The Story so far ...

In 1991 cabinet makers Geoff and Leanne Bates purchased a company called "Pro Form Tops" when it consisted of a laminate post-forming machine and a panel saw in a small shed in Buchan Street, Cairns. The mainstay of the business was manufacturing laminated bench tops with rolled edges.
Just 18 months later they purchased a computer controlled saw and an edge banding machine to cater for a drastic increase in demand for pre-cut board for cupboard components.
A move to larger premises in Bollard Street, Cairns followed soon afterwards.
Fulfilling a commitment only to provide top quality products, Geoff and Leanne found that demand continued to increase, so they relocated to Redden Street, Cairns which provided them with all the extra manufacturing and storage space they needed.
In 1996 they invested over half a million dollars in equipment, including a high-tech vacuum press to coat contoured cupboard or full-sized doors with a seamless laminate membrane. This techniques' result is a durable, hard wearing, easy to clean finish which has proven so popular that it has rapidly outstripped the demand for the traditionally popular timber, two-pack or laminated doors.

A huge variety of patterned or plain colours add versatility to this product, and the timber finishes have the appearance of a solid timber door, but at a much lower price.
The vacuum press used in this process is the only one of this type in North Queensland.
Again responding to market demand, Geoff and Leanne's research led them to obtain a franchise from the Italian laminate manufacturer "ABET Laminati".
In need of a top quality board to complement the laminate, they approached "Wesfi Formex".
A solid and harmonious business relationship was formed. ABET Laminati as well as Wesfi Formex have been most helpful and co-operative during the inception of Laminates North.

To display this remarkably versatile range of products in its full glory required imagination and vision.
Laminates North built a grand showroom next to the factory, featuring five complete display kitchens, offices and work stations, which have been built by the top cabinet makers of the region.
Laminates North is setting the standard in its class and is unsurpassed in Queensland north of Brisbane through its commitment to the industry, underlined by their major capital investment.

From an original complement of two, back in 1991, the company now has a workforce of 28 and is leading North Queensland in the supply of materials and components for the construction of magnificent interiors for commercial as well as domestic premises.




AND NOW:

The New Face of Laminates North

Enter the world of rich and exciting colours, textures and styles of the very modern laminates. Gone are the days of boring, cheap imitation wood and white-only laminates for kitchen benches.

The thrill of building or renovating a new kitchen or bathroom need not be spoilt by a lack of imagination. Laminates North has revamped it's showroom and is bursting with innovative ideas to help you.
On display are six full-size kitchens and vanities highlighting the latest colour and design trends using laminate.
With the help on cabinet makers and hardware and appliance suppliers, the team at Laminates North makes choosing the right kitchen or bathroom a breeze.
Owners Geoff and Leanne Bates recognised the need to highlight a selection of products available to simplify choices for commercial and domestic customers.
It also makes life easier for designers and cabinet makers when their clients present them with a chosen scheme.
The showroom is an amazing colour selection centre that promotes the different uses of laminate.
No longer restricted to kitchen bench tops, designers the world over now use decorative and durable laminates in various forms - from bedroom cabinets, bathroom vanities and cupboards to work areas and even furniture.
It's superior tough design and low maintenance makes it a perfect choice for office and business as well.
Laminates North staff are all fully trained in colour co-ordination and are able to start your ideas rolling.
Along with laminate sample chips there is a colour selection centre where customers can mix and match benchtops, cupboard doors and handles and are able to see on a realistic scale whether the colour combinations work.
The Laminates North showroom kitchens all have special inbuilt features adding to the surprise and spurring on the imagination.
The dynamic collection of laminates can transform any room into a masterpiece of interior design.