Gerflor: Taking a stand on quality

Tarabus is the world's best-selling floor covering specifically made for the bus and coach industry, claims manufacturer Gerfloor.  Manufactured in France and distributed in North America by Industrial Rubber Supply of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Tarabus has become recognized as the market benchmark for flooring at all major bus manufacturers around the world. Specifically designed for the demanding environment of the bus market, Tarabus offers an unparalled technical performance and an extremely competitive value for the money. Designed to last for the service life of a bus, Tarabus flooring provides an impervious layer that protects the sub-floor while offering a patterned design that compliments the interior and creates a welcoming environment for passengers.  Durability, safety and aesthetics are the hallmarks of Tarabus flooring.

Investing in innovation
For more than 50 years, Gerflor, the manufacturer of Tarabus, has worked closely with bus manufacturers worldwide to develop floor coverings that take into account safety, durability and design. Gerflor claims to have the widest and most diversified range of PVC floor coverings in the world, and is constantly investing to develop new products with continually enhanced technical and decorative features.

The introduction of the patterned Natura line in 2003, for example, proved to be an immediate success with coach manufacturers worldwide. Demand for patterned Tarabus flooring is growing annually, and both operators and manufacturers are reporting that customers are reacting very positively to the look. Feedback from both groups is vital in the creation of new designs and colors.

Going greener
As a global leader in environmental concerns, Gerflor does not use heavy metals in the manufacture of its flooring. Tarabus floor coverings have a wear layer that has no mineral filler.  It is made of pure PVC. The less filler there is in the surface layers, the longer the floor covering will last.

Finding distribution channels for success
For several years, Gerflor has worked closely with Industrial Rubber Supply in Winnipeg to develop supply-chain resources designed to serve the bus and coach industry within North America.

The introduction of pre-cut kits and just-in-time inventory availability are two features that have contributed to the growth of Tarabus flooring in North America. Industrial Rubber Supply offers a wide range of available inventory as well as ongoing technical support.

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Information for this article was supplied by Gerfloor and Industrial Rubber Supply and offered as a service to FYI from MCI readers. More product information can be found at www.gerflor.com and www.indrub.com.