Article Number : 4947 |
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| Date | 10/8/2009 8:57:43 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4947 |
| Abstract | RALEIGH, N.C.—With industrial-scale testing of its next generation of fold-down joint technology proving successful, Pergo announced its intention to license this exclusive technology to third-party manufacturers even though the company is not expected to... |
| Article | RALEIGH, N.C.—With industrial-scale testing of its next generation of fold-down joint technology proving successful, Pergo announced its intention to license this exclusive technology to third-party manufacturers even though the company is not expected to finish its evaluation before year’s end. “PerfectFold is a true engineering innovation and a game-changing technology for the category,” said Ralf Eisermann, head of the flooring division of Pfleiderer, Pergo’s parent. “It reinforces Pergo’s position as the industry leader and enables us to serve the industry as a one-stop-shop for superior laminate technology.” He noted lost in all the patent wars over the years is that Pergo is the inventor of fold-down joint technology. “Pergo first invented fold-down joints during the 1990s and filed the first patent applications covering this technology as far back as 1999.” Overall, the company has been awarded 40 patents in nearly 30 countries. Eisermann added in 2008 Pergo first introduced SmartLock, and this next generation that is being tested features a rotating clip joint called PerfectFold, which “provides an even faster, easier and more secure installation. Fold-down installation will increasingly become the new industry standard for laminate and other hard surface flooring installation, and PerfectFold will prove to be the best fold-down joint solution available in the market.” As proof of how good the technology is, he noted even though the company is still a few months away from finishing its tests, it is currently in conversations with a number of laminate—and other—flooring manufacturers with significant market share regarding licensing Pergo’s fold-down technology and PerfectFold joint. In addition, Pergo recently went into partnership with German-based equipment manufacturer Wachter Packautomatik to produce equipment to manufacture machines and other equipment used in the utilization of PerfectFold and other fold-down joint solutions. “This allows potential licensees to not only leverage Pergo’s fold-down technology, but also have an easy solution for their manufacturing equipment needs at rates not available from other suppliers,” Eisermann said. While nothing has been finalized, he said Pergo would prefer “a select group of long-term partners” but decisions will be made “on a case-by-case basis driven by market opportunities and the competitive situation.” Showing its competence With inventions such as PerfectFold coming to market, not to mention the company’s history of innovation, Pergo announced the opening of a new Competence Center at its campus in nearby Garner, N.C. Encompassing Pergo’s direct laminate production plant, as well as its research and development, and Design Centers, the Garner location joins a growing global network of Pergo Competence Centers, including facilities in Barcelona, Spain, Berlin, Paris and Trelleborg, Sweden. Eisermann said the new one will serve to “showcase the brand’s products—as well as innovations in design and technology— to both existing and potential customers throughout North America.” It will also act as a resource for retailers, architects and interior designers, located throughout North America. George Kelley, CEO of Pergo North America, said staff will be available to collaborate with customers to create individualized flooring solutions and to provide a comprehensive mix of technical and logistical assistance and general information about the entire Pergo product portfolio. “With the opening of this center,” he added, “we are making it clear to our partners that Pergo continues to set high standards for innovation and customer support within the laminate industry. It’s also an indicator that even in these difficult economic times, Pergo continues to invest in the future of its brand” Calling these centers “interactive platforms” from which we can advise, support and inspire our customers and distribution partners,” Ralf Eisermann, said the Garner facility is the latest step “in our global strategy to further strengthen the connection with our customers by highlighting product introductions and trend information— as well as offering training programs and personalized support.” For more information about PerfectFold, call 919.773.5950. For more on the company’s Competence Center, call 800.337.3746. |