Wilsonart Engineered Surfaces announced that it will acquire KML, the Tacoma-based manufacturer of decorative surfaces and panels. According to Vice President, Product Management, Ron Ubertini, this acquisition supports the continued growth of Wilsonart’s Coordinated Surfaces program with expanded capacity for the manufacture of Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL) panels.
“Our Coordinated Surfaces offering, a suite of best-matched surfacing options in high pressure laminate (HPL), TFL panels and edgeband featuring more than 230 Wilsonart designs and textures, has garnered tremendous support from both specifiers and fabricators,” says Ubertini. “TFL is a key part of that offering and expanding our manufacturing footprint enables us to improve service and meet growing demand.”
KML has manufacturing locations in Tacoma, WA and Stockton, CA, and employs around 100 people across its facilities. The company currently markets a standard collection of TFL designs and textures under the KML Design Finishes brand. According to Ubertini, the two companies have a long-standing relationship to provide the market with high quality products. Wilsonart will continue to market the KML line, alongside Wilsonart’s expansive HPL/TFL offering. “Our customers expect a range of engineered surfaces that offer beautiful design and performance according to a project’s needs. This acquisition provides the marketplace with the choice they want, with the availability and reliable service they need.”
“KML has a good name and reputation for taking care of customers with high quality products and on time shipments,” says Willie Wanker, General Manager, KML. “Now part of the Wilsonart organization, KML has strong support for our brand. Customers can count on continued service from the KML team during the transition.”
The transaction closed in September 2017. Earlier this year, Wilsonart announced acquisition of TFL manufacturing operations in Oxford, MS. “We are clearly committed to providing the North American marketplace with a reliable source of surfacing options across the range of material options,” said Ubertini. About KML KML, based in Tacoma, WA, was founded in 1995. Today the company operates two panel manufacturing operations in Tacoma and Stockton, CA.