As in just the same way as it made sense to reduce the cabinet from the floor with the introduction of adjustable legs some 25 years ago, now, with the introduction of Space-Plug, it is possible for manufacturers to make another saving and this time reduce the cabinet from the wall, with an almost identical plethora of benefits to manufacturers, fitters and end users.
By including Space-Plugs and shortening the cheeks, in essence creating a flat-back piece of furniture, manufacturers can now benefit from substantial savings in raw materials, cubic capacity and weight. Three areas to save, and three areas to benefit with economic savings to be banked, green environmental benefits to be had, plus added sales benefit to reap. Space-Plug is already proving to be very popular and growing fast!
Naturally there is a dependence on individual design and cabinet size, but less board is now required, in some cases up to 10% less board, saving money, the environment and transport costs. On top of that, especially for those manufacturing rigid kitchens, there is also the additional savings of up to 15% cubic capacity saving in warehousing space, lorry space and even space in fitters’ vans. Everything is lighter to handle and cheaper to ship.
Although only launched in 2013, this new and patented little orange fixing is already a hit with kitchen fitters and furniture installers.
Chris Knall, owner of the reputed Kitchen Fitters Forum acclaims: “I’m completely sold on the idea! Fixing back has always seemed excessively awkward and Space-Plug solves that problem and a whole lot more! It’s such a simple concept and yet sets its stall out as coming packed with benefits, and, after personally trialling, it’s become apparent that’s very true.”
In just a few months Space-Plug has already attracted retail distribution with such companies as LDL Online, PWS and HPP, amongst others. MVI Hazel has taken the product to Ireland and it will reach the high street in March at Toolstation via its new distributor, ForgeFix.
John Exton, sales director at Space-Plug comments: “Interest is through the roof, especially for such a young product, and we seem to be set to have a big impact on the fitted furniture industry, this year, and well into the future. The retail interest is clearly demonstrating the potential benefits of including Space-Plug, in the box and the ability to use this to a sales advantage.”
Bristol-based Pebble Kitchens has been quick to respond and is set to be first to market with this new system. Pebble is already offering its own made-to-order cabinets with reduced cheeks and Space-Plugs as preferred and is also working hard towards the launch of its new range of off-the-shelf units called Pebble Express before before March. Pebble Express will be the first rigid kitchen to come flat-backed with Space-Plugs included and is already keenly awaited.
Rich Autton, production manager at Pebble says: “We’ve been looking for a fixing to allow flat-backed for some time as it simply makes more sense. We’re delighted to have found Space-Plug and are very excited about the future. We can make savings and the fitters no longer have to modify our units on site, providing fitters with a faster, neater fit and leaving our return edgebanding intact.”
In a time when we have become used to so many new developments coming from corporate-funded, technical advancements in materials, ascetics and functionality, it is rare to find – and a tribute to the innovation behind Space-Plug – such a simple, mechanical product, spawned from an independent source, that has the potential to impact so highly on an industry.
For further information about Space-Plugs, and full contact details, refer to the company’s website – and look for Hats off to Space-Plug.
