Medite’s state-of-the-art MDF technology attracts British Laminate Fabricators Association

8th June 2009 - .

Coillte Panel Products' ongoing major programme of investment and development at its leading MDF brand Medite recently attracted the attention of the long established British Laminate Fabricators Association.

Founded more than 45 years ago, the BLFA is the only recognised trade association representing the laminate fabrication industry in the UK and Europe. One of its main objectives is to promote the best working practice among specifiers and fabricators. The Association provides a Code Of Practice; a comprehensive technical manual governing the use and fabrication of laminate. Regarded as the technical fabrication bible, it is widely respected throughout the industry by members, specifiers and professional organisations, and it was this drive for best practice and technical innovation that drew a group of BLFA members to the production plant and forestry activities of Medite MDF, in Clonmel, Ireland.

Since the invention of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), BLFA members embraced it as an essential core material, and the visit to Medite, one of the world's largest producers of MDF, offered the BLFA the opportunity to see the entire manufacturing process - from harvesting to end-product - and the advances in MDF technology, for themselves. “The continuing investment programme by Medite was clearly apparent with future targets of expanding the Medite product into different and world markets,” said vice chairman of the BLFA, Christopher D. Thomas. “There is real potential and exciting times ahead for the BLFA to be involved with Medite in the developments of this core product”.

Following a recent €16 million investment in state-of-the-art technology and equipment to improve production facilities and refiner capabilities by parent division Coillte Panel Products, Medite continues to be able to respond quickly to constantly evolving regulations and product demands. Latest developments include the ability to manufacture MDF panels which have been certified in compliance with the rigorous emission standards of CARB 2, and to create Medite MDF up to 45mm thick; providing greater design freedom than ever before for a huge variety of applications – from furniture components to shopfitting.