Collaboration between paint and floor departments leads to innovation

New variant parquet lacquer and easier exterior maintenance without sanding

This year at InCoDa trade fair, RIGO Verffabriek wants to show that the company is looking beyond high-end paint products. "InCoDa is originally a flooring trade fair, but is becoming increasingly broader in scope. We therefore want to show what possibilities we offer for floors, but also for furniture, window frames and outdoor applications," says Thomas Viellevoije, sales manager at RIGO Verffabriek.

"Our colleagues at Ciranova are also present and visible. They have tremendous expertise when it comes to color. All colors of the rainbow are possible, with a paint finish. Because we are now part of the Blanchon group, RIGO Paint Factory and Ciranova are next to each other. This allows us to offer an even wider range of products."

One notable development within RIGO Paint Factory is the increased collaboration between the paint and flooring specialists. "Before, our paint and flooring departments didn't really talk to each other, but now they learn a lot from each other," says Viellevoije. "The paint guy goes to the floor department to see what products he can work with, and vice versa. This cross-pollination has led to new insights and products." One example was a pine floor, for which RIGO Verffabriek developed a new color that is virtually invisible. "Previously, this type of wood became a lot darker when applying our oil, which is intended for oak. With the new oil, the natural color of pine is preserved. This product is also very suitable for application on pine furniture and window frames."

According to Viellevoije, this collaboration fits with developments in the market. "I once started as an account manager for flooring, but in the development to sales manager I also learned a lot about paint. It is good to look over the wall on both sides, after all, a project usually involves several components as well. Then painting is needed, but the floor also needs to be done. We can now supply the paint, while Ciranova offers products for the floor that we don't have."

Range broadening and strategic choices

At InCoDa, RIGO Verffabriek is showcasing the STEP 2k Gloss. This unique parquet lacquer, with a potlife of 72 hours and an isocyanate-free hardener, is added to the STEP program. In addition, Ciranova's new exterior program will also be on display in Gorinchem. "This is an important product group because the look of indoors is increasingly being extended to outdoors," says Viellevoije. The Ciranova Exterior package includes oil and varnish for wooden facades, with different colors and coverings. Another important product is the Maintenance Cleaner. This is a maintenance product for all types of exterior wood and composite, which can be used without sanding. "This makes the maintenance of exterior wood much easier."

According to Viellevoije, the partnership with Ciranova and its broader orientation to different applications is a strategic choice. "Architects often have a clear vision, and we respond to that by offering both paint and flooring solutions. Sometimes you have to be two-faced. A painter is not a parquet installer, and vice versa, but we have a solution for every challenge."

With this renewed approach and strategic choices, RIGO Paint Factory looks forward to making new contacts and building on existing relationships during InCoDa 2024, as well as discovering which products and innovations are making the most impression on the market.