Durability at every step Amtico

DuRABILITY AT EVERY STEP

Amtico is a global leader in the design and manufacture of luxury vinyl tiles. The UK-based company offers an extensive range of flooring finishes with an unrivalled choice of designer styles including Wood, Stone or Abstract aesthetics. Philip Yorke reports on a highly successful company that continues to set the industry’s fashion trends and quality standards throughout the world.

Amtico was founded in Coventry, England in 1964 as the result of a joint venture between the multinational company, Courtaulds and the leading US company, American Biltrite. In 1969 Courtaulds acquired the whole of the UK business operations and gained a licence to market the Amtico branded products in every country outside North America.

Focus on the environment

At the turn of the century Amtico was already focussed on the most effective methods required to achieve “end of life” recycling for PVC. This dedication led to the company’s recognition of the internationally acclaimed ISO14001 environmental management standard. As a result, by 2008 all Amtico packaging became 100% recyclable as part of its UK carbon footprint project. In addition, in 2011 the company achieved SHARP (Safety & Health Achievement Recognition Programme) certification. This was awarded as a result of its latest innovative, environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques designed for the launch of its Amtico Infinity collection.

multiple performance system

Thanks to the company’s comprehensive range of designs and textured finishes, it is possible to mix and match laying patterns,

or experiment with borders and motifs to provide an endless series of design combinations. Amtico uses the industry’s most technically advanced layering system. The world-leading ‘Multiple Performance System’ offers unrivalled underfoot comfort and high resistance to wear. Its crowning glory, however, is Amtico’s new urethane layer, known as Quantum Guard. Not only does it eliminate the need to polish the flooring, but it also enhances durability even further and is extremely easy to clean.

From design to delivery, Amtico takes pride in its rigorous testing procedures and quality control systems. Before an Amtico floor reaches the consumer, it must pass 43 product assurance checks, from colour consistency and component specification to gauge and bevelling, to adhesion and curl.

New showpiece facility

Recently Amtico officially opened its new showpiece facility located at Pilot Park, Coventry in the UK. The state-of-the-art 6,782 m² Pilot Park facility is the central international distribution hub for Amtico’s extensive range of luxury vinyl tile flooring and commercial carpet products, as well as being home to the company’s new training academy.

During the opening ceremony, Amtico’s CEO and regional chairman of the West Midlands CBI (Confederation of British Industry) Jonathan Duck said, “Amtico is a forward-looking company with ambitious growth plans over the next few years.

We’re incredibly proud to have our roots in Coventry and to play our part in the UK’s export-led economy. So, securing this site for all our logistics, warehousing and training needs is extremely important. It’s sure to have a positive effect on Amtico’s future.

“The team has worked very hard to create a fully functional, state-of-the-art facility in such a short space of time, so I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their amazing dedication and effort”.

The new building has been specifically developed to house and distribute over 15,000 pallets to around 50 different countries. On average, 214 pallets now leave Pilot Park’s doors every day, using Amtico’s dedicated delivery service vehicles. Amtico’s showpiece building has also been constructed with the environment in mind, featuring solar panels on the roof, a cyclonic water irrigation system, bio-digester and electric charge inputs for its employee’s cars.

The location of Pilot Park is in close proximity to Amtico’s existing Coventry factory, thereby allowing the company to retain its staff and continue to be able to support the local community. As the largest manufacturer in the area, Amtico currently employs over 400 people at its Solihull headquarters. It is interesting to note that Amtico’s Coventry manufacturing facilities produce over double the volume they did five years ago, and four times as much as they did a decade ago. With the new facilities and its latest designer collections, Amtico are confident that the dynamic growth seen over the last few years will continue unabated. n

For further details of Amtico’s products and customer services visit: www.amtico.com