In focus with Wilsonart

For the second in our new series of ‘In the spotlight’ we decided to have a chat with Nick Jones, who is the Head of UK Sales for BiKBBI sponsor, Wilsonart UK. Having worked closely with the company over the last three or four years, I realise first-hand just what a progressive business it is and so I asked Nick to share with our readership what makes the company tick …

Can you give us a short summary of the company and the market sector that it operates?

Zenith has pioneered thin solid-core laminates in the UK. Launched back in 2016 the brand growth has been exponential with most of that growth coming through housebuilders, kitchen furniture manufacturers and OEM worktop providers identifying with the genuine USPs the product offers.

Wilsonart UK is expert in the business of surfaces, as a wholly owned UK division, of Wilsonart USA, this allows the company to supply worktops in a variety of ways including enabling housebuilders that want to create their own product range. Alternatively, Wilsonart works with component distributors nationwide, many of which are specifically geared to provide the stock and delivery service that building, and first-fix trades require.

And how does this work on a daytoday basis?

Wilsonart offers a comprehensive worktop service with valuable insight, experience, innovation and manufacturing breadth from multiple sites in the UK. “Zenith is the result of decades of experience and listening. We have an immense back catalogue of experience in all sectors, we invest heavily in research and design, market trend predictions and enjoy a unique global viewpoint that allows us to forecast and invest in a timely and inventive way. We understand the stock management and call -off services that multi-site housebuilders demand to ensure their fitting teams are working efficiently.

Zenith is 100% solid laminate, that means there is no wood or paper core; it is 100% waterproof. It’s adaptable and easy to handle on site so can be cut as required for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms and WCs with no need for off-site templating and so is brilliantly user-friendly for KBB installers."

Zenith seems to be one of the buzz words in the market, how has it become so popular?

Zenith is 100% solid laminate, that means there is no wood or paper core; it is 100% waterproof. It’s adaptable and easy to handle on site so can be cut as required for kitchens, bathrooms, utility rooms 

and WCs with no need for off-site templating and so is brilliantly user-friendly for KBB installers.

Why else should KBB installers be considering Zenith?

Well, it’s available in three realistic textures mirroring either concrete, granite or wood, Wilsonart Zenith offers a compelling range of eleven decor options.

Curves, thick-and-thin surface combinations and co-ordinating splashbacks are easy to create and can be installed at the same time the kitchen or bathroom units. Zenith has its décor on both sides, perfect for creating slab ends and co-ordinated bespoke open shelves. In a kitchen, an under-mount sink with drainer grooves that reveal the stunning black core are practical and easy to create. Zenith can be installed with standard tooling and is available in a choice of 3-metre lengths of worktops, breakfast bars, upstands, and splashbacks as well as a 950mm curved module. It is also squared edged, self-supporting and requires no edging.

Zenith is available in three realistic textures mirroring either concrete, granite or wood, Wilsonart Zenith offers a compelling range of eleven decor options."

Finally, please summarise the Wilsonart proposition for KBB installers.

Well, it’s a complete worktop service really, from designs and manufacture, guidance on contemporary decors, and advice for the planning of waterfall ends, contrasting backsplashes, as well as upstands and matching shelving. Nick explains “Décor and texture finishes are objective and differ from county to county. What is cutting edge and highly sought after in London, is often completely different in Edinburgh. Equally, depending on types of dwelling or renovations individual decors can differ from plot to plot. Flexibility, adaptability and attention to detail are vital to our customer care promise.

Oh! And one other thing that makes us installer-friendly is the fact that we offer comprehensive training online and onsite in both County Durham and Northamptonshire and via a new video Wilsonart Zenith Installation Training. Wilsonart also welcomes enquiries, questions and technical suggestions via Twitter #wilsonartquestionhour every Thursday at 3.00pm, when a specialist customer service team is on hand to answer every query immediately.

eNet SMART HOME

eNet SMART HOME is a wireless-based system which transforms every home into a smart home, regardless of whether it's a new build or existing building. Functions such as lighting, blinds and heating are wirelessly networked and centrally controlled – via a switch on the wall or via smartphone while on the move.

Many everyday functions can be easily automated with the right Gira eNet components. Even existing functions can be integrated into the eNet SMART HOME system.

With little e ort, existing switches can be replaced with Gira eNet wall transmitters, which can be installed anywhere on almost any surface.