The story behind global software and hardware colossus Hewlett Packard (HP) is one of charm, leading-edge technology and forward thinking.
Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard became friends at Stanford University before forming a two-person company in a rented garage. It was the original Silicon Valley start-up. Their efforts impressed Walt Disney Studios, one of HP’s early customers, setting the course for a legacy of innovation and leadership.
The HP facility at Liffey Park in Leixlip, Co Kildare is a testament to this global company’s long-term strategic attitude. No stones were left unturned in their on- going march to ensure that the factory in Kildare would have the very best infrastructure for the workforce, which would include a new 1000m2 floor.
The onsite facilities management company in conjunction with Dynes Flooring and Interiors Ltd would specify international flooring and interiors specialist Gerflor to supply the flooring solution.
Philip Dynes, Director and Contracts Manager at Dynes Flooring Contractors comments: "We laid 1000m2 of Gerflor Attraction in a very busy section of the main corridor. The client wanted an attractive floor to replace a linoleum floor that had failed, particularly in areas of high solar gain through large glass windows running along the length of the corridor.”
HP at the time were concerned about the amount of downtime required to strip and remove the existing floor, then prepare and lay a new resilient PVC or linoleum sheet in a heavily trafficked area in constant use.
Happily this solution for industry was readily at hand as Philip Dynes went on to explain: “Gerflor Attraction 0292 Flora was selected as the main colour with 0290 Amaryllis feature panels set into and welded to the main floor, providing a sharp defined pattern which also tied in nicely with the HP corporate colours."
The Attraction range of fast-fitting loose lay interlocking tiles from Gerflor is suitable for moderate traffic. Available in 13 fresh colours, Attraction can be specified for zoning, or creating eye-catching areas. Gerflor’s commitment to technological improvement has meant that Attraction can be laid quickly without closing down the premises and over existing floors, or sub-floors with minimal moisture problems or oil contamination, where you cannot glue anything.
With a 5mm thickness overall, Attraction has a strong resistance to static and dynamic loads and benefits from easy maintenance properties and enhanced scratch-resistance. It also scores R10 slip resistance in the wet ramp test with oil.
Philip Dynes went on to further add: "The client was so impressed with the minimal downtime involved with the installation this was one of the main reasons why they decided to proceed with the specification which we had recommended.
"The product was easy to install, given that we have experience of using both Attraction and GTI on many previous occasions. Providing the usual procedures regarding acclimatisation, preparation and in this instance measures are taken to address high solar gain, Attraction is an ideal solution for either replacement or new floors where a quick turnaround is essential with little or no disruption to the client."
Philip Dynes finally said: "We regularly recommend and specify Gerflor products as there is a wide range of attractive fit for purpose products to choose from. Gerflor provide a very good service in terms of technical assistance for architects, clients or end users... and for us as flooring contractors.”
