Viken, Sweden—In a year like no other, Välinge said it retained impressive growth and innovation momentum in 2020—expanding its IP portfolio, licensee numbers and launching its flooring brand, Välinge flooring.
“Although nothing about 2020 could be considered normal, it was very much business-as-usual for us when it came to innovation and R&D,” said Per Nygren, vice president. “Our partners expect nothing less. They appreciate our total commitment to developing technology that puts the highest quality products into the hands and under the feet of consumers worldwide.”
With more than 500 new patents granted in 2020, its patent portfolio now exceeds 3,500 patents distributed across new materials, locking technologies for flooring, walls and furniture and surface technologies.
Last year also saw Välinge grow its licensee family, with more than 30 new partners joining forces with the company during the year. Välinge licensees now number more than 260, with each one benefitting from the Viken-based company’s industry leading support and technical services.
Välinge Flooring
In another development, Välinge announced the launch of flooring products under the brand name Välinge Flooring during Q3—made on-site at its headquarters in Sweden using its state-of-the-art, high-volume production facility.
The first products are a collection of real wood floors that combine Välinge’s unique patented technologies—Woodura, 5G Dry waterproof fold-down system and 5G Climb. According to the company, the launch created a new category of floors called ‘Hardened Wood Flooring’—offering the feel and luxury of a real wood floor with next-level durability and waterproof features. The rollout initially focused on the U.S. market, with further markets promised in 2021.
“Creating our own products is an exciting and natural progression for Välinge,” Per Nygren said. “It’s not about competing with our licensees, quite the opposite, actually. This allows us to showcase our unique innovations—Woodura technology, the latest 5G Dry waterproof locking system and 5G Climb. Creating a product that uses those technologies in harmony, giving customers the most innovative, high-performing, sustainable and beautiful real-wood floors, fit for a worry-free life in their home.”