It is in this segment that AST-C.J, a producer of wood flooring not far from the German border, operates internationally. What is special about AST-C.J is that it does not take a purely traditional approach to its activity, but combines top quality with the contemporary needs of the market. We notice this not only in its current main product, F-AST parquet, but in its entire way of doing business.

"Today's world hardly resembles that of say ten years ago. Among other things, there is the labour shortage and, by extension, sharply increased labour costs. Especially in Poland, labour costs rose dramatically in recent years. For instance, the minimum wage in 2024 is 19% higher than in 2023 and almost 43% higher than in 2022. Add ever-stricter environmental requirements, increased transport costs and skyrocketing energy costs, and you know that a big impact on production costs automatically follows. This is precisely what we are responding to at AST-C.J, especially then through the production of innovative types of parquet and investments in technology, leading to further advanced production automation, which also benefits our customers."

Return to Carrefour du Bois
Speaking is Aleksandra Kubacka, Managing Director and co-owner of AST-C.J, a wood flooring manufacturer from Poland. Founded in 1992 by Aleksandra's father Andrzej Janiszek, AST-C.J focused from the very beginning on producing only products from 100% solid wood. It started with the production of traditional mosaics, industrial parquet and lamellas, after which the production of solid parquet was implemented. In 2014, the production of the product that currently takes centre stage began: F-AST parquet, which will play a central role on the stand at the Carrefour du Bois in Nantes in May, where AST-C.J is making its reappearance.
To briefly summarise F-AST goes as follows: the idea is based on industrial parquet, but in a much more sophisticated form. These are floorboards offered as finished pressed boards with tongue and groove, with the biggest USP being that they are ready for installation. It is made from various wood species, currently mainly oak and ash, but other wood species can also be offered. Think maple, beech or walnut, among others. F-AST is offered in different sizes, widths and thicknesses.

B-FAST
"This is a product for both the residential market and the project market. It is suitable for all types of buildings and interiors. However, thanks to its high durability, it is mainly used in public spaces, offices and restaurants and remains a long-lasting floor for the most demanding applications. It can also be installed on underfloor heating," explains Ms Kubacka.
One particularly great advantage of F-AST is that it is already sold with a treated surface, which can be oiled or lacquered. There is also an option to get an unfinished surface for in-house finishing.

"You immediately notice the plus points," we hear. "This is a great solution that significantly reduces installation time, while keeping the installation process clean and tidy. That fast installation time is very important, especially with labour shortages and rising labour costs. By supplying F-AST parquet, we guarantee high precision of finish, resulting in an even and smooth surface. F-AST typifies our small company, which we are aware that we cannot compete with large Polish producers, but make a difference with unique products."

Production automation
Earlier on, we also talked about the importance of production automation, which helps to curb out-of-control in-house labour costs. This is precisely what is proving to be perhaps the biggest challenge for 2024 and the immediate future.

Aleksandra Kubacka: "Today, technology has a major impact on every industry, wood flooring production being no exception. Modern machines and devices enable manufacturers to optimise production processes and achieve even greater precision. Automation also makes it possible to reduce the number of employees and shorten production time. This is why we focus mainly on modernising the production process."

"This spring we are completing a large and important investment. I am talking about the installation of a system for scanning wooden lamellas that we are currently testing in full. The applied digital image analysis technology, which is supported by neural networks, makes it possible to detect defects on the scanned lamellas, measure them and decide which class the lamellas should be given. The system will help us reduce the number of people needed for this process, ensure quality and, very importantly, increase capacity. We are very proud of this operation, as this is only the third such machine to be installed in Poland."

Resuming production of solid parquet + investment in renewable energy
During the interview, it becomes clear that other challenges are being tackled. The main ones are plans to resume the production of solid parquet and full investment in renewable energy.

"In the past, we successfully produced solid parquet, but in recent years we mainly focused on the production of F-AST industrial parquet. The plan for this year is to restart production of traditional solid parquet in 16 and 22 mm thicknesses. We want to differentiate our parquet by offering it already finished with a varnished or oiled surface. We believe that the experience we gained with this type of production allows us to offer a good quality wood floor. We will also present this at the next Carrefour International du Bois."

"We also need to respond to the fact that we are struggling with high energy costs not only in Poland but throughout Europe. Earlier, a small photovoltaic installation came in and in 2024 we will further capitalise on this trend by expanding this installation and putting down wind turbines. This will help us reduce energy costs and produce more sustainably, which is also very important for our customers."

"Moreover, in relation to the environmental aspect, I stress that our product complies with PEFC requirements. We joined PEFC certification last year because both we and our customers realise the benefits of providing sustainability guarantees on products to address environmental, social and ethical issues. We produce circularly at the same time, from all scraps and production waste we make pellets."

Targets in Europe
A participation in the Carrefour du Bois indicates that AST-C.J may have plans to expand in Europe. Aleksandra Kubacka clarifies how, in order to achieve its ambitious and demanding goals, it is aiming to win new markets and new customers.
"We are only targeting collaborations with distributors, as a manufacturer we never work directly with architects or installers. For years, we have been selling our products through distributors mainly from Scandinavia, Austria and Germany, but we also hope to tap new markets. Think of other European countries such as the Benelux, France, Spain, Italy and so on. With them, too, we intend to establish long-term partnerships, which will be further developed over the years. This is also why we are participating in the fair in Nantes, where we are present as a small producer with a small stand."