Quick-Step, a Belgian flooring brand, has introduced the world's most innovative and efficient laminate press into its production system. The €30 million investment represents a breakthrough in the company's growth strategy. This technological innovation, based on artificial intelligence, increases maximum production capacity by 25 percent and allows it to produce floors up to 30 percent faster than other lines.
Quick-Step's new production line, capable of producing 2 million sq. m. of laminate flooring per year, is the world's most modern laminating press. The €30 million investment boosts production efficiency in a groundbreaking way. The previously unattainable speed and precision of this machine was ensured by, among other things, the implementation of artificial intelligence and advanced camera technology. Floors produced using this technology are characterized by even higher quality and patterns almost indistinguishable from their natural prototypes. Compared to other laminate flooring presses, the new line doubles the depth of the structure in the core, so the floors have a very realistic pattern on the surface. In addition, thanks to the use of high-tech robots, the machine is capable of running two projects simultaneously, increasing production flexibility.
The new breakthrough production line significantly enhances our technological and production capabilities. It allows us to produce high-performance laminate flooring in an even more efficient way. This is an important step in further developing our business and strengthening Unilin's position on the international market
- said Wim Messiaen, CEO of Unilin, which is a global leader in, among other things, flooring solutions. It owns and manufactures brands such as Quick-Step, Pergo and Moduleo.
Sustainable production for the sake of ecology
Along with the expansion of production, the company is investing just as heavily in sustainable development. The core of Quick-Step's laminate flooring (HDF) is produced from recycled wood. This is waste wood from other industries.
Thanks to our patented recycling technology, we are the first and only company in the world that is able to fully recycle laminate flooring. This makes laminate a 100% closed-loop product that can be recycled into new flooring at the end of its useful life
- added Wim Messiaen, CEO of Unilin.
Laminate panels are the most common choice of consumers in the flooring market, due to their combination of quality, sustainable production and affordability. Additional advantages include easy installation with a snap-in system, scratch resistance and water resistance.
Global development
The multimillion-dollar investment in the new production line is part of a broader investment strategy by Unilin, the maker of Quick Step brand flooring. In January 2025, the company began construction of a new laminate flooring plant in Brazil, which will play a key role in the growing Latin American market. Meanwhile, a new laminate flooring press has been deployed at the Belgian factory in Wielsbeke, cementing the plant's status as a global research and development center for laminate flooring. The company now employs an 80-person R&D team there. Experts have focused on developing innovative technologies for decades: from the Uniclic® snap-in system of the 1990s, to technology that provides the most realistic surface textures and water resistance, to the latest advances in recycling technology.
Introduction of a state-of-the-art laminate flooring press
© Quick-Step
About Quick-Step
Quick-Step is a first-class flooring brand produced by UNILIN. Continuous research and innovation, as well as an emphasis on quality, have made Quick-Step one of the leading flooring manufacturers. The brand is known for its UniClic® and UniZip® installation systems, which require no glue. Initially, it was an affordable alternative to wood, but thanks to development, it has become an entirely new category, with a wide range of easy-to-install and easy-to-maintain floors with thoughtful designs and for every occasion. Today, Quick-Step is a globally produced brand of wood flooring, laminate flooring and luxury vinyl panels, with a presence in more than 100 countries. It is a market pioneer in design, innovative solutions and superior quality.
Read more on the company's Quick-Step page on the A&B portal.
