Founded in 1993, Välinge pioneered the concept of glue-less click flooring and changed the way people install and use floorings. From launching the original mechanical locking system, Välinge comprises more than 3,100 granted patents and a global license base of over 250 licensees. As ORSIAD we had a chance to talk with Välinge’s Sales DirectorJarl Gunnarsson and Andreas Nilsson,Key Account Manager for Europe during their business trip to Turkey.
ORSIAD: Recently we hear more about 5G in the industry. Can you tell us about 5G® installation systems and what kind of difference does this click flooring technology make in the industry?
Andreas Nilsson:The 5G Fold down installation system was introduced more than 15 years ago in engineered wood products, but was soon after also available in laminate and resilient (SPC/LVT) flooring products. Today we are approaching two billion square meter installed flooring using this installation system. The 5G fold down system is appreciated by the entire value chain. The large tolerance window in production is highly appreciated by producers, customers and installers loves the quick and easy installation system – installs twice as fast as traditional angle/angle and angle/snap solutions.
ORSIAD: What are the advantages of 5G® Climb™ as well as 5G® Dry™?
Andreas Nilsson:Our newly introduced 5G Climb and 5G Dry versions adds additional features to any flooring category. The 5G Dry system is a great innovation – makes the locking system water tight, passing the NALFA surface swell test – without adding chemicals like wax or edge sealing. The 5G Dry system is very well tested both in our own engineered wood range based on the Woodura surface technology, but also in laminate products sold in the US market.
The 5G Climb is a solution to make your flooring product climb up the wall. A simple solution – offering the possibility to install flooring panels both on floors and walls.
ORSIAD: What is Valinge’s current and near future agenda for the Turkish market?
Andreas Nilsson:We will be visiting Intermob in October – really looking forward to meet all flooring producers again – to discuss future developments. Välinge has been a long-term partner with laminate producers in Turkey. With our recent improvements of the 5G installation system we look forward to a successful future collaboration.
We see an increased interest from resilient flooring category – as a result of US and European importers looking for alternatives to Asian supply. For SPC producers – our complete portfolio of installation system offers a great flexibility. There is not “one size fits all”. Combined with our weight saving Liteback solution – we can offer producers an attractive package that gives that competitive edge.
Watch the short video interview with
Jarl Gunnarsson, Sales Director & Andreas Nilsson,Key Account Manager Europe at VÄLINGEcompany