Innovation does not come by accident; it is a result of years of dedication and a focused approach. They take inspiration from their surroundings. Explore Heritage laminate with this collection, you will find the strong and powerful presence of beautiful teak, the reflection of walnuts and almonds, and the class of beach and perls. They create stylish laminates and designs that grab the attention instantaneously. The changing times require a change in thinking and action. They have changed and will come to a change, but their core group and ethics will always be the same as they are Heritage Laminates.
The Heritage Laminates new catalogue 2022-2024 has been launched on the Ply Reporter’s launch pad on July 3, 2022. It was an unfolding excellence in the auspicious presence of Mr. Vijay Kumar Agarwal, MD, Deco-Mica, Heritage Laminates, along with the directors, Mr. Vikas Agarwal, Mr. Vishal Agarwal, and Ms. Shraddha Agarwal. The launching programme was LIVE broadcast on the Ply Reporter Facebook Page. Mr Vijay Kumar Agarwal gave a welcome speech and said, "We have continuously got the dealers' and distributors' support and hope that HERITAGE LAMINATES LAUNCHES A NEW CATALOGUE 2022-2024 WITH THE THEME "COMPLETE" in coming times we will also get your support in the same manner."
Mr Vikas Agarwal explained the journey of the Heritage Group. He said, "The 25 year journey of Heritage Laminates can be a case study! We started from a very humble beginning in the state of Gujarat and are now serving the entire country and exporting to over 30 countries across the world. It started with a basic laminate, and today we are giving everything for top surfaces and doing all the verticals of laminates, like antibacterial, compact, facade, interior, exterior, and all kinds of post-forming.
"In Bangalore exhibition, people must have seen that what we promoted was not the conventional use of laminate. We attempted to promote how more value can be added to laminates. So, Heritage today is not only into laminate but also into allied surfaces such as Particle Board, MDF, PVC, Acrylics, and there is so much more in times to come. So, the journey is beautiful and we have worked very hard for that. It was a small family, but today there are thousands of members in the family. We together work very hard that’s why people listen to us," he added.
A talk with the woman behind the designs of the catalogue
Q. For the new catalogue, you must have done a thorough study! How did you include the new trends in the catalogue?
A. Ms. Shraddha Agarwal: Laminate is a durable product which necessitates certain elements such as longlasting aesthetic appeal and also that the customer base is so diverse with a wide variety of tests. We release a new catalogue every two years, but when customers go to the market to select laminates, they think for five to seven years. In that case, we feel it is so difficult to include because users change every time. And now, in the current scenario, the customers are well aware of the efforts of the industry. The industry is educating customers why they should use laminates. So, the trend is dynamic. I witnessed a ground-breaking change in the trend from bolder finishes to softer textures, bright colours to pastel colors. This is a significant change.
When we talk about the Heritage catalogue, we do thorough research before bringing any laminate into the collection. First, we try to understand the customers’ demands and mindsets. Our team takes into account the fabric, tiles, stones, marbles, etc. industries. We take feedback from our channel partners very seriously as they are our strength. At the end of the day, the colours in the collection come with complete awareness and understanding.
Q. There are two experts’ views on the folders, like for the retail segment and the architect segment. So, what is the thrust of the Heritage New Catalogue?
A. Ms. Shraddha Agarwal: Many people ask it and we always say that this is not about who takes first, because when we unveil any catalogue, there is a mindset to take the things. So, we include the choices of both retailers as well as the architects, because our clientele is diverse.
The catalogue with one thought observes a fall with time. But, we bring a theme and make sure that somehow that theme is reflected in the catalogue continuously. Because we brought it with the idea that now you can use laminate. Now there is no such difference in understanding of architects' and retailers' thought processes. With a natural feel, we always try to give the best of the best solutions.
Q. There are a lot of factors in the folder, like mold, paper, colour, size of the folder, number of SKUs, etc. How do you implement them?
A. Ms. Shraddha Agarwal: As I told you, we precede with the thoughts and feedback of the architects, dealers, retailers, and customers, along with the vision that our entire team remains involved in it after market research. Presentation is also a very important parameter, and we take outmost care of it
Heritage Laminates' Directors Speak with the Ply Reporter
Q. The Heritage Group is going through a massive expansion. Please explain the new expansion plan.
A. Mr Vikas Agarwal: We are doing expansion in Particle Board and planning is going on for MDF and PVC. We will be doubling our capacity in the next one and a half years from what we are currently doing. At present, we are making five lakh sheets of laminates and we have a capacity of 3.5 lakh sheets of particle boards. Besides, in acrylic and PVC plus edge band, we are coming up with production. We are seeing a very good market as in the coming 10 to 20 years, India will grow at a fast pace. Today, Indian products' acceptance on the global platform has increased much more.
Q. You are a hard-working person and very practical. Do you think the market will pay you back?
A. Mr Vikas Agarwal: I think the market recognises hard work and innovation only as the customers are much more educated and aware now and they also understand the needs. Today they have entire product knowledge and use all possible means to cross-check the facts with the internet. So, innovation in products and their applications is one of the most sought-after driving factors for sales. You must have seen we used laminate in the kitchen. That is also in the sink in the kitchen. So, this is application innovation. In a way, it is a re-introduction of the product offerings. With it, we need to be advantageous also, as one cannot play in a safe boat only.
Q. What is the specialty of this laminate folder?
A. Mr Vishal Agarwal: Heritage Laminates has seen constant and steady growth over the years, and, of course, our passion is the key behind it. But, I would like to give credit to the fundamental principal of quality and the customers who pay for it. All our manufacturing units work on an ethical basis. We keep innovating on a regular basis and invest in technologies that help us achieve our goal. Our distributors or channel partners are playing a key role. Heritage works with European and Japanese papers, which are exclusive to the brand. It helps us create a unique identity in the market, which also helps our distributors and channel partners to have the best sales in the market. This time we have come up with the best solutions with the thought process that we can be "COMPLETE." That is why it is referred to as "COMPLETE."
It can give same designs in laminates as well as other solutions like Compact, Particle Board, Post forming, etc. it do believe on the market with affordability. So, along with 1mm catalogue Heritage is a complete catalogue in terms of affordability also. Its textures and designs combinations give very elegant look and that is the requirement of the market. In this catalogue we have given different segments like marble, stones, wood grain, solids, etc. So, anyone who sees the catalogue they can get what they need. What we offer to the market should be complete, this is the reason the name of the catalogue is "COMPLETE."
Q. If we talk about the current trends like high gloss, textures, matt finish, and SF, what new additions have been included in this new catalogue?
A. Mr Vishal Agarwal: In this catalogue we have introduced 8 new textures and 40 new colours have been added in marble, stone, and wood. And in the same pattern, we have introduced 40 colours in solids. If we look at the current market, the trend is picking up with solid colors, pastel colors, etc. Besides, the current trend is soft matte. Anti-fingerprint has also impacted the market and has also been introduced in the catalogue. So, we have to do all that is required in the market. We are very excited about this catalogue. People see it, get it, and feel it. We do work hard because we like it. We always want to live up to the customers’ expectations.
Q. You took a good initiative in terms of application innovation that was reflected at the experience centre in India wood this year. Please elaborate on your thought process for it.
A. Mr Vishal Agarwal: As Heritage laminate, we felt that there were numerous uses for laminate. The use of laminate is not limited to furniture. It can be used in multiple verticals like kitchens, bathrooms, panelling, flooring, wardrobes, etc. At the experience center, we used laminate everywhere. Today, such natural colours are available that resemble the natural beauty. It is also durable, competitive and relevant for the long term. The industry can grow by at least 10% per year for at least five years if we work vigorously for its development.
Heritage works with European and Japanese papers, which are exclusive to the brand. It helps us create a unique identity in the market, which also helps our distributors and channel partners to have the bestsales in the market.
Q. This folder majorly caters to the premium grade consumers. How do you improve your sales?
A. Mr Vishal Agarwal: These premium-grade laminates have an evergreen presence. It was earlier also, and still has and will remain in the future as well. The same observation motivates us to bring something new every time. I believe its market is also growing fast. If it is observed individually as a 1 mm premium segment, there is exceptional growth. In the future also, this market is going to grow much more as today's innovation in paper and finishing is so natural that every consumer wishes to use it in their homes, offices, cafes, etc. Today it is everywhere like five-star hotels, coffee shops, airports, homes/offices etc.
Q. Although Heritage is a very old laminate brand with wide market reach, I would like to know which areas are still not tapped and if you wish to reach there.
A. Mr Vishal Agarwal: Despite our ages, we still have some untapped areas due to various challenges, such as Haryana and the eastern part of the country. I would like to say that we are very flexible and wish to connect with you there. We welcome you. Just connect with us. There are a lot of ways to connect with us, like social media, phones, emails, websites, etc. He concluded with the statement: "We want people to get connected with our thought process." Our industry is our fellow members. If the industry were healthy, everyone would be healthy. Our objective is to make our industry healthy and aware of knowledge.