Building on advanced construction technology

BUILDING ON ADVANCED

CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

The Sika Group is a global leader in speciality chemicals for the construction industry that includes advanced silicon adhesives and insulation products. The company continues to expand through its development of new innovative solutions and the acquisition of other leading technology-based companies dedicated to the construction industry. Philip Yorke reports.

The Sika Group was founded in Switzerland in 1910 by Kasper Winkler, who was responsible for developing an innovative, quick-setting waterproofing additive for mortar known as Sika-1. Today Sika has subsidiaries in 80 countries worldwide and employs over 17,000 people. Last year the group posted revenues of almost CHF 6 billion. Headquartered in Barr, Switzerland, the Sika group portfolio is comprised of more than 600 brands that include many well-known, household name products such as Silkaflex, Silkasil, Silkabond, Silkapower and Silkadur.

The group’s products are classified by its seven core business sectors, which include, roofing, concrete, waterproofing, sealing, manufacturing and reinforcing. Its core competences lie in concrete admixtures, speciality mortars, sealants and adhesives, as well as in steel corrosion protection systems.

expanding global reach

As part of its strategy to expand its global reach and to increase its production capabilities, Sika has increased its presence in Mexico by opening a major, new mortar production facility at Coatzacoalcos in southeast Mexico. The new purpose-built plant will take over the manufacture of concrete admixtures from the previous production site at Villahermosa. Through its five modern factories in Mexico, Sika has established a nationwide distribution chain. With a population of over 120 million, Mexico has one of the largest domestic markets in South America, which continues to invest heavily in the expansion of its infrastructure.

Apart from supplying building contactors with new product technologies for major construction projects, Sika is also intensifying its business in the growing builders’ merchants sector. In 2016, sales of products to end-users via building materials stores rose by over 25 per cent. This is due in large part to the extensive training programmes offered by Sika for both merchants and their customers.

Today Mexico is Latin America’s second biggest economy, and the building sector is benefitting from the country’s 2104–2018 National Infrastructure Programme and the associated investments of CHF billion. These funds are spent on residential construction, urban development and infrastructure projects in the transport, energy and water treatment segments.

Acquisitions and innovation driving sales

During the first month of 2017 alone, Sika made two major acquisitions that will add to its cutting edge technology portfolio and complement its fast-growing range of products.

On the 11th January Sika acquired Bitbau Door, Austria’s leading manufacturer of advanced waterproofing systems The company’s product portfolio includes waterproofing systems for roofs, buildings and civil engineering applications. Last year Bitbau Door recorded sales of more than CHF 50 million. As a result of this significant acquisition, Sika will be able to offer its customers a wider range of durable, high grade waterproofing systems based on polymer-modified bitumen membranes.

Since the family-owned company was founded over 150 years ago, Bitbau Door has evolved into a highly respected provider of waterproofing systems. Its top quality products are used on flat and pitched roofs, bridges and parking decks, as well as in civil engineering works. On the 31st January this year Sika also completed the acquisition of RMAX Operating LLC in the United States. The company is a market leader in the production of Polyiso insulation products for complete roofing and wall systems. With annual sales of more than CHF 75 million, RMAX is the proven US industry leader with its headquarters in Dallas, Texas.

This recent significant acquisition fits perfectly with Sika’s growth strategy in North America and further strengthens the fast growing market for building systems that include roofing, sealants and waterproofing systems.

Strong global growth

In 2016, Sika saw its global sales increase by 5.6 per cent to almost CHF6 billion, with nine new factories and four new national subsidiaries opened. Sales in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East, Africa)

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rose by almost 5 per cent in local currencies. In its core markets of Germany, France, Spain and Italy, very good growth rates were also recorded. However, strong above-average growth was also achieved in the UK, Russia, eastern Europe and Africa. On the African Continent, Sika has 18 national subsidiaries and 15 modern production sites and continues to expand its presence there.

In addition, new subsidiaries were also established last year in Kuwait, Cameroon and Djibouti. Furthermore, a new concrete admixture production plant was opened in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, and another in Kryoneri, near Athens.

Sales also rose in North America by 7.8 per cent in local currency in 2016 where the main growth drivers were the accelerated expansion of the supply chain and investments in the sales force in fast-growing metropolitan areas. The group was also joined by L.M. Schofield, a market leader in colour additives for ready-mix concrete, and FRC Industries, which is a leading producer of fibres for concrete manufacturers.

For further details of Sika’s latest innovative products and services visit: www.sika.com