Special
Providers of abrasive materials
WHEN GRAIN SIZE IS IMPORTANT CONSIDERING THE RIGHT SANDPAPER FOR EACH WORK SESSION IS ESSENTIAL Katerina Topouzoglou (CEO Smirdex - GR) and Klaas Van Dyck (Woodmade - B) “Our premium quality abrasives are ready to conquer both the Benelux and Europe” When talking about premium quality abrasives, the name Smirdex is relatively new in the Benelux. However, the coming months and years, we can expect this Greek company to penetrate our – and the European – market a lot more. This should be no surprise, as this company from the north of Greece found a new partner in Belgium, Klaas Van Dyck, who is working the parquet market intensively with these high quality abrasives. What is Smirdex and what can we expect? We interviewed Smirdex CEO Katerina Topouzoglou and her Belgian business partner Klaas Van Dyck. Katerina Topouzoglou: “My father founded Smirdex in 1981 and meanwhile we have become a leading company in the field of manufacturing premium quality abrasives for a wide range of applications. Ours is a well-structured family business, and, with the continuous efforts of our fully qualified staff, the company has been progressively led to growth, both in production and absolute alignment with top quality standards, through quality European raw materials, a certified production process and development of innovation via a specialised research.” “We focus our commercial activity on the international market. Smirdex trades 85% of its sales in more than 76 countries worldwide, through its network of dealers and associates, while the remaining 15% is distributed to the internal Greek market. Last year was very good, with a 30% increase in turnover of 30 million euros. This is the result of working with a load of enthusasm and a verh high concern for quality, while keeping our prices normal in comparison to other brands.” The ceramic evolution Among other things, Klaas Van Dyck mainly distributes the Smirdex 750 series, a ceramic net abrasive ensuring a revolutionary almost 100% dustfree sanding. Instead of a paper backing, the net fabric structure permits maximum absorption of the sanded particles. Thus, a much healthier environment is created for the user and less effort is needed to clean up the workplace. Smirdex only offers ceramic grained nets, leading to a high cutting performance. Katerina Topouzoglou: “I was very impressed by pictures i saw from Klaas and his customers. I also saw how good it was brought to market in the stores and we decided to start a cooperation in the high-competitive Benelux market, where there are a lot of high end companies. We are not deterred by this, as we bring products to market that can compete.” Klaas Van Dyck: “I found Smirdex when I was looking for alternative abrasive products. Most of what came my way was of very poor quality, in total contrast with Smirdex. Katerina and her team sent me samples, I tested these together with a number of parquet installers and was amazed by the quality. Next, I visited the company in Greece and discovered a well-organised, solid company with a very high focus on product quality. As a result, I started to import and sell the 750 ceramic net series a little over 1 year ago, and the product was very well received.” “What I like especially about Smirdex is how very responsive this company is, it’s about more than ‘only’ quality. I have seldomly seen such a short lead time, together with real support and quick and good answers, combined with stable prices.”
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Floor Forum International 124
