Corian alleges fraud, announces quality initiatives.

To combat fraud claims in which customers purchased what was thought to be Corian solid surfacing only to later find out the installer had used an off-brand, DuPont has announced a series of quality initiatives.

DuPont, manufacturer of Corian solid surfacing material, has launched the Corian Quality Network. A Corian label will adorn every product.

"As the solid surfacing category has grown, a lot of people have jumped into the business with a varying degree of quality, trying to emulate our success," said Steve McCracken, worldwide business director for DuPont Corian, during a teleconference. "There has been some substitution going on, some outright imitation, and some clear and outright fraud. It is not widespread, but it is enough that Corian felt we had to take action. Again, it is a very small fraction (of the industry). Most of our downstream partners are full of integrity, but there have been some (installers) who have gone for short term gain at the expense of consumers."

In addition to the quality label, the company has launched a new Quality Network of authorized distributors, authorized kitchen and bath dealers and a variety of other retail outlets. Increased training, accreditation, customer service and quality control are part of the new program.

For more information on Corian or the service centers, phone [phone], ext. 128.