ETX-10829_Etex-AR2017_WEB_2018_DEF2 (2)

2.4
Activity report
Etex Industry
Etex Annual Report 2017
Activity report
Etex Industry
A targeted
strategy
to guide
the way
PPThe rise in mass transportation boosts
demand for our high-performance acoustic,
thermal insulation and fire protection products
which have been instrumental in improving the
speed, economy, and comfort of rail travel.
To secure the agility and competitiveness
of our industrial business, 2018 will focus
on the following areas:
• Market drive
To ramp up market and product
development capabilities, we will add
a Market Development and Innovation
function to coordinate all lateral
support functions and drive innovation
initiatives worldwide.
• Brand leadership
We will continue to invest in extensive
testing programmes. This ensures our
products meet all relevant standards
and regulations. Digital platforms will be
the main channels for communication
and promotion.
• Sales and operational excellence
More team members will attend the
Etex Industry Academy – our divisional
e-learning platform – to complete
training on sales excellence, bestin-class
operational practices and
leadership development.
Strategic partnerships
Shortening development cycles for new
products and applications through close
collaboration with suppliers, and focussing
on key customers and technology leaders,
proved successful to achieving growth in
2017. It is our intent to further leverage
these relationships.
Looking ahead
Demand for technical insulation and
fire proofing materials is linked with the
performance of the various markets in
which we are active and to a lesser degree,
with increases or decreases in construction
activities. As overall market conditions
remain favourable, we expect to keep
making headway, especially in the fields of
industrial OEM, oil and gas and marine.
52 53