Why Is My SPC Flooring Order Taking Longer in Summer Factory Schedule Explained 2025
Importers often notice that SPC flooring production takes longer in summer compared to winter. The difference can be 5 to 10 days. This is not because factories are less efficient in summer. There are real production reasons.
Factory Working Hours Change
In Jiangsu province where many SPC factories are located, summer temperatures often exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Factory workers typically start their shift at 6 or 7 in the morning to take advantage of cooler hours. By early afternoon when temperatures peak, production slows down or stops. Workers rest during the hottest part of the day and return in the late afternoon for a shorter shift.
This adjusted schedule means the total production hours per day are lower in summer compared to winter. A production line that runs 10 hours in winter may run only 6 to 7 effective hours in summer. Over a 15 day production run, this difference adds up.
Material Cooling Takes Longer
SPC flooring comes out of the extrusion line at high temperature. The planks must cool to room temperature before they can be stacked, cut, and packaged. In summer, the ambient temperature in the factory is higher, so cooling takes longer. Planks that cool in 4 hours during winter may need 6 to 8 hours in summer.
This cooling bottleneck affects the entire production line speed. The extruder cannot run at full speed because the cooling area cannot keep up. Factories deliberately slow down the line to ensure proper cooling, because rushing this step causes warping and quality issues later.
UV Curing Is Affected
The UV coating applied to SPC planks requires controlled temperature for proper curing. High ambient temperature affects the UV curing process. The factory may need to slow the line speed to ensure the coating cures correctly. Rushing UV curing in hot weather can cause incomplete curing, which leads to odor issues after the flooring is installed.
Raw Material Supply
In summer, raw material suppliers in China also adjust their schedules. PVC resin and limestone powder deliveries may take slightly longer. Factories that maintain good raw material inventory are less affected, but suppliers with just in time inventory may experience delays.
What This Means for You
If you plan to order SPC flooring during summer months June to August, expect production to take 5 to 10 days longer than your winter timeline. Plan your orders accordingly. Order 2 to 3 weeks earlier than you would in cooler months. Confirm with the factory their current production schedule before committing to a delivery date.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER adjusts production schedules seasonally to maintain consistent quality year round. We provide realistic lead time estimates based on the current season. Contact us for current production availability.
