James Latham becomes an exclusive stockist for the premium Merinolam HPL range

 Monday, November 17, 2025

James Latham, the top independent distributor of timber, panels, and decorative surfaces in the UK and Ireland, will carry the premium high-pressure laminate (HPL) brand Merinolam from now on. This is a noteworthy addition to the company’s decorative portfolio. This action expands Latham’s already extensive product line, which includes more than 2,000 decorative finishes, and will supply clients via its network of 12 strategically placed depots throughout the UK and Ireland.

Merinolam, now exclusively distributed by James Latham in the UK & Ireland, is a highly versatile HPL suitable for a range of interior design applications. Whether for washroom panelling, kitchen countertops, wall cladding, or bespoke decorative features, this laminate offers a blend of aesthetic appeal, practicality, and durability that makes it ideal for residential, commercial, and public settings.

James Latham now carries the entire Merinolam range, comprising 55 contemporary decors. Among the highlighted finishes for 2025 are rich timber-inspired designs such as Sea Beech and Smoked Rioja Oak, alongside more muted, modern tones like Castor Terrazzo and Crub Concreto—reflecting current trends toward biophilic design and warm minimalism in architectural specification.

What truly differentiates Merinolam is the performance-led nature of its collections, which James Latham will now distribute exclusively in the UK & Ireland. These include:

• FR+ PF laminates – These post-formable HPLs are tested to EN 13501-1 (2019) and achieve a B-s1, d0 fire rating, making them a sound choice for applications where fire safety is critical. In addition, they are designed to resist impact and scratching, available in a broad palette of colours, woodgrains, and abstract patterns.
• Luvih collection – A super-matt, anti-fingerprint finish that feels silky to the touch while being highly resistant to grease, smudges, and finger marks. Its hygienic and antibacterial properties make Luvih especially well-suited for high-traffic interiors such as reception areas, kitchens, and public furniture.
• Speciality surfaces – This collection showcases Merinolam’s cutting-edge innovation, featuring through-colour “Uni+” laminates, hyper-realistic metallic surfaces, whiteboards, and even powerful magnetic options for flexible design solutions.

Dave Green, Laminates Product Champion at James Latham, commented on the partnership:

“Merinolam represents some of the highest quality premium HPL on the market today. This is a welcome addition to our robust bank of decorative panels, further strengthening our commitment to offering our audiences real choice when it comes to achieving their vision. Its dedication to ethical sourcing and manufacturing processes echoes our own dedication to sustainability and social responsibility.”

Latham has confirmed that large volumes of Merinolam are already stocked and ready to be dispatched from its 12 depots across the UK and Ireland—a national footprint that underscores its commitment to service and availability.

Technical Specifications and Dimensions

James Latham will supply the full spectrum of Merinolam’s HPL boards, available in multiple dimensions and thicknesses to suit a variety of design needs. Sizes on offer include 3050 × 1300 mm, 4300 × 1550 mm, and 2440 × 1220 mm, with laminate thicknesses ranging from 0.7 mm to 1 mm.

The exclusive deal is a strategic win for James Latham. With a strong presence in the UK and Irish markets, Latham has long established itself as a key distributor for timber, panels, and specialty surfaces. The addition of Merinolam allows Latham to further elevate its decorative surface offering, providing specifiers and designers access to a premium, ethically-sourced laminate brand without having to seek alternate distributors.

Moreover, the partnership aligns with Latham’s broader business objectives of sustainability and quality. The company’s strategic outlook emphasises the supply of certified and responsibly sourced timber products, a commitment it has reiterated in recent annual reports.

Market opportunity & customer benefits

• For designers and architects: The expanded Merinolam range provides them with more choice in finishes and performance laminates—especially relevant in sectors demanding fire safety, hygiene, or magnetic solutions.
• For fabricators and joiners: Latham’s national depot network means faster access to large-format HPL in specialist finishes, improving lead times and reducing the need for import-based supply for premium laminates.
• For specifiers focused on sustainability: Merinolam’s ethical sourcing, combined with Latham’s reputation for responsible distribution, strengthens the sustainability credentials of projects using these materials.
• For commercial projects: The FR+ PF and Luvih ranges cater directly to requirements around fire performance, durability, and hygiene—making them well-suited to public buildings, offices, and hospitality interiors.

James Latham plans to roll out the full Merinolam range across its depots over the next 12 months, with depot teams actively promoting it to customers across the UK & Ireland. According to Dave Green, this phased introduction will help ensure widespread awareness, proper training, and adoption across Latham’s customer base.

By making Merinolam available exclusively through its network, James Latham not only strengthens its leadership in the decorative surfaces sector but also reinforces its commitment to sustainability, high performance, and design innovation.

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Tags: decorative surfaces, HPL laminates, James Latham, laminate panels UK, magnetic laminate, premium HPL