Varese-based manufacturer of rigid, semi-rigid and plasticized PVC foil Alfatherm is landing in the United States with its new subsidiary Alfatherm North America, with which it aims to consolidate sales in the North American market, which has been growing steadily for the past three years, especially in 3DL PVC foil, 2D flat laminates and outdoor films.

Based in St. Louis, in the state of Missouri, the new company is headed by Dustin Smith, who joined the group after 20 years of experience in the decorative laminates industry.

"Recent participation in major trade shows in the United States, China, and Germany," comments Marino Uberti, Alfatherm's CEO, "showed strong interest in our most innovative products. We have therefore planned a series of investments, both in production facilities and in research and development. The consolidation of the Group in the North American market is part of a broader strategic vision to expand our business internationally."

Alfatherm North America will focus its business on both existing products and a range of new products that combine design and durability, including the synchronized embossing-to-register (EIR) technology currently available in 40 different decors, which features the look-and-feel of wood and a high level of realism; Serica, a new surface finish with anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint properties; and AEcore, an alternative to high-pressure laminates that is impact-resistant and post-formable, as well as environmentally sustainable products such as the new 100% recycled PET from bottles.
Alfatherm will maintain its partnership with Decotone Surfaces through the distribution of 3D laminates, a wide range of leaves combined with TFL (Thermally fused laminate) panels on the market.

The creation of Alfatherm North America," says the company, "represents a further step in the implementation of the strategic plan, which has seen the optimization of the production facilities in Italy, with the closure of the Venegono (VA) plant and the investment of more than one million in the strengthening of the calendering line dedicated to adhesive coating at the Gallarate (VA) site. In the three-year period 2016-2018, the company has allocated more than 12 million euros for research and development activities and modernization of production facilities.

"In Alfatherm we are strongly committed to technological and product innovation," adds Giuseppe Cerizza, General Manager of Alfatherm's Furniture Division, "in recent years we have faced significant investments that have enabled us to achieve excellent results, such as the production of high-quality laminates with sophisticated design thanks to our EIR (Embossed-In-Register) technology or the new Serica surface that gives a unique feel. But most important is the appreciation of international markets that makes us look to the future with confidence and optimism."

Source: Polymerica