KFC SELECTS VISTACLAD BY EVA-LAST FOR FRANCHISE OUTLET REVAMP PROGRAM
Yum!, the owner of the KFC franchise rights in Africa, sought high-performance décor and architectural materials in complying with a worldwide update of the brand’s outlet specifications. As the franchise coordinator, Yum! required a solution which would accurately match global look and feel specifications while reducing maintenance and related costs for individual franchise owners to a minimum.
PROJECT DETAILS
PROJECT CHALLENGE
A Challenge on Several Levels While the global KFC outlet revamp exchanged pressed aluminum cladding for a more natural look and feel, the specification of cedar hardwood created a challenge for Yum! in the sourcing of materials, since this wood is imported through a single supplier. Permitted to use local alternatives in matching the look and feel, Yum! was also conscious of the need to balance the sourcing of materials which met all requirements with ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance to reduce costs for franchise owners. Yum! controls more than 600 outlets in South Africa alone, producing a significant potential requirement for imported cedar hardwood, which would need to withstand severe outdoor weather conditions on the continent.PROJECT SOLUTION
A Real Composite Solution Eva-Last® proposed the use of VistaClad™ – a high-performance Bamboo Plastic Composite (BPC) cladding material which not only matched the design elements dictated by KFC globally, but would outperform hardwood both outdoors and indoors, and is backed by an industry-leading 25-year warranty. The VistaClad™ solution was also widely available throughout South Africa, allowing for a consistent look and feel across all applications, as well as being easy to install through a variety of potential contractors. A third and integral benefit of the VistaClad™ solution was the green credentials of the material, given that the product is made from easily replenishable bamboo strands and recycled plastic – as many as 2500 recycled plastic bottles are used for every 10 m2 of VistaClad™ produced.RESULTS
Form-Fitting Installation The Epsom Downs Shopping Centre KFC installation made use of VistaClad™ elements for several applications, including external cladding integrated with brand signage, an internal staircase and handrail, and the construction of a drive-through order microphone box in a matching aesthetic. The installation overcame external wall challenges, including the fitting of a bespoke framework and substructure to hide recesses and ensure a consistent flow of the cladding around the building’s façade. The external cladding and internal VistaClad™ elements are all subject to a 25-year warranty and exceed the performance of timber materials through requiring no treatment or maintenance.KEY INFLUENCER QUOTE
“KFC revamps elements of its look and feel every five years and Yum! was naturally concerned that the costs of the revamps are borne by franchise owners. Yum! Was, thus, very pleased that VistaClad would continue to perform without decay or degradation for at least 25 years, which would ensure that franchise owners would avoid having to engage in any further expenditure on the maintenance of these design elements for an extended amount of time.” – Brendon Chapman, Eva-Last
SUMMARY
The Epsom Downs Shopping Centre KFC installation forms part of a broader look and feel revamp for KFC outlets globally, where locally sourced materials to match specifications may be approved – provided they meet specifications. In this case, Eva-Last was able to provide a solution which ensured availability of supply, consistency of application and installation, consistency in look and feel, cost competitiveness, lack of maintenance, longevity of performance as well as a product whose sustainability credentials exceed those of the specified hardwood design elements Eva-Last is a globally recognised and trusted brand that manufactures and distributes specialised bamboo-plastic composite building products.Together with a wide range of decking, cladding and flooring products, Eva-Last also offers specialised support systems and expert advice, ensuring each and every build is designed to last. Eva-Last composite profiles and complimentary systems can be found in over 35 countries globally and have been an imperative part of some of the world’s largest building projects. As the leaders in composite building technology, Eva-Last ensures product quality and customer satisfaction with industry and class leading warranties.Click here to download a PDF version of this case study.
