Annual Report 2014

Etex Annual Report 2014
Activity report
Fire protection & insulation
High-performance insulation solutions are
being used when the need for insulation
is huge while the space to insulate is very
small. They can be found in numerous
applications, including fuel cells, solar
energy systems, heat treatments, chimneys,
piping and storage heaters. Every HPI
solution is designed and engineered inhouse
and in close collaboration with our
customers.
Well-defined segmentation
Our Promat division decided to target
specific markets around the globe, further
focussing our business on segments where
fire protection and insulation products offer
a lot of added value and growth potential.
In 2014, we continued on this path and the
segmentation matured: our segments are
well documented and implemented.
Putting innovation to work
As one of our most innovative entities,
Promat keeps setting new industry
standards and further implementing its
successful solution-oriented business
model. We further strengthened the new
Product Development Department to
bolster this effort.
Following a strategy of expansion, Promat
aims to focus on specific segments and to
leverage Etex’s strengths outside Europe.
About 2.5% of Promat’s turnover is being
invested in innovation to that effect. Some
of our achievements in 2014:
• Next-generation fireproof
coatings and sprays.
• Brand-new technology for thick
fire protection boards.
• Enhanced interlayers for insulated glass.
• New high-performance insulated
siding techniques, including aerogel
blankets, low-density calcium silicate
(calsil) and microporous insulation.
Expanding geographically
Promat has Europe as its primary market,
posting overall positive but varying results
depending on the specific country.
While we dealt with a declining market in
France, other European markets performed
well. In Spain, we managed to generate
profitable growth again. Furthermore,
Italy’s market conditions have stabilised
thanks to the renewed worldwide trust in
the country’s government but the market
remains very competitive.
We also delivered major efforts to convert
our activities to the newly defined EN
testing standards of the European Union.
In Asia, Promat reconfirmed its progress
and success, not only as regards sales
volumes, but also in terms of profitability.
Virtually all our businesses — from Korea
and Australia, to Hong Kong, Singapore and
India — realised growth in 2014.
QQFor this Unilever building in Cali, capital of
the Valle del Cauca department in Colombia,
Promatect H and Promaseal A were used together
with Skinco’s Superboard. Design: Ingetec S.A. /
Installer: SCL Arquitectura.
QQOne of the major projects for Promat was the new central
station in Vienna, Austria. The railway station will have 16
tracks and 15 platforms, and 100 shops and restaurants will be
available for passengers. Architects: Zechner & Zechner ZT.
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