Construction chemical solutions KREISEL

CONSTRUCTION

CHEMICAL SOLUTIONS

KREISEL Technika Budowlana, one of the most prominent manufacturers of construction chemicals in Poland, has recently introduced its new ‘Crystal Deluxe’ plaster. Dariusz Balcerzyk reports on this latest innovation and other recent developments at the company.

Crystal Deluxe plaster is one of the latest products from KREISEL. It is a combination of KREISEL thin plaster in the form of ready-to-use plaster mass with the original crystallised Swarovoski Elements. The plaster has been produced on the basis of selective resin dispersion, with mineral fillers, water-proofing agents and other additives that enable the application of crystals and pigments. The plaster does not contain ammonia or organic solvents, and once hardened it is waterproof.

The high quality of KREISEL plaster with Swarovski crystals makes it perfect for use in conference rooms, public areas or anywhere in which a good impression is to be made. According to the company, “This fascinating material transforms the world, inspires people and enriches their art and culture in all spheres of life.” Six plants, four laboratories and one mine

KREISEL Technika Budowlana has been operating on the Polish market since 1993. The company produces construction chemicals, including adhesives for ceramic tiles, mortars, plasters, self-levelling underlayment, primers and isolating mass, facade paints, plasters, finishing systems, building insulation, and renovation and repair systems for concrete.

The company has six production plants – in Poznan (its headquarters), Bedzin, Ujazd, Kaliska Kujawskie, Rogowiec and Ostroleka, as well as four research and development laboratories. In addition, since 2005 it has been operating EuroKrusz, an aggregate and sand mine in Nowe Miasto nad Pilica.

A new plant, in the town of Ostroleka, has been planned for quite a while, but the economic downturn forced a delay in this PLN 20 million investment. The plant was finally opened in 2010. It includes a 4000m2 production hall, while the actual physical land area surrounding it is more than four hectares. The production capability is impressive: 500 tonnes of gypsum products per day, with an additional capacity to calcinate 240 tonnes of gypsum each day recuperated from the power plant in Ostroleka.

Surviving the crisis

When KREISEL last featured in this magazine, the European and global economy was in the midst of an economic downturn. Nevertheless, thanks to factors such as effective management and a carefully targeted product offer, KREISEL has managed to perform relatively well. The company was able to survive the crisis thanks to the support of its parent company, FIXIT Trockenmoertel Holding, headquartered in Germany.

The FIXIT GROUP has been the umbrella organisation of the four building material specialists KREISEL, FIXIT, HASIT and RÖFIX since September 2007. In this way, many years of experience in heat insulation, ecological renovations and building chemical solutions are combined through a common organisation. Cross-national projects and tasks are coordinated by the employees of FIXIT GROUP and KREISEL benefits from the effects of this synergy.

The company has performed well in recent years, despite the fact that the crisis hit the construction sector particularly hard. Many people in the domestic construction market decided to delay their decision to build a new house and instead focused on renovating their current flats or houses. The strong demand from the domestic market for construction products used in renovations and modernisations has therefore been very important for KREISEL during this time.

Moreover, there is a good chance of further development for the company as, following the years 2009–2010, a difficult period for the construction chemicals industry, 2011 saw the beginnings of recovery in the area of large building construction – the primary recipient of construction chemicals.

Constant innovation

KREISEL’s current strategy is to develop in terms of offering a wider range of gypsum facade plasters as well as products incorporate nano-technologies, both of which are growing in demand. These nanoproducts are the technology of the future, as they use thickening chemical particles which help to prevent facade plasters from getting dirty. In addition, other ingredients such as silver ions are becoming increasingly popular as they have antibacterial characteristics. When added to a façade plaster, silver ions make the product particularly safe. The company is also thinking about a number of other possibilities for growth, including the potential for renovating historic buildings.

Crystal Deluxe is not the only new product recently developed by KREISEL. Another new product is TURBO Z-SA, an innovative insulation system designed to operate in low air temperatures. It is designed for the thermo-renovation of existing buildings, both in single- and multi-family buildings and in industrial construction.

KREISEL and its products have received many economic and consumer awards, for example: Polish Promotional Emblem ‘Teraz Polska’ (‘Poland Now’ – received twice), ‘Market Leader’ BUDMA MTP Gold Medals, the ‘BCC European Medal’, and the Zloty Herkules (Golden Hercules) for outstanding achievements and maintaining an established position in the construction industry. Dr Szczepan Gawłowski, the president of KREISEL, was also named the best entrepreneur in the Wielkopolska region. He received this prestigious title for the contribution KREISEL has made to the development and promotion of the Wielkopolska region, and thus the region’s economic success. n