When passion meets purpose

Tandy Coleman, Polyflor CEO, recently spoke at the Online Flooring Expo, hosted by Flooring Africa, and discussed not only why vinyl flooring plays a central role in the healthcare industry, but why we at Polyflor are so passionate about vinyl flooring. Here are the key highlights from the expo!

Watch the interview with Tandy Coleman and the Flooring Africa team for insights on the role of vinyl in healthcare and why we at Polyflor are so passionate about vinyl and the Polyflor brand. 

It was a great opportunity to be a part of the Online Flooring Expo.  Here are my key takeaways from our discussion with the team at Flooring Africa: 

1. Vinyl flooring is the benchmark in the healthcare industry:

In the world of flooring, Polyflor is seen globally as the benchmark for quality. Vinyl flooring in the healthcare industry has been the go-to option for many reasons. Vinyl flooring is durable, flexible, smooth and impervious to water,  it can be coved up the wall and is perfect for an area where you need to both clean and disinfect because there are no joins or corners where dirt can collect which ultimately causes bacteria to grow. With the correct cleaning and maintenance regime, it is very  difficult for bacteria to grow on PVC as there is nothing for the bacteria to feed off, such as dirt and moisture.

2. Polyflor has been around for a long time, and it's more than just quality products for us: 

Polyflor is the inventor of flexible vinyl.  It is a premium product and we have been in the industry for a very long time. Over the last 30 years we have rebuilt the Polyflor brand and offer more than just quality flooring and excellent products, but also expertise and knowledge gained from years of being at the coal face.  We believe in teamwork and want to journey with our clients. It's more than just a sale for us;  it's finding the right solution for our clients and ensuring the installation risks are mitigated.  It's about building a lasting relationship and earning our clients' trust.

3. Skills development is critical:

Skills development in our country is critical.  Polyflor has been teaching vinyl installation skills since 1992 and we offer on-the-job training on site, in our training centre and basically wherever, and whenever possible. We are passionate about our craft, the skills required to ensure a quality vinyl installation, and ultimately ensuring this craftsmanship is passed down to young and upcoming fitters, for many generations to come.

4. We are all in this together: 

Advice to the flooring industry during this time, is the same advice I have given my team at Polyflor: It's a very tough time but South Africans are just as tough.  We have been through a lot together as a nation and are renowned for our resilience.  It's about caring for yourself, for your family and friends, your staff, and your customers. Reach out to your team, and your customers. Ask them how they are doing.  Do what you can remotely for now BUT be agile and ready to knuckle down and work really hard as we phase out of the national lockdown.  Remember we are all in this together. 

Polyflor recently collaborated with GVK-Siya Zama Building Contractors, Sakhisiswe Architects and Dereck Logan Flooring on a number of COVID-19 isolation ICU installations in KZN. Projects that would normally take months to complete, literally took 4-weeks from concept, specification, design and installation to hand over.  Even under these extreme deadlines, the quality of the installation was never compromised and the final result is testament to remarkable teamwork, skill and professionalism. 

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