Kitchen Install Problems

I got an expensive hi gloss kitchen installed about 4 and a half years ago. Unfortunately the panels have all started to chip and split, (not through hard use). 

The installer came to inspect and said it was a problem with this type of unit and that manufacturer has gone bust. 

All they could do to help was offer free labour if we bought all the unit fronts and doors to replace the faulty ones.

This seems a little unfair as they originally installed the units and agree that they are faulty.

They say "The manufacturer of your kitchen went into liquidation some years ago 
and replacement materials are no longer available.

There is no legal liability on their part.

Having said all of the above, I would like to think that we can work 
together to find an amicable solution.

All of the coloured material i.e. doors, drawer fronts, side panels, 
will need to be replaced at your cost, labour would be free"

Feel a bit cheated in that an expensive kitched only lasted 4 years

Is this normal practice in Spain? Can anyone offer some good advice??? 

It's normal practice in the UK that when a company goes bust you you are on your own it is not the fault of the installer in fact the installer are being extremely good offering to fit the new doors for nothing in the UK you would have to pay for the new door and the labour.

Let's see how much he wants to charge you for the new doors etc, the so called free labour,could be built into the price,might be cheaper to go else where and start again,And has the manufacture really gone bust ?

Thanks Windtalker and Neworld.

Not sure what they wanna charge for the replacement doors but suspect it wont be cheap. I am awaiting the "quote" for that. Not sure how to check if the manufacturer has gone bust as I dont believe I have any paperwork with their details on it. Bit of a painful lesson learned here. What happened to paying for quality? Maybe that never really existed?

To buy fitted kitchen units, doors, worktops etc. in Spain is quite cheap, 

If you Google “maderas”  for the area where you are you should  be able to find suppliers who supply wholesale and retail. The units are standard sizes.  The doors come in standard widths and lengths which the supplier will cut to size, edge and fit hinges.

If you are reasonable practical you should be able to fit the doors yourself with just a Philips screwdriver,  I say that from experience.

If you cannot DIY then get your fitter to take you to the suppliers so you can choose what you want and also see the prices. That way you will know if, or what he is charging you