Wienerberger invests in the expansion of its roofing activities
Vienna (ots)
- New production line for Belgian Pottelberg plant
- Expansion of clay roof tile plant in Seltz, France
- Investment of ¤ 33.5 to strengthen market position in Western
Europe
- New greenfield plant and expansion of capacity planned for
Poland¤ 33.5 million for growth in France and Belgium
Wienerberger continues to implement its strategy of profitable growth by investing ¤ 33.5 million in the expansion of roofing activities on markets in Western Europe. A new production line for flat roof tiles is being installed in the Belgian city of Pottelberg and planning has started for modernization of the Seltz clay roof tile plant in France. "The interest in high quality roof tiles continues to increase throughout France and Belgium, and these investments will place us in an optimal position to meet this rising demand", commented Heimo Scheuch, Member of the Managing Board of Wienerberger AG for North-West Europe. "At the same time we intend to significantly improve value added with optimized and more efficient production processes and thus strengthen our market positions in both countries."
Stronger market position for flat roof tiles in Belgium
In Belgium, Wienerberger is concentrating the manufacture of flat roof tiles in Pottelberg. The capacity at Littoral - an old plant only leased by Wienerberger - will be completely transferred to the new Pottelberg production line at the start of 2005 and thereby lead to a reduction in production costs. "In Belgium, France and the Netherlands, flat roof tiles are a highly valued niche product," added Scheuch. "And we have identified a similar trend in Great Britain and Ireland. The investment in Pottelberg will allow us to position Wienerberger as a strong supplier in these regions and further increase our market shares." The plant will go on stream in early 2005.
Focus on high-quality roof tiles in France
In France Wienerberger currently operates roof tile plants in Lantenne, Seltz, Bouxwiller and Pontigny. Seltz is the second most important site after Lantenne, and has two production lines for roof tiles and one for accessories. In the future the production of roof tiles in Seltz will be converted to H-cassettes and the accessories line will be completely renovated. "When roof tiles are produced with H-cassettes, each tile is placed in a separate cassette and then fired," explained Scheuch. "This allows us to reach highest product quality - a key factor for the expansion of our competitive position in France."
Investments planned for Poland
In Eastern Europe, Wienerberger is planning investments in Poland. Current projects include the construction of a new moulded roof tile plant at a location already secured by the company and the expansion of the flat roof tile production in Kunice. "Our investment plans for Poland reflect economic forecasts for expected market growth as well as an increase in the market share of clay roof tiles resulting from pent-up demand for residential construction over the mid-term," noted Johann Windisch, Member of the Managing Board of Wienerberger AG for Central-East Europe.
Steady realization of strategy
The above-mentioned investments are further proof of the steady implementation of Wienerberger's profitable expansion strategy as well as an integral part of the company's announced growth program with roughly 20 smaller, high synergy projects.
Contact:
Thomas Melzer
Public and Investor Relations
Tel. +43/1/60192-463
E-Mail: communication@wienerberger.com