The Howard Centre

Cost-Effective High-Performance Retail Entrance Matting

The Howard Centre is a popular, two-storey shopping centre next to Welwyn Garden train station, welcoming hundreds of visitors a day. Old entrance mats weren’t performing well and didn’t give the right impression to visitors.

INTRAsystems examined the dirt-filled, faded and very tired looking mats. Our survey and report highlighted the poor condition and potential hazards of the existing retail Entrance Matting.

Within three months of our first visit, install partners Syncros completed an overnight replacement of two entrance mats totalling 50m2. The Howard Centre now has sustainable, economical and highly durable INTRAlink² PVC Grid Entrance Matting with Elite fibres. The facilities team can keep them looking fantastic for years to come with simple maintenance.

A Welcome Upgrade

With our extensive experience of the retail sector, we understand the demands for long term performance and safety. Design tends to play a lessor role, ensuring shoppers stay safe and focus on the retailers beyond, although its still important to create a smart impression from the door.

INTRAsystems’ condition reports always include suggestions for remedial work or upgrades based on the setting, so we proposed a closed construction, heavy-duty, cost-effective system – INTRAlink2 .

The centre manager was very happy with the recommendations and quickly commissioned a replacement for the two worst condition entrance mats.

Perfectly Suited for Retail

INTRAlink2 is a heavy-duty, 100% recycled PVC system; perfect for easy maintenance and absorbing the inevitable dirt and moisture from so many pedestrians.

It’s one of our most sustainable systems (download the EPD).

Made up of modular tiles, it has a closed construction which keeps all dirt particulates on the surface for easy hoovering and is designed for multi-directional traffic, particularly suitable for retail environments.

After confirming the specification, The Howard Centre ordered direct from Syncros. Once we received the order, we checked the specification was accurate and suitable for the application – something we always do, whether client’s order directly or via another supplier or contractor.

Retail Entrance Matting Installation Exceeds Expectations

“Thanks for your help with the entry matting, the two entrances that were completed look so much better.”

Deputy Centre Manager

High Performance, Sustainable and Budget-Friendly

INTRAlink2 is compatible with a full range of INTRAlux inserts. INTRAlux is a range of specialised fibres made from 100% recycled nylon fibres, which brush dirt and absorb moisture excellently. With 19 colours and 3 fibre compositions, we can easily incorporate design features, match in with existing entrance mats or apply logos.

The Howard Centre chose the Elite 602 blue fibres to complement their brand palette. This gave them an efficient insert, +PTV 38 slip rating, and excellent UV-resistance, scraping action and sound absorption.

Essential Upgrade in Extra Quick Time

Another advantage is how fast INTRAlink2’ is to install. The material doesn’t require any specialist cutting tools and the product comes ready boxed in large, pre-connected square panels, so it’s ideal for a busy retail environment.

The install team were able to easily work around existing pillars, angled walls, and safety railing fixtures within the centre entrances. Both Entrance Mats were replaced in one evening, eliminating any disruption to trade.

With the new Entrance Mats now much easier to maintain, visitors get a better first impression and critically, are well protected from slip and trip hazards which are always a key concern for this type of environment.