Excel Dryer blown by Himacs performance

James Latham Ltd (Lathams), one of the UK's leading independent materials distributors, was instrumental in a recent project by global hand dryer manufacturer Excel Dryer (Excel).

The company supplied the HIMACS solution to Solid Surface manufacturer Qubicle for the manufacture of a bespoke basin to accommodate Excel's latest drying innovation, the XLERATORsync.

Balancing style and material

Excel is one of the world's most respected manufacturers of fast-drying, ultra-hygienic and energy-efficient hand dryers, renowned for developing innovative systems.

The XLERATORsync is its latest addition. It features Excel's own 10-second dry technology, built-in HEPA filtration and fully integrated wash bins. Eliminating 99,999% of bacteria and viruses. It is one of the most hygienic, functional, attractive and durable solutions on the market.

Launched in the US in 2017, Excel planned to bring XLERATORsync to the UK in 2022, but found it needed a design more suited to the UK market. It was essential to have a product that could be installed as a trough, or separate sinks (both built-in or countertop) and, above all, that could be adapted to existing countertops.

So, in order to develop a visually appealing and high performing unit, Excel invited a handful of leading manufacturers in the UK, to create a new basin to complement the dryers.

The success of manufacturing

Excel's approach was very original, as usually a design is presented to the manufacturer to be priced and then build and install themselves, rather than build.

The process produced some interesting ideas, showcasing the imagination and creativity of the project partners, and it was Qubicle, a Solid Surface manufacturer from Bolton, who won the tender.

Their design, an angled niche ending in a vertical stop, was deliberately designed to absorb and dissipate the powerful airflow from the dryer, preventing splashing and reducing airborne droplets. This ensured maximum hygiene and eliminated the risk of slipping on the floor.

HIMACS for high performance

Once the design was complete, Qubicle set out to find the best material to meet the project requirements and embody the uncompromising quality expected of Excel products.

In consultation with long-time partner James Lathams, the spec team suggested HIMACS, and specifically Terrazzo Grigio, one of its most sought-after colors, for the XLERATORsync prototype.

The performance qualities of HIMACS immediately appealed to manufacturers, who were particularly impressed by the exceptionally smooth surface finish. In the commercial washroom sector, the non-porous, low-maintenance surface with high resistance to damage, scratches and abrasions, meant it could deliver the uncompromising levels of hygiene required.

Ultimate flexibility

The XLERATORsync, designed by Qubicle, has also been developed to suit a variety of specifications, from long troughs to individual, free-standing ponds.

Plus, they can be built in or retrofitted, making them a long-term option.

Available in 20 of HIMACS' most popular designs, ranging from natural stone and marble, to deep pinks and blacks, prices for the XLERATORsync system start from £2 and are tailored to the needs of each project.

For Jim Mackenzie, Head of Specifications and Projects for UK and Ireland at LX Hausys Europe GmbH, the parent company of HIMACS: “The beauty of Qubicle's design is in its simplicity. Not only does it look good, it meets a host of other washroom-specific requirements. It's especially exciting that, as the design and materials used have been so well received, Excel is now exporting the product to the US to potentially replace the existing XLERATORsync design! »

For Mark Robinson, Solid Surface Sales Manager at Lathams: “It's great to be part of a project that showcases the skills of the maker, who too often is the unsung hero as they contribute to the end result. For a project like this, HIMACS was the obvious choice, as it is well suited to the demands of the commercial washroom environment, while embodying many of the principles that guide Excel's commercial approach. »