Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Poland: Ineos Enterprises has agreed in principle to sell Ineos Styrenics, its expandable polystyrene (EPS) business, to Synthos for Euro80m. Completion of the transaction is likely to occur in the second half of 2016, subject to customary regulatory approvals.

Ineos Styrenics produces EPS for the building, construction and packaging industries at manufacturing sites at Wingles and Ribécourt in Northern France and Breda in the Netherlands. The three production sites are supported by its technology Centre in Breda. Customer Service, Logistics and Finance groups are also located in Breda. The business employs around 250 people who will transfer as part of this deal.

“The aim of the acquisition will be to provide the highest quality EPS to ensure that EPS remain the insulation material of choice for our customers.” said Tomasz Kalwat, CEO of Synthos.

Synthos S.A. is one of the largest manufacturers of chemical raw materials in Poland. The company is the first European manufacturer of emulsion rubbers and is a leading manufacturer of polystyrene for foaming applications. The Company is traded on the Polish stock exchange with its headquarters located in Oświęcim

Poland: Faist ChemTec has launched a second production line at its plant in Zlotoryja, which produces acoustic insulation materials for the automotive industry and for the producers of electrical household appliances. Thanks to the investment, some 25 new jobs will be created. Financial details of the project have not been disclosed.

Poland: Petralana has completed the construction of a mineral wool plant in Bytom. The plant will employ almost 200 people and produce 41,000t/yr of mineral wool.

Denmark/Poland: Rockwool International announced on 28 November 2011 that it had received the necessary approvals to acquire Polish insulation systems manufacturer Fast s.p. zoo and had closed the transaction.

The agreement was first announced in June 2011. Closing was originally expected to take place by the end of October 2011. The value of the deal was not disclosed.

Fast, also known as Etics, is one of the leading players in the Polish market for external facade insulation systems. Through this acquisition the Danish company will gain expertise in coating and plaster production, as well as colouring techniques.

Denmark/Poland: Rockwool International has signed an agreement to acquire FAST s.p. z o.o., a Polish system holder for external facade insulation. In 2010, FAST generated a turnover of USD 16.73m and employed 90 persons. The transaction is expected to close by the end of October 2011.

The acquisition of FAST allows Rockwool to gain access to capabilities within coating and plaster production as well as colouring techniques. In addition, the acquisition will enable Rockwool to expand the use of stone wool solutions and penetrate into the building insulation market.