2011 Registration Document - Imerys

1 Materials
PRESENTATION OF THE GROUP
& Monolithics
❚ PRODUCTS
Clay reserves are a source of high-quality minerals located in France,
near its clay product processing plants. To ensure durable operations,
the activity strives to develop its reserves, particularly through land
purchases and exchanges, and plans future site restoration and
remediation. In 2011, new authorizations were obtained near Ste
Foy l’Argentière (Rhône, France) and Mably (Loire, France) for the
renewal of the Brûlevent and Mably quarries, respectively.
Ardoisières d’Angers operates an underground slate quarry in Trélazé
(Maine et Loire, France). The slate is mined at depths of 450 meters,
guaranteeing exceptional quality with the following properties:
impermeability, harsh weather resistance, particularly frost, stability
and flexibility, which makes it easy to use. Slates are especially suited
to steeply sloping roofs.
For more information about clay and slate reserves, see Chapter 1,
section 1.3 of the Registration Document.
❚ APPLICATIONS
Clay Roof Tiles & Bricks
The Clay Roof Tiles & Bricks activity is specialized in the design,
production and sale of clay building materials for roofing (tiles and
accessories) and structure (bricks and chimney blocks).
The benefits of clay products were recently confirmed by the findings
of the Grenelle de l’Environnement (1 ) on housing: healthy, robust
and durable construction with the heat inertia and airtightness
required for low consumption buildings (B.B.C. – Bâtiments Basses
Consommation). For the same size, the “Optibric PV 4G” clay brick
provides five times more heat insulation than concrete blocks.
In 2011, the Building Materials activity continued its innovation
effort to add more value for customers and offer practical building
solutions for more and more efficient, cost-effective, comfortable and
therefore sustainable housing. The main aims of new products were
the following: ease of installation, speed of use, energy efficiency for
bricks, and combining technical progress with visual appeal for roof
tiles such as NéoPlate, which has the same external appearance as
a flat tile with 35% shorter installation time. For more information on
innovations, see Chapter 1, section 1.8 of the Registration Document.
Roof tiles and accessories
The umbrella brand Imerys Toiture covers the entire product range,
comprised of flat tiles, Roman tiles and large and small interlocking
tiles. The brand now offers 67 models of clay roof tiles in 82 colors
38 2011 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT IMERYS
that meet local traditions and specificities. Eight regional labels with
high customer awareness distinguish between tile models: Gélis,
Huguenot, Jacob, Phalempin, Poudenx, Sans, Ste Foy
and Doyet TM . Imerys Toiture has also developed roofing accessories
that help to free the roofer from finishing work as they can be fitted
without mortar or sealant. With thermal and photovoltaic tiles,
Imerys Toiture has a comprehensive, integrated roof offering that
is sound , visually appealing and energy-efficient.
Structure bricks
Imerys Structure clay bricks (standard bricks and technical
products, i.e. Monomur and Optibric) are used in the structures
of buildings, in exterior walls, interior partitions and linings (terracotta
bricks, Carrobric system, Intuitys system). Their load-bearing or
insulating function differentiates them from facing bricks, which serve
an essentially decorative purpose.
Urbanbric ® was created specifically for collective buildings and
perfectly meets regulations in this promising market for the
development of bricks.
Furthermore, Imerys Structure develops, produces and markets
clay chimney blocks (Ceramys) for individual heating systems.
Slate
Angers Trélazé ® natural slate enjoys almost 90% unassisted
awareness with roofing professionals, through the Company’s
long history and its presence on the finest buildings in France’s
architectural heritage. Historical monuments are an outstanding
showcase for the Company and their prestige reflects on all marketed
ranges. Furthermore, Ardoisières d’Angers continues to develop its
product offerings for landscapers (paving, flaked slate, curbing).
Ardoisières d’Angers has developed its sourcing internationally and
broadened its product range to address all market types. Natural
slates from Spain, Brazil and China are supplied from its new storage
platform in Saint-Nazaire (Loire-Atlantique, France).
❚ MARKETS
Market trends
A key characteristic of the Building Materials market is a difference in
demand according to regional specificities. Activity is predominantly
linked to the development of the single-family housing construction
and renovation market in France. The renovation sector ensures a
certain amount of resilience during cycle troughs.
(1 ) Grenelle de l’Environnement: national meeting held on October 24 and 25, 2007, which brought together members of the French state and non governmental
representatives to develop concrete measures to tackle environmental issues and incite energy savings.