped with a 400-watt long life motor which is fitted into the vacuum canister along with a by-pass dust separator for superior dust extraction, making it easy to separate and remove dust as compared to standard sanders. There is no need to vacuum after a tough sanding job as these machines
The Oscillating Polivibe Sander is a new generation machine that was designed after extensive research into the changing industry requirements. This sander is powered with a 1.1 kw motor and provides an oscillating speed of 2850 oscillations per minute. It is equipped with a pivot point design for efficient weight distribution and fitted with additional weight for increased downward pressure ensuring improved sanding efficiency.
Left : SV25 Supervac &
Polivac sanders are manufactured to provide superior performance with maximum productivity. All Polivac machines are ergonomically designed to provide supreme operator comfort and are manufactured with a focus on safety, productivity, quality, and sustainability. A cornerstone of the Polivac commitment to the environment is ‘The Polivac Conservation Cycle’ which aims to protect the environment through intelligent design.
SV30 Supervac Vacuum Sanders.
web www.polivac.com.au
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Armstrong Flooring Pty Ltd, Australia’s only manufacturer of commercial vinyl flooring has been proudly investing in local manufacturing for over 50 years. Manufactured to meet the evolving demands of today’s interior spaces, Armstrong Flooring leads through exceptional customer service, technical support and responsible environmental practices to produce and supply durable high-performance flooring and walling solutions for commercial and residential markets. Armstrong Flooring’s Braeside, Victoria factory produces multiple ranges of sheet vinyl flooring and operates at optimum levels to deliver comprehensive solutions across a broad range of materials, colors, finishes and styles to create your unique commercial space.
John Flynn Private Hospital - Tugun, QLD
Our Australian Made ranges consist of Accolade Plus, Australis and Quantum extending elaborate hues, with Infinity and Bespoke products offering a spectrum of customisable options. Not forgetting the back of house, Accolade Foothold, Accolade Safe for Slip Retardant requirements, Armalon NG, Armatrans for industrial and modular spaces and Wallflex for low maintenance walling applications.
University of Sydney, Merewether Building - Darlington, NSW
Childcare Centre - VIC
Bannockburn P-12 College - Bannockburn, VIC
29-39 Mills Road, Braeside, VIC 3195
1800 632 624
customer_services@armstrongflooring.com www.armstrongflooring.com.au
Retailer of the Month
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Where are they now Story by Philip Ashley The Airstep feature is one of the longest running showcases in the trade media. Dozens of businesses have been highlighted from all over Australia. Every store depends on the people who operate the business and every person has a story to tell.
Above: The unbeaten Bevan Connor Back in December 2015 Airtsep featured Australian Welterweight (Masters) Champion Bevan Connor, owner of Glendowie Carpet One in Ballina, NSW. Bevan bought the store in 2005 and still operates the business. His store is situated next to a tenpin bowling lane operated by Australian Champion Bowler Cameron Walsh, who Bevan went to school with, and Cameron’s wife Emma, also Australian Champion. At the time of the Airstep article Bevan had only just re-entered the sport of boxing and had won the Australian Welterweight title. He tells us he has been unbeaten in four years; four times Australian Champion and Pan-Pacific Champion last year on the Gold Coast. Bevan opened a Gym just before the COVID virus that has just re-opened. Kara and her mother Jenny D’Arcy manage Harbour City Tiles and Carpet in Gladstone, Queensland. They featured in February 2016. Gladstone is a booming industrial base served by one of Australia’s
Flooring June/July 2020
busiest ports, but it also boasts some great fishing spots and beaches for Kara to surf. The city is the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Work-life balance has achieved a progressive customer-focused business with a long list of repeat customers. Their awardwinning showroom has been described as an “Aladdin’s Cave” of treasures and has recently relocated 600 metres up the road. During the COVID pandemic their business has seen an increase in people doing DIY jobs during the “lockdown” period, and the city has a positive vibe.
Below: Kara D'Arcy enjoying a surf
Above: The ‘Datto’ rally car Aggenbach floors are a family business started in 1954 in Wangaratta in Victoria, home to Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop and the bushranger Ned Kelly. ‘Wang’ as it’s known locally is one of Australia’s most historic regional cities with more than thirty buildings being classified by the National Trust and some of these provide interesting and often demanding work for the business. When Airtep sponsored their story in May 2016 Bill Aggenbach was 68 but still has not indicated he will retire any time soon. He and his son, Chris have 18 full time staff and although the last few months have been ‘patchy’ they have stayed strong and got through it. They still race ‘Datto,’ their Datsun 1600 rally car. Darren Goss and Paul Priestley run Choices Flooring Frankston and also a retail outlet in Nunawading (Victoria) in what’s known as ‘The Golden Mile,’ a strip where hundreds of stores service the homeowner with everything from flooring to furniture. Darren has high praise for Paul who he describes as ‘The best flooring salesperson I have ever seen.’ With two prestigious sales awards from the Choices Flooring group under their belt in just over three years, Darren’s opinion is not up for negotiation. Darren and Paul ‘pinch’ an afternoon occasionally to play nine holes of golf, and Darren is a keen fisherman, in fact, if not for COVID he would be off to Kiribati again. Darren said business over the last few months has not been as good as they would like but changes to the way they operate have put them in good stead and people have started to come back in good numbers.
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Retailer of the Month
Above: Darren Goss Simons is a family owned Tasmanian business and Airstep featured them at the end of 2016. Owners Robert and Kaye Milne own five stores catering for half the State. Simons was the first retailer to bring discount flooring to Tasmania and it’s fair to say that Simons shook the industry up just a little. Simons is good for Tasmania and research suggests that for every $100 spent with a co-operative group like Simons Carpet One, almost $43 is invested in the local community. Despite Tasmania’s population being only a few thousand more than Newcastle, each region of the state seems to have differing needs and each of the five stores reflect that region’s demands. Tristan Anderson is taking over from Keven Milne who is transitioning to retirement. Of the COVID, Tristan said, “We were only closed for a few weeks in North West Tasmania due to an outbreak at a hospital. We have an older population in Tasmania who normally travel every year but due to COVID, they’re fixing up their homes. We’ve been largely unaffected, and business is picking up.”
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In July 2017 we spoke to Suzanne Geils at Andersens Aspley in Queensland. Suzanne’s business philosophy was to ‘Look after your people and they will look after you,’ a sentiment championed by Jack Andersen during his four decades at the helm of the Andersens carpet empire. Suzanne and her team keep going, no matter how difficult it might seem, and this was demonstrated by trek’s to Everest Base Camp where Suzanne said, “You learn to treat the people around you with respect. You learn that with the right support, most things are possible. You learn about working together to achieve a common goal; to be patient and to enjoy the little things.” Andersens Aspley do mostly residential work and although for a while they were on skeleton staff during COVID, they remained open and kept going. Suzanne reports that things have picked up with people spending more money on home renovations.
Below: Suzanne Geils at Everest Base Camp
Below: Grace and Bruno Lannucci Our last ‘look back’ is Bruno and Grace Lannucci and we covered them late 2017. They owned three stores including Choices Flooring Keswick, and part share in the Bellagio restaurant at Kadina on the York Peninsula. Bruno said at the time; “Wow; great right? Well no; we lost a lot of money. I should’ve had a far superior understanding of best practices. I should have had better systems and procedures in place. After selling off some of the stores, Bruno learnt to let go of being the best salesperson; the ‘Star of the show.’ He learned to make himself dispensable. “Making myself dispensable and vulnerable; I became less vulnerable, more courageous and the team started to rely on me more for direction,” he said. Since Airstep last featured Bruno and Grace, they have closed another store with no loss of business. He says, “One store allows me to focus and grow the business.” Bruno cannot speak highly enough of what the government did to assist business during the COVID crisis. He says, “The initiatives have given small business an absolute lifeline.”
Look what’s NEW! Welcome to Airstep Online Ordering, where you can now order both Underlay and Hard Flooring products at your convenience, 24/7. We invite you to register using the link below: https://eorder.airstep.com.au/Account/RegisterAir For more information, please contact your Airstep Account Manager.
www.airstep.com.au 1800 803 545
www.imaginefloors.com.au 1800 803 545
Technical Bulletin
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Installing a flocking awesome floor covering Brought to you by Forbo Hints and Tips Flotex is neither a carpet or resilient floor rather, it is a mix of both. A heavy duty waterproof resilient bottom with a highdensity 6.6 nylon textile top. It is also known as flocked flooring due to the electrostatic production process. Flotex has existed for some time, however, never has it been so advanced in design offer with the introduction of digital printing. The hygienic, asthma and allergy friendly properties have also seen Flotex become a popular choice in education and care environments. Installing and caring for Flotex sheet is rather simple, however there are some key points that will make your life easier and installation perform from day dot. Usual rules apply for subfloor prep, clean, smooth, permanently dry and free from contaminants. In short follow the national code AS1884-2012 floor coverings resilient sheet and tiles installation practices. Rolls should always be stored standing upright and acclimatised on site, storing the rolls laying down will result in pile crush. Use material from the same batch/dye lot and install in roll number sequence. Direction of laying and pile direction Always pay attention to the direction and planning of the sheets to avoid cross seams in areas of heavy use or doorways. Install sheets with the arrows all pointing in the same direction, the arrows on the back of the sheet indicate the pile direction.
Flooring June/July 2020
Note: When installing Flotex sheet in corridors, always run arrows lengthwise for ease of rolling traffic. Where corridors intersect, it is recommended that a decorative border be used as a separator to avoid pattern cross match at the intersection. Lay the sheets edge to edge and direction of the arrows should point towards the main light source, NEVER AWAY. Adhesive recommendations and application Use a low emission EC1 adhesive such as Forbo Low VOC 640 Eurocol this also allows for a full system warranty. Use a clean V1 trowel to apply the adhesive evenly including right up to sheet edges. Be aware of the 44
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PR OV AL
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BRIT IS
LERGY FOU N AL
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AUSTRALIA & NZ STOCKED
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Functionality and style, Flotex offers both. • 100% waterproof, washable, fast drying • Will not track or pack down • Low roll resistance • Proven long-term lifespan • Excellent R12 slip rating • Acoustic rating <22dB • Available in sheet, tile and plank format • Digital custom design options • The first textile to be Asthma & Allergy UK approved • Green tag Level A rated • Anti-static
creating better environments
Flotex combines the hard-wearing and durable characteristics of a resilient floor with the quality, warmth and comfort of carpet. Flotex is the perfect alternative to conventional carpet in heavy traffic areas where carpet simply does not perform. The high-tech construction ensures the floor will last year after year releasing 30% more soil than carpet with an equivalent cleaning regime. Being waterproof and washable, with superior stain resistance, Flotex is perfect for education, health and recreation. Asthma and allergy sufferers can breathe easy as Flotex will not harbour germs, dust, or mould. There is nothing quite like Flotex. To see new designs and Australian stock options visit www.forbo-flooring.com.au/flotex.
Technical Bulletin
44 • Nosing should always be used in accordance to NCC requirements. • A separate piece of Flotex must be used for each tread and riser. • Use contact adhesive only for the risers. • On the tread, the pile should lay (arrows) towards the nose of the step. • For the riser, the pile should lay (arrows) downwards towards the tread.
required waiting and open time. Always clean away excess adhesive with a damp cloth before it dries. Do NOT use bleaching agents or strong solvents as they can be harmful to both people and to your floor. Installation Flotex sheet factory edges are trimmed ready to be bonded firmly together, the edges do not need additional trimming. Protect from heavy traffic, particularly wheeled traffic, for 24 hours and do not wet clean for 48 hours after installation. Keep seams a minimum of 15 cm away from any subfloor joints such as expansion joints, saw cuts, etc. Allow for the pattern repeat. Allow at least 5cm trim at ends. Dry lay the runs, butting the factory edges for seaming. Make sure that the seam edges come together with a net fit with no fullness or gaps and check the pattern match. Trim off surplus. Roll the sheets back onto themselves to approximately half their length. Take care that the sheets do not shift during handling. Mark the position of the
Flooring June/July 2020
outside edge of the first sheet in pencil on the floor. Apply the adhesive to the line, marking the edge of the first sheet. Feed the first sheet into the wet adhesive (after the appropriate waiting time specified by the adhesive manufacturer) following the pencil mark on the floor.
Care and maintenance – The brilliance of Flotex The 100% washable and waterproof backing combined with up to 80 million upright nylon fibres per m2 makes Flotex, easy to care for and an incredibly functional floor approved by the British Allergy Foundation. Heavy traffic and contaminants are no issue, as Flotex releases 30% more dirt when cleaning than conventional loop pile carpet. Think childcare centre, all sorts of stuff can end up on the floor.
Roll the sheet in all directions with a heavy roller (50-70kg) or press into the adhesive with a rubbing board within the open time of the adhesive. Working from the centre to the edges to remove any air bubble. Areas that cannot be rolled with the large roller such as door frames or skirting boards use a hand roller or rubbing board. Trim off excess floor covering along the walls and skirting boards. Do the same for the opposite half of the sheet and remaining runs making sure edge to edge seams are neat and tight.
Day to day, just vacuum to remove any loose dirt or dust and preferably with a motorised brush. Spills and stains can be cleaned buy using warm water and a cloth. Stubborn stains use a brush and plastic paint scraper with mild detergent. After considerable time and use, a wet clean may be necessary to refresh the space. Make sure to use a Flotex suitable, highly diluted PH neutral detergent. Mechanical wet cleaning is possible with a three in one, rotary or cylindrical machine. A brush and wet vac can also be used. Flotex is fast drying so a school environment can be completely refreshed to as new quickly. Flotex really is a product for those tough environments where loop carpets struggle to maintain appearance.
Laying Flotex to a staircase Flotex sheet is suitable for use on stairs, following these guidelines:
Flotex is available in sheet tile and planks. To find further technical tips on Flotex visit www.forbo-flooring.com.au.
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Safety
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Dust - the international hazard
D
ust has always been a hazard on construction sites. The key is in controlling it. A large volume of dust is created when you cut, drill, grind or treat building materials such as concrete, stone and, timber. The larger particles are heavy and fall to the floor while the smaller particles can stay volatile in the air for a long time with the most harmful dust barely visible to the naked eye. The smaller a particle is, the deeper into the pulmonary system it penetrates. Respirable dust, the dust we inhale, is made up of particles smaller than 5 thousandths of a millimetre. Because the particles are so small, they can penetrate into the deepest parts of the pulmonary system where the air moves too slowly to be able to breathe them out again. The lungs protect themselves by wrapping the foreign particles in nodules of connective tissue, which, in time, can lead to serious respiratory diseases. Some types of particles, such as silica and asbestos dust, cannot be broken down by the body and are also sharp, which is why they continue to cause damage long after they have become lodged in the lungs.
Vacuums or dust extractors are used to improve eliminate unhealthy particles in the air. This places considerable demands on the dust extractorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to separate fine dust. To ensure that the dust extractor meets the requirements outlined in the relevant work environment provisions it is classified in line with a standardised test.
By having proper dust control measures onsite, you and your team can work safely without worrying about developing health problems due to being exposed to hazardous dust. The best protection is to remove the dust at the source and never allow it to reach the air. Ensure your tools, such as grinders, mixers, jackhammers, tile cutters, and drills have an effective suction casing or shroud to enclose the dust and allow it to be captured by an effective vacuum system. All Preparation Equipment is a leading supplier, with a quality range of dust shrouds, covers, casings, air cube cleaners and a range of different vacuum extraction systems to work onsite.
Flooring June/July 2020
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Safety
46
Entrance Matting – Why It Matters First Impressions Imagine walking into a business’ premise that looks unattractive and unappealing from the entrance. You might feel apprehensive about their product or service if their entrance is anything to go by. There’s no denying that first impressions matter. An aesthetically pleasing entrance is a top priority for businesses to ensure that their customers enter the building with a positive feeling and entrance matting is key in providing this pleasing experience.
As a general guide there is three classification levels for the efficiencies of each machine unit and their filters. L Class (light hazard) has an efficiency of >99% MAC suitable for separating dust with a limit value of occupational exposure of greater than 1mg/m³. M Class (medium hazard) has an efficiency of >99% suitable for separating dust with a limit value of occupational exposure of greater than 0,1mg/m³. H Class (High hazard) is the class with the most stringent criteria, stipulating a filtration efficiency of 99.995% for particles measuring from 0.1 to 5.0 μm. The machine is capable of maintaining a MAC (maximum workplace concentration) of <0.1 mg/m3. Each region can differ in site regulations which is why it is important to check what the expectations of your site are.
Flooring June/July 2020
Selecting the right entrance matting to compliment the overall style of the building is crucial to creating a beautiful entrance. For example, architectural aluminium entrance matting always compliments the decor of a corporate lobby better than oldstyle ribbed carpet matting. Safety First Recent figures from SafeWork Australia show that trips, slips and falls in the workplace cost the Australian economy a whopping $11.6 billion in lost GDP, with each case costing an average of over $100,000. Entryway matting helps eliminate the risk of trips, slips and falls caused by moisture on the floor. A Clean Entryway To get the most out of the moisture control from the mat, size really does matter. A small 1.8m entrance mat may look like it does the job, but in high-traffic areas, it will not serve the purpose of absorbing moisture from all entrants’ shoes. Entrance matting should cover the full width of doorways and entry areas and should be deep enough to ensure all shoes are clean and dry once inside.
BAD - Preparation matters, what lay beneath was uneven and did not provide longevity
GOOD - Ideal matting substrate, irregular shape for this project to create an extra layer of aesthetics Classic Architectural Group, a leading supplier of entrance matting, have taken the next step with a range of entrance matting. Their products have aluminium slats with a 0.5mm gap that allows drainage down into the channel that connects the slats together. Water can move along this channel and out into the recess when the mat well has been designed accordingly. In addition to this, there is also a 2mm gap around the entire edge of the mat
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Safety perimeter between the mat and the frame that allows the water to drain from the mat surface. By having this additional functionality within the product, it reduces the chances of mould and excessive water sitting below the mat within the mat well area.
47 and knowing what is beneath your feet is the key to installing the right mat for the job. Choosing the suitable matting product will make for a durable and effective entrance system, but only when installed correctly.
Most offices have elevated traffic of footfalls from both employees and visitors, which creates high cleaning and maintenance costs due to wear, tear and stains. Fitting an entrance with six metres of effective entrance matting can stop up to 94% of all walked in dirt and moisture. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect solution to cut cleaning costs and increase the life of the floor finishes. Replacing the mat is far less costly then replacing the surrounding carpet or flooring.
The importance of the mat well is neglected all too often. Rebated entrance mats are designed to sit flush with the surface â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but this is not possible when you have an uneven, poorly finished mat well. Uneven surfaces cause issues such as creaking and rocking under foot traffic. It can also result in the matting sitting high, presenting a trip hazard. This shows that the accuracy of the mat well is crucial to your safety, its longevity and proper functionality of the product.
What Lies Beneath Every entrance has a unique environment
The customer interface team at Classic Architectural Group has witnessed many
clients struggling to correctly install entrance matting. What should be a simple process ends up becoming a drawn out, irritable affair. Largely, any issues are caused by initial inaccurate installation processes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; something that can be easily prevented. To ensure safety of pedestrians accessing high traffic public spaces, always pay close attention to the accuracy and finish of the entrance mat. Minor details such as including costs for creating good quality mat set downs at the tendering stage can make a huge difference. Creating safer public access into the future and beyond. To discuss your next project and to find out more information on their matting range, contact the friendly team at Classic Architectural Group on 1300 244 344 or visit www.classic-arch.com.
Software
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COVID-19 What Happens Next? Story by Chris Ogden As I write this article in mid-June, it appears my last article for Flooring Magazine, anticipating business post-COVID-19, was perhaps a little pessimistic. At the time of writing, New Zealand is at Level One, having eliminated the virus, and Australia is close to reaching the same milestone. I admit to being pleasantly surprised after the mayhem reported out of Europe and the US. Perhaps more surprising is the current buoyancy of the market. Of course, there are regional differences, but many retail clients are telling me they are struggling to keep up
Flooring June/July 2020
with store traffic, and commercial operators are seeing construction projects pick up from where they were pre-COVID. A retailer client that let staff go over the lockdown is now looking to rehire to keep up with demand. The current situation is somewhat reassuring to those of us who expected an immediate and dramatic downturn in the immediate aftermath of the pandemic, but what comes next? Was the pandemic and its effects merely an unpleasant but brief interruption that has now passed? Have things returned to 50 normal?
Was the pandemic and its effects merely an unpleasant but brief interruption that has now passed? Have things returned to normal?
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Software Some commentators have observed that the weeks of spending so much time at home will drive investment in our homes, particularly given that other discretionary expenditure is off the table; overseas travel, for example, is an undesirable and impractical prospect in the current environment. A colleague of mine calls this the “nesting syndrome”; where we are inclined to spend money on our homes because we can’t afford or (in the case of COVID) are unable to travel. If house prices hold steady, and if unemployment is contained, this seems logical. If house prices start to slip and confidence is lost in employment, it would be a different matter. I am not an economic commentator; certainly not one that anybody should listen to. I will say, however, that as welcome as the current market is, it is not necessarily the market we will enjoy for an extended period. The COVID-19 pandemic was a health and economic shock to the world, unlike anything anybody alive today has ever experienced. We don’t have a modern point of reference on which to make predictions as to how the economy will hold up. It is, at best, in question. As I understand the definition, we are in a recession now, and if that is the case, we will, at some stage, see a downturn in our businesses. That is, after all, what defines a recession. How deep and long the recession will be is for other, more qualified people to predict, but what I can suggest is we should take advantage of the opportunities that are currently presenting themselves. Beyond making sales now, we should recognise that there is some uncertainty ahead. We must be working on our businesses, improving our processes, upskilling our staff, and doing more with less, so we will weather any downturn. A recession, or the prospect of one, is our prompt to make sure our business is in the best possible shape to continue to thrive,
Flooring June/July 2020
50 even in more difficult circumstances. As a successful businessperson once advised me, “Never waste a good recession”. Working on our business requires three things: time, data, and access to the right business tools.
with decisions not supported by data is they are difficult to support, and if we can’t demonstrate, even to ourselves, the basis on which a decision was made, we will lose confidence and change course. Our gut might be right, but we will be doubly resolute if we can back it up with data.
Time is a precious commodity, and the temptation is to use it for short term outcomes. Right now, it will be to throw ourselves into making sales, and there is no question, this must be a high priority. We should, however, make time to work on our business. Time spent working in the business is good for this week and maybe this month, while time spent working on the business is good for next month and next year. It is amazing how even small improvements made now can have a long-lasting positive impact on our business.
Time spent working in the business is good for this week and maybe this month, while time spent working on the business is good for next month and next year.
Some commentators have observed that the weeks of spending so much time at home will drive investment in homes, particularly given that other discretionary expenditure is off the table.
Finally, we need the right tools; tools appropriate to our business. As recently as today, I met with a retailer who recognises his business is constrained because his business software is not designed for all the moving parts of a flooring business. Similarly, he recognises the need to move away from traditional quantifying methods and move to an electronic quantifying solution.
If we are going to work on our business, we need access to data. Decisions made without the benefit of reliable, up to date information are gut decisions. There is a place for decisions made from the gut, but they are situations calling for expediency and usually have low stakes. The problem
We should be thankful for the situation in which we find ourselves in this part of the world, but we must never be complacent. If we want to have a business that we will either sell at in the future, or pass on to family, we need to keep working on it, and arguably, now more than ever.
Chris Ogden is a consultant and Managing Director of RFMS Australasia a supplier of IT solutions specific to the flooring industry. Go to RFMSanz.com for more information.
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Cover New Ground DOMOTEX 2021
T
he team at DOMOTEX, the world’s leading trade show for floor coverings, is optimistic in these challenging times, working full steam ahead to provide the industry with a first-class, safe and secure platform to facilitate a significant upswing in business. Innovative techniques for the skilled trades, modern approaches to retailing, new inspiration for commercial contracting, plus new materials and forward-looking trends – all of this and, above all, a change of perspective will be in the spotlight at the next DOMOTEX, running from 15th to the 18th of January 2021 in Hannover, Germany. New challenges, new orientation, the new normal. Now more than ever, society and the economy are being called upon to rethink every facet of life. Every crisis brings forth its own opportunity – the opportunity to discover and travel down new paths. The makers of DOMOTEX have taken up this challenge. With the new Keynote theme of ‘Cover New Ground’, the aim is to motivate
Flooring June/July 2020
people to go beyond previous strategies, visions and experiences in flooring design and applications and look to the future. “We need new perspectives, and DOMOTEX 2021 is dedicated to providing incentives for our industry,” reports Sonia WedellCastellano, Global Director of DOMOTEX. “The Global Flooring Alliance, i.e. the association of international flooring wholesalers, has reported a positive run in the first quarter of 2020, despite the Corona crisis. Some exhibitors have even reported generating unexpected growth as a result of an acceleration of public projects. And we too are optimistic in these challenging times and will ensure that in January 2021 we can offer the flooring industry a first-class platform and a clearly perceptible upswing for their businesses. Of course, we also guarantee the safety of our guests by implementing the hygiene and distance concepts specified by the Robert Koch Institute." In January 2020, some 35,000 visitors, 70% of them coming from abroad, attended
DOMOTEX for information and ordering purposes. Decision-makers accounted for some 90% of all attendees, taking in the products and services of 1,400 exhibitors from more than 60 nations. Figures like these underscore the status of this worldleading trade fair as a global marketplace for the industry, where not only new contacts are made, but concrete business deals are sealed. “We are going to widen these benefits,” declares Wedell-Castellano. “By swiftly reacting to the needs of our exhibitors and visitors, we are taking special efforts to ensure that a trip to the fair becomes even more efficient and attractive than it already is. Our strategy is to continue to discuss with as many players as possible about the contribution we can make to the success of our stakeholders through agenda-setting, storytelling, special platforms and additional offerings. Initial roundtable discussions with exhibitors and associations have taken place in recent weeks and months, with many more planned.
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