Christmas shutdowns are a crucial time for industrial manufacturers that operate all year round. Scheduling downtime has become increasingly difficult as modern manufacturing practices focus on lean production and quick response times. Even when maintenance projects are planned, the window of opportunity is often small, putting pressure on teams to complete the work quickly.
Larger projects such as installing new flooring often have to be completed during weekends, holidays, or other “off times” in the production schedule. Kemtile works closely with its clients to minimise disruption, and the traditional shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s Day often provides the best opportunity to carry out significant flooring works.
With an open week or more, a substantial amount of flooring can be completed through careful planning and execution. Kemtile has over four decades of experience installing floors during the Christmas period, with an expert team already taking orders for 2025 projects.
The right team
It is crucial for manufacturers to choose a flooring contractor that can deliver results during the Christmas shutdown. Kemtile offers a single-source solution – providing turnkey service, products, installation, and aftercare in one place. With a proven track record at this time of year, the company understands what can be achieved within a week and provides bespoke advice for each project.
Understanding the conditions
A Christmas shutdown presents unique challenges – not least the cold. Working in low temperatures requires careful planning. Kemtile adjusts flooring products and application techniques to suit the environment or uses heaters to maintain stable temperatures during and after installation.
Cold conditions can slow down the drying and curing of adhesives and finishes, so the company often uses fast-curing products and pre-conditions materials to match indoor temperature and humidity before installation. All materials are stored indoors and protected from harsh weather before being laid.
Top tips for success
Kemtile recommends planning as far in advance as possible. Six to eight weeks before Christmas is the ideal time to make contact, allowing for a site visit and project assessment.
For larger jobs, the company often adopts a phased approach – tackling the most critical areas first when the factory is fully closed, then completing remaining sections in January or later. Early booking also ensures material availability and avoids potential supplier delays during the busy festive season.
New year, new floor for funeral car factory
A leading funeral car manufacturer based in Westhoughton appointed Kemtile in late November with a brief to install over 4,000m² of flooring. The project had to be agreed, specified, and completed before the factory reopened on 3 January.
The manufacturer, which produces hearses, required a high-performance, chemical-resistant, anti-slip flooring system capable of withstanding heavy wear and tear from vehicles weighing up to 3–4 tonnes.
The two-week project, which spanned the Christmas break, involved preparing 4,000m² of flooring and applying 2,000 litres of Stonproof CT5 crack bridge to prevent dynamic movement. Kemtile then installed 4,000m² of Stonclad GS TX2 in pewter, as well as TX8 on some ramps in black with yellow demarcations.
The Kemtile team managed access, agreed a clear project schedule, and completed preparation, installation, and finishing within the agreed window – successfully meeting the deadline.
