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14th Feb 2007
31st May 2006
20th Feb 2006
2nd Dec 2005
19th Sept 2005
22nd March 2005 |
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Roll in the Innovators
Tambour doors have come a long way since Rotalac Plastics Ltd pioneered the first roller shutter doors in the UK and European office furniture market in the 1980s. Nowadays tambours are being used in both office and kitchen furniture and if ZOW in Bad Salzuflen is anything to go by the popularity and application of these doors is increasing.
Established over 50 years ago, Rotalac specialises in plastic extrusions (in which it has over 20 years' experience), shutter systems and moulding for kitchen, bathroom and office furniture, retail and medical applications. The company's shutter systems can be produced in plastic, wood, steel and aluminium and are offered in multiple colours and finish options, as well as with a patented balance spring mechanism.
So what are the general current and future trends for tambour doors, and how can Rotalac help manufacturers use these new developments in their furniture? Len Timmins, managing director at Rotalac and Larry Kooner, head of sales and marketing at the company comment: "Shutters with wider and thicker slats were a major trend at ZOW, as tambours take on a more robust look and quality. This heightened quality makes these shutter systems suitable for heavy-usage environments such as hotels, leisure and even community care institutions.
Rotalac has designed a shutter solution specifically to accommodate these wider slats, without impairing the smooth operation of its balanced spring roller (BSR) system. "Using shutters as a secure storage solution as well as a practical and aesthetically pleasing one is also currently in demand. Rotalac has provided the shutter systems to protect high value goods such as cosmetics and perfumes for many years and we are constantly using new materials and developing new designs to make shutters more robust and resistant to attack.
"Another new development is our patented ecoslat™, a system which provides a smoother and quieter operation for side opening and vertical tambours. We also believe that shutters are going to play a bigger part in fitted and freestanding bedroom furniture in the near future.
"All of our new developments are created by working in partnership with the furniture industry. Only then can we devise quality shutter solutions which suit the end user in terms of look, feel and sheer enjoyment. We invite feedback and consultation with furniture manufacturers at any stage of the project - from product design and development to fitting a shutter into existing cabinets. One of our technical design consultants is always on hand to assist and advise throughout the process and the size of our operation enables us to react quickly to a particular requirement and accommodate multiple production lines. |
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We also have care and installation instructions for our shutter systems and our after sales service is second to none. For anyone wanting to explore the design and marketing potential which a shutter system can bring to a product or environment, we like to think of Rotalac as the perfect partner to bring ideas to life."
Being able to produce highly bespoke shutter systems is the main reason for Rotalac's growing reputation and success. With so many innovative ideas and a production facitlity that can bring these designs to life, Rotalac is well placed to provide furniture manufacturers with quality bespoke products that meet today's trends.
For further information please contact:
Larry Kooner on +44 (0)161 946 9460 or lk@rotalac.com |
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Shutter and Tambour Door Trends
Len Timmins and Larry Kooner from Rotalac give their opinions on what will be the hot new developments in kitchen and office furniture.
Kitchen furniture trends
Stainless steel and aluminium finishes are still proving popular for kitchens, but we're getting increasing demands from furniture manufacturers for bespoke finishes such as glossy black or red, or even translucent, to complement the minimalist look many designers are looking to achieve in their projects.
One big trend which we've seen in the States is for 'applicance garages', hiding toasters, kettles and food mixers away from general view behind a shutter system - this is one trend that we believe will soon be wending its way over the Atlantic to the UK.
The trend for open plan living gives endless possibilities for roller shutter doors. A shutter can give vauable screening without compromising the feeling of space.
Office furniture trends
Even in today's age of electronic information, there is still high demand for storage solutions for office environments.
However, gone are the days of 'ad hoc' storage with three-drawer stainless steel filing cabinets dotted randomly around the office. Offices are now planned with storage in mind, particularly wall units which utilise pretty dead space.
Rotalac is able to produce bespoke shutters to fit an exact storage solution in terms of width or height of shutters, side or vertical opening, locks and handles. We also take into account ergonomic factors and can pre-tension a shutter or tambour system so it opens with minimum effort. |
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| This article appeared in Furniture Journal in May 2006 and is reproduced with kind permission of the publishers. |
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