The direct route

Why take a detour when a direct route is possible? This key question is the basis on which the Austrian system provider in the floor-wall-ceiling sector developed a new digital printing process. With FN digi-direct, skirtings and profiles from a wide range of base materials such as plastics (polystyrene or PVC), aluminium or solid wood can be printed directly - without first having to print on paper or veneer, which in turn then has to be glued to the surface.
This creates a new workflow, allowing for very small batch sizes and short delivery times. This does not only apply to standard profiles, emphasises managing partner Franz Neuhofer: "Individual orders for special profiles are also produced on demand".
This flexibility also applies to profile lengths. The continuous production of the plastic means that customised lengths can also be produced.
In addition, surface structures can also be given a 3D haptic. With these relief-like surfaces, skirtings and floor profiles, for example, can be designed to match structured floorings.
The printed plastic and aluminium skirtings and profiles are 100 per cent waterproof, assures the provider. They can be installed with FN's well-known fixing systems.

The target groups are both DIY customers as well as tradesmen, who install the products for consumers. In DIY stores the products are on the shelves at POS or are available in the online shop. "Tests at pilot locations in the trade will be running in the second and third quarters," announces Franz Neuhofer. The reactions of buyers from the trade, who were shown the innovation at the Domotex and Bau trade fairs were also "extremely positive", as Neuhofer reports.
This corresponds to the overall picture which the company and its 369 year history presents. "We were extremely satisfied with financial year 2018," says Franz Neuhofer. The company increased its sales by 6.7 per cent to a volume of EUR 58.7 mio. "We are pleased to say that we have gained a very significant new customer," Neuhofer states as a reason for the growth. As a result of this major contract, the company again invested in a warehouse with an area of 2 500 m² at its headquarters in Zell am Moos near Salzburg in August. "So that we can continue to offer the best service and fastest delivery times…