EGGER's highly anticipated Decorative Collection 24+ took centre stage when the chipboard manufacturer's UK promotional roadshow stopped off at our Oldham HQ amid some drab and dreary weather.
But the conditions couldn't take the gloss off EGGER's showroom truck with specially curated displays, samples and the opportunity to meet the EGGER tour team and try out their new digital design tools.
Described as EGGER's first rolling collection, which means it will be updated with new décor and texture combinations every two years, Decorative Collection 24+ offers adaptable interior design solutions that reflect increasingly changing design trends.
EGGER Marketing Specialist Rachel Ruddick says: "We're visiting 14 locations all over the UK, from Ireland to Scotland, to the south coast, and we're expecting to reach about 2,000 people in all, including the 200 customers invited by HPP.
"The feedback has been really positive so far, there's lots of interest in the new material finishes, such as the new ST76 surface, which is one of several that are being manufactured at our plant in Hexham, which we're really proud about."
While the EGGER truck-cum-showroom was the centre of attention, visitors were also given guided tours of our site, which culminated in our newly developed Inspiration Centre behind the Trade Counter, where the full Decorative Collection 24+ is on permanent display.
Sales Manager Chris Essex says: "Considering the weather and the fact that it was just after Easter, the turnout was fantastic, and it was good to see so many customers.
"The factory tours went down well too. I've said for a long time, that showing customers our factory and all of our capabilities is the best sales tool we have."
For those who went on a tour, it gave us the opportunity to explain about our continuous investment in the plant, where technology is playing its part in efficiency and quality control.
We were able to highlight our focus on sustainability, such as our award for zero landfill and the new biomass plant, which allows us to burn 80% of waste on site and generate heat for the buildings. The heat is also used in the production process, and it means no fossil fuels are used to heat any of the warehouses.
One of those being shown around, long-standing customer Pete Ashworth, of Independent Kitchen Components in Oldham, has been a regular visitor to the site over the years.
He says: "I've been dealing with HPP since they started, when they were doing vinyl wrapped doors from a small shed. It's fascinating to see how everything has developed over the years. I've been shown around almost every time there's been a development. The new biomass set up is really interesting."
A rather more recent customer, John Gallagher from Preston-based Your Bespoke Space, is a big fan of EGGER products and was also absorbed by the site tour. He says: "This was my first tour. It was good; interesting to see all the different aspects of the production of what we're selling and the work that goes into it."
In common with us, EGGER is also well known in the KBB industry for its strong sustainability credentials, exceptional customer service and market leading product innovation.
All EGGER décors available from HPP are also available as doors using our EGGER Optima service: www.hpponline.co.uk/egger-optima.
Account holders can choose any of the EGGER Optima décors and a matching or accented edging tape, input the component sizes and the optimiser will create an instant price. Jobs are optimised and priced in real time, day and night.