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Solid Surface Manufacturers Survey

Question 1

Why should consumers buy your products ahead of your competitors?

Karadon
Karadon has chosen to be a colour and texture leader in this industry. For our 2004 colour pallet, we have a translucent series, a marble and wood series, and a metallic series. We do not go for copies, we make originals.

Corian
We believe we have not only the best product with the best fabricators selling to a well informed dealer base. This leads to high consumer satisfaction level and a very high recommendation level (95%).

Zodiaq
The aesthetics, we believe, show a greater depth of colour. We understand the degree of service and quality that consumers require from these high added-value materials.The fact that Zodiaq is from DuPont, the makers of Corian, should re-assure dealers and consumers alike that we have high quality brands and that they will be supported fully.

Swanstone

The benefits of Swanstone are:-

Hi-Macs
LG Chem is a global supplier of Natural Acrylic Stone branded as LG HI-MACS® and is working with strategic partners throughout Europe including the UK and Ireland . Our state -of - the art thermal cure production facilities are at the  leading edge of our industry. This transfers into benefits in the finished sheet, for example, continuously colour matched sheets with a consistent look time after time. Within our network there is a real passion to provide a great material and a finished installed product to the consumers.

Question 2

The difference in cost of solid surfaces when compared with laminate surfaces is quite substantial. How would you justify a consumer paying the difference to buy your surface?

Karadon
Solid surface is certainly more money, but it is also a better value. The depth, the reparability, the warranty, the longevity, the seamless look etc. are just a few differences between solid surface and impregnated paper laminates

Corian
The benefits of Corian are the following over laminate. Virtually seamless joints, thus fullly seamless integrated sinks and bowls, therefore probably the most hygienic surface. Large colour choice with a 10 Year Installed Warranty. .

Zodiaq
The quality, longevity and aesthetics justifies the cost.

Swanstone
Swanstone worksurfaces can include a colour matched sink and offer all of
the benefits associated with solid surface materials. The inclusion of
virtually inconspicuous seamless joints ensures that the worksurface is an
extremely hygenic product as there are not seams or joints to harbour grime
and germs. The everyday tests that laminate tops may fail Swanstone passes
with flying colours. The effect of a burnt out cigarette end can simply be
wiped away iwth a damp cloth and normal household liquid cleaners.

Swanstone is a reinforced solid surface material that is compression
moulded under extreme heat and pressure to give a high impact strenght.
Swanstone is incredibly heat, scratch and stain resistant and won't crack
or expand as other solid surface materials will

Hi-Macs
Solid surface and Laminates are a totally different category of decorative materials. LG HI-MACS(R) can be virtually seamlessly joined, cut, routed, is impervious to most household stains and can be rejuvenated to keep it looking good for year after year. LG HI-MACS® is a solid surface coming in different thicknesses depending of the end use
( 12mm , 9,, and 6mm ) and will not delaminate. LG HI-MACS® is easily repairable and can be complemented with a range of LG HI-MACS® DecoBowls , DecoSinks , DecoTrays to design a total integrated unity , solution and qualities that laminate can not offer. LG HI-MACS(R) over laminates is an investment in design and creativity and total performance that will enhance the chosen application . It is a affordable luxury coupled with a 15 year warranty, another advantage versus laminate.

Question 3

What is the maximum temperature your material will withstand?

Karadon
Solid surface in general is formulated to be thermo formable. This great advantage has brought a limit to the level of heat that solid surface can handle. A pot of boiling water for a short period of time is the limit.

Corian
As with all surfaces we would recommend the use of a trivet OR Hob Bars.

Zodiaq
We prefer to recommend that for all surfaces,including Zodiaq and Corian, a trivet is used for hot items

Swanstone
175 degrees C

Hi-Macs
LG HI-MACS® can be used in many applications from worktops, to tables, reception desks, clean rooms etc. LG HI-MACS® performs well as a kitchen worktop as well and the LG HI-MACS® worktop and integrated LG HI-MACS® will perform well in the kitchen environment. To extend the pleasure and the performance of LG HI-MACS® we recommend to integrate stainless steel bars next to the hob as a design feature and for practical usage. LG HI-MACS® will withstand boiling liquids and temperatures and has the great benefit to be thermoformable at certain temperatures above 160degree C.

Question 4

With an increasing number of manufacturers producing solid sufaces, how competitive  do you believe the price of your product to be in relation to your competitors?

Karadon

Our products are well priced, but absolutely not the least expensive products in the market. When creating our products, we are trying to get a certain look. We do not create patterns because they use less expensive raw material. Generally, you get what you pay for, and with Karadon we are offering a high quality product.

Corian
Always slightly higher than our competitors: The price you pay for quality.

Zodiaq
We will be competitive, especially if you take the added quality into account.

Swanstone
Swanstone is not the most expensive solid surface material in the market place.

Hi-Macs
When you look at the umbrella of solid surface, you will observe that there are many different composites, manufactured with vast differences. As with most products and materials, it is important to compare "apples with apples". Our material shows definite advantages in the processing of it in workshops, in the finishing level and the spread of thicknesses available. With about 60 standard colours and custom colours available, shapes and shower trays in corresponding colours or contrasting to the worktop available linked with certificates such as BS 8800, ISSFA, ISO9001 , ISO 14001 , NSF, LGA Hygiene test, Din4102-1 B1 fire certificate and as participant into Responsible Care.
LG HI-MACS® total offering ,from a product performance and quality , branding and marketing activities, to the warranty offered and the strength and dedication of our Strategic Network in each country, makes it an affordable material. To whom more households will have access, while still setting very high standards for our industry.

Question 5

What is your guarantee policy and how efficient do you consider your aftercare to be?

Karadon

Karadon has a full 10 year transferable warrantee. We pride ourselves for our service, and believe that our customers agree.

Corian

We have a 10 year Installed Warranty and we try to sort out any difficulties as quickly as possible

Zodiaq

Just like Corian, Zodiaq carries a 10 Year Installed Warranty, and like all DuPont Surfaces we will give the best possible aftercare service, comensurate with the quality of the materials and services

Swanstone

A high level of aftercare is provided to our customers

Hi-Macs

Due to our proven record we have put in place a 15 year limited LG HI-MACS® warranty that is non degressive . Our aim is to get it right first time and every time. To aid this philosophy, we ensure that our approved network members, who are authorised to issue the LG HI-MACS ® warranty, are fully trained in the fabrication techniques of our material. If a claim does arrive, then we have a technical team in place who will asses the situation. If the material or fabrication is found to be at fault, then immediate action will be taken to ensure the customers satisfaction.  As mentioned, the warranty is with LG HI-MACS ® .

LG HI-MACS® is manufactured by LG Chem, the mother company of LG . LG has a turnover in excess of $9 3 Billion and has been trading for 57 years.