ntgrate’s new build facility is the perfect operating base to the conquer the market
A new kid on the block that is poised to take the market by storm: that is how ntgrate likes to describe itself. The company develops and manufactures floor coverings, wall panels and furniture panels made from woven vinyl. With their new build plant located at the Evolis industrial estate now completed, company owner Marc Vervisch and managing director Pascal Vantomme are all set to take the world by storm with their integrated solutions.
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ntegrate’s story got under way some ten years ago, Pascal explains. “We started out as part of Copaco in Bavikhove, which manufactures sun screen fabrics and insect screen mesh. We were keen to diversify with a product that was in keeping with the existing offering, but that was aimed at a different market. In 2014, we launched our woven vinyl flooring solutions. Since then, ntgrate has been set up as a standalone company. We mainly focus on architects who handle projects in the hospitality and project markets.”
Vinyl floor coverings look a treat, offer a wealth of potential and demand little maintenance. What sets them apart however is the fact that, by their very nature, they come with a low acoustic insulation value (same as all other types of floor coverings that are not carpet for that matter). A drawback which ntgrate turned into an opportunity. “By heavily investing in research & development, we have engineered wall panels and furniture panels with a high acoustic insulation value. This enables us to provide architects with integrated solutions that are aesthetically attractive, deliver high quality and have a high acoustic insulation value. It has always been our philosophy to move in this direction – as evidenced by our name. In the world of floor covering manufacturers, we are a new kid on the block. But we are all set to take the market by storm. In Belgium, as well as France, the Netherlands, the DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland), the UK and Southern Europe.”
Experience centre
During the corona crisis, demand for the products witnessed a sharp albeit temporary fall. But this did not deter ntgrate from forging ahead with their investment plans for a new build facility. The manufacturing department has been billeted here for over a year. In January, the company’s office departments also moved into the new building. The ground floor is home to an actual experience centre, where ntgrate’s products are on combined display with solutions from partners. The experience centre draws architects who call round to see and touch samples, create mood boards and pick & mix the various types of tiles on offer to combine them into a greater whole.
Even though the building largely consists of concrete and glass, all spaces have particularly pleasant acoustics. “Which is obviously to do with the very high acoustic insulation value of our furniture and acoustic panels”, is the explanation. The building is the first manufacturing premises in Belgium to be awarded the BREEAM ‘excellent’ rating. “The lightweight floor coverings we make deliver a high degree of light reflection, which means less artificial light is required and we consequently use less electricity. The building is cooled and heated using geothermal energy, we have 1,000 solar panels mounted on the roof, the lighting system is triggered by motion sensors… In a nutshell: this is where architects who are looking to come up with sustainable building designs, see the theory being put into practice.”
The logical choice for AQUALEX
Sustainability considerations are also what prompted ntgrate to opt for AQUALEX taps. For the bistro room on the first floor, the company decided on a black Twin Classic O. “This helps us avoid a lot of plastic waste. A considered waste strategy is an important element in BREEAM”, Pascal goes on to explain. “The fact that staff are able to tap still and sparkling water here at any time also helps to build the pleasurable working environment we are looking to create – a plus in the war for talent. And finally, the tap’s design is a big draw in its own right. We went with a black tap as the entire building is punctuated with black and white features.” We did not have to think twice about the decision to go for AQUALEX, as they are a local business that places a premium on architecture and design, same as ntgrate. “I can sense they have the same drive as we have to give it their all”, Pascal concludes
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