PROCESSING PACKAGE VALUE
Howard Morris, Managing Director at Trade Fabrication Systems, discusses why advances in processing technology provide an opportunity for contractors to build additional value into their own package, while delivering quality and efficiency to the client.
Interfacing of trades is one of the most common challenges contractors face when striving to deliver projects on-time, to budget and with minimal snagging. When it comes to the flooring package, if follow-on trades are required to apply a treatment to the surface – whether for decorative or performance reasons – it introduces an additional on-site process that incurs both time and cost.
Timber substrates remain one of the most common materials installed in flooring applications and will always be subject to a type of finishing. Where this is an additional layer such as carpet, vinyl or laminate, the flooring contractor will typically already have the installation works included in the contract package. However, where the timber substrate will be left exposed, depending on the performance specification, the surface treatment is more likely to be awarded as a finishing package to a decorator or fire protection specialist.
The development of modern processing techniques by forward thinking B2B partners means that flooring contractors now have the opportunity to remove this step in the site programme. In doing so, this will simplify sequencing for the client and build additional value into the package, which ultimately helps to increase project profitability and competitive advantage.
Mezzanine floors are just one example of how this approach is being used effectively. Already widely delivered to site pre-finished, there is no treatment application or drying time on-site which saves the client money and gets a facility operational much more efficiently.
SPOTTING THE OPPORTUNITY Understanding the processing partnership approach is the first step to being able to identify projects which would benefit from pre-finishing being built into the package. Essentially the timber substrate is procured as normal through distribution or merchant channels and shipped direct to the processing partner. The processing partner will then apply the specified finish and deliver these to site ‘just in time’, wrapped and securely packed to avoid damage in transit or while being handled.
When new project opportunities arise, the key to identifying these ‘value-add’ packages is to confirm with the client which type of treatment will be applied to the flooring substrate.
CHOOSING A
PROCESSING PARTNER As the processing partner will become an integral part of the supply chain, due diligence should always be undertaken to confirm that the highest standards of quality control are in place. The most reliable indicator of this would be certification under BSEN ISO 9001:2015 as this demonstrates that clear processes are in place and are followed accurately at all times.
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If any of the following treatments are required, this represents the ideal time to present pre-finishing as an effective way for the client to reduce overall project cost, simplify the site programme and improve quality:
- Class 0 film - UV slip resistant - Polyurethane slip resistant - Primer - Paint (Non- Solvent) - Peel Off Film Protection
- Fire rated coatings - Insulation (Thermal/Acoustic)
- Wax - Oil
Where fire rated coatings are concerned, look for evidence that the processor follows industry best practice and accreditation by independent authorities such as the Wood Protection Association (WPA). The WPA FR Build Benchmark Scheme provides peace of mind that any WPA certified for approval FR treatment has been factory applied in strict observance of the manufacturer’s recommendations. BBA certification for own branded products significantly enhances sales opportunities.
For more detailed guidance on identifying potential value-add opportunities in flooring packages, best practice is to speak direct to B2B processing companies and visit their product showrooms. This is an effective way of better understanding how pre-finishing has the potential to fit in a flooring package and provides access to an expert processing team who can offer advice on how to present the cost, time and quality benefits to clients.
In such a highly competitive sector, flooring contractors now have the unique opportunity to compete on value rather than just price.
www.tradefabricationsystems.co.uk FEATURE | 13
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