18 Apr 2011 LATHAMS GET THE 'FEEL' FOR A UNIQUE PRODUCT
The UK's oldest established timber-based business has taken delivery of the newest innovation in wood panel products which allows the fingertips to trace exactly what the eyes see.
Lathams Ltd now stocks Kronospan's Natural Touch range - with matching edging and laminate - across its 10 trading sites located in Dudley, Fareham,Gateshead, Hemel Hempstead, Ossett, Purfleet, Scotland, Thurrock, Wigston and Yate.
Innovative investment in a cutting-edge process has enabled Kronospan and its sister company, Kaindl, to develop Natural Touch. It is an absolutely unique product that combines the tactile beauty of real wood grain with the consistency and environmental benefits only achievable using a manufactured board.
Paul Morson, Group Melamine Product Manager for Lathams, says: "The reaction from the market to this product has been really positive. Interest has not only come from top end shop fitters, but also bespoke kitchen and wardrobe manufacturers who want to offer something different from their competitors.
"We've also seen lots of enquiries from exclusive designer outlets and retailers because not only is it a cheaper option than a finished veneered board but every board of Natural Touch looks the same which is not always the case with veneer."
Natural Touch demonstrates physical depth by precisely synchronising the surface structure to perfectly match the image of the wood grain below. The result is an organic texture thst is pre-finished, extremely durable, easy to work with and has a consistency of colour and grain that is impossible to replicate with veneer or timber.
Alex Gambroudes, Commercial Director for Kronospan Ltd, says: "We are all very excited about the Natural Touch range and i am delighted that Lathams has supported the range by putting it into stock across the depots.
"The Natural Touch range strengthens the top end of our value pyramid and compliments both existing decors from our standard range and more prominently the 10 New Fresh decors to be launched during May 2011.
"We are committed to maintaining our design momentum and will continue our development both internally and with our sister factory, Kaindl, to ensure we offer our customer base the most innovative, modern and on-trend designs and textures."
Natural Touch comes in nine trends each with three variations in grain structure. The trends give customers in the retail, shopfitting and general surface design sectors a unique opportunity to stay ahead of the market. The carefully conceived range echoes the customer's move towards naturally warm tones and has increased tactility, insipred by natural materials, perfected by Kronospan.