Norwalk, Conn. -- Metroflor recently announced a partnership with Magnetic Building Solutions (MBS), in concert with the World Floor Covering Association (WFCA), to develop LVT products utilizing the new MBS technology, MagneBuild. The new underlayment system enables the rapid installation of flooring or wall tiles without locking systems or adhesives.
The magnetic underlayment adheres to an integrated ferrite (iron) film which is laminated to the bottom of select Metroflor LVT products. By rolling out the MagneBuild underlayment over any smooth, clean and dry subfloor, flooring can be installed faster and more easily. The technology eliminates adhesive-related VOC’s and reduces labor and removal costs. It also solves other key flooring concerns such as the need for moisture barriers and crack isolation membranes.
Metroflor has licensed the technology, which it has branded Attraxion magnetic attachment technology, and will introduce it on select SKUs of its Déjà New LVT 2.5mm, 20mil commercial collection in the fourth quarter of 2018. For the rapidly growing wall fashions market, MBS also manufacturers peel and stick tapes receptive to ferrite-infused tiles. Metroflor intends to make the Attraxion technology available for its new Verçade Wall Fashion collection.
According to Russ Rogg, president and CEO of Metroflor, Metroflor’s Product Authority Team collaborated for two years with Scott Humphrey, president of MBS, and his engineers to validate the system’s compatibility with Metroflor’s LVT products before making plans to commercialize the technology in the flooring marketplace.
“We are excited to be one of the first partners in this endeavor with MBS and look forward to pioneering the system, turning the intrigue into practical advantages for the flooring marketplace,” said Rogg. “At Metroflor we pride ourselves in being innovative and delivering differentiation through technology, and the MBS system is unquestionably unique.”
Humphrey added “When selecting a partner for MBS, it was important to find a company with an impeccable reputation, willing to embrace our revolutionary but disruptive technology. Metroflor has set itself apart as an organization focused on innovation and environmental stewardship. Their leaders have embraced our time-saving and ultra-flexible platform, as they continue to set the standard in the LVT/SPC categories.”
Especially in commercial environments, the MagneBuild method of installation results in quantified time and labor savings and minimal shuttering of businesses, reducing impact to the bottom line. A typical tear-out/remodel for a commercial installation (e.g. restaurant, hospitality, retail, multi-family), based on 10,000 sq. ft., requires a 10- to 12-day cycle, while the MBS system typically takes only two days.
According to Humphrey, the underlayment is magnetic for life. Installers can take the product out of the box and place it on top of the magnetic underlayment, which reduces the labor costs and the opportunity for error. The speed of installation also enables installers to handle two to four times more jobs per day than traditional methods.
Metroflor products featuring Attraxion technology will be available nationwide through its established distributor/partner network, with inventory located in the company’s Calhoun, Ga., facility.
For more information, visit www.magneticbuildingsolutions.com.
