1954

THE GROUP EXPANDS ITS FLOORING BUSINESS
A major push behind this fledgling area resulted in fast growth. At about this time, the first installation of Polyflor was carried out by Robert Kerr, a leading Manchester flooring contractor. The group continued to invest heavily in flooring.

1963
THE GROUP STARTS MANUFACTURING IN SOUTH AFRICA, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Such was the success of the new products and technology that the group created overseas manufacturing and sales operations that reached right round the world. By the end of the '60s the international market had changed, and the benefits of single-site product development and manufacture were to result in refocusing on the UK operation, Consequently, the manufacturing operations in Australia and South Africa were closed in 1968 and 1969 respectively, and the manufacturing operation in New Zealand was sold to Skellerup Industries in 1971.

1971
LAUNCH OF POLYFLOR XL
Polyflor XL was the first single layer homogeneous flooring product to be made available in 2-metre width. This, at the time, was a very significant move, and the product has become one of the most successful ranges in our portfolio.
Also in 1971, Polyflex Plus was launched, and gained substantial business in the housing market.

1972
LAUNCH OF POLYTRED dB
Polytred dB was the forerunner to today's Polytred Acoustic. Also in 1972, the start was made to metrication of all product sizes.

1976
POLYFLOR STYLE A LAUNCHED
The launch of Polyflor Style A was the culmination of a link with Bernat Klein. The shades were developed and linked to the Property Services Agency's interior furnishings scheme.

1978
MAJOR PUSH TO REDEVELOP THE EXPORT BUSINESS