ARDEX are delighted to introduce X 7 R S1, a new improved version of their favorite X 7 R rapid-setting flexible tile adhesive.
Advancements developed by ARDEX UK R&D specialists has allowed the company to further improve a trusted technology making it more suitable for the modern demands of tiling.
Superseding X 7 R, ARDEX X 7 R S1 provides a great upgrade for fixers at no extra cost rather than adding more products to the range.
ARDEX X 7 R S1 comes in grey and white (X 7 R S1 W) and the new formula has:
EX7RA flexibility and strength with fibre technology. This provides increased adhesion performance and enhanced performance on problematic substrates with limited movement.
EX7RA Improved consistency with a smooth formulation. Making it easier to mix and apply to help you tile faster as well as being easier on the arms!
EX7RA 50% pot life – now with now with 60 minutes in the bucket. This means there is more time to use the product in the bucket before it goes off. This allows for bigger, less frequent mixes, giving longer to spread the adhesive, saving on time and wastage.
X 7 R S1 is suitable for internal and external areas, without the need for any additional additives. It is classified as C2FES1 with new S1 deformability
This is in addition to current properties including the ability to mix to a semi-pourable consistency for solid bed fixing large format floor tiles, and adjustable water content for the ability to produce a slump-free mix for wall tiles
Alex Underwood, Head of Marketing at ARDEX said: “If you’re already using ARDEX X 7 R, then it’s time to switch to X 7 R S1 today. If you love X 7 R, then you’ll love X 7 R S1 even more with its improved characteristics at no extra cost.
“If you visit your trade counter, you will already find X 7 R S1 available and ready to use. So why wait, get tiling with X 7 R S1 today.”
GivBax Rewards shortlisted for top international award
GivBax Rewards – the new loyalty programme from the ARDEX Group UK – has been named as a finalist for a prestigious international award.
The programme – designed for users of BAL or ARDEX products – has made the shortlist in the Best B2B category at the International Loyalty Awards.
ARDEX Group UK is up against global giants including Budweiser, Ferrero and ExxonMobil which is already proving testament to the success to date of GivBax Rewards and recognition of such a leading programme.
The International Loyalty Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and best practice in the loyalty industry from across the world. This iconic contest celebrates the loyalty industry’s most exceptional projects on a global scale. Testament to the longevity of the awards, is the high esteem in which they are held across the world and the exceptionally high standards adhered to.
All categories are judged by an influential and respected judging panel, which comprises over 25 loyalty experts working in all markets and sectors. They have a wealth of experience working in loyalty and know what it takes to shine and succeed in our ever-changing competitive world. The judging is robust, credible and transparent including shortlisting, pre-scoring and a judging session over three days when the panel discusses each entry in detail to select the winners.
GivBax Rewards has been recognised in this global shortlist due to both the ease-of-use member benefits provided by innovative receipt-scanning technology and cash reward redemption via ATMs, together with its success to benefit so many ARDEX and BAL customers in just 6 months.
Within 6 months of launch 8.8% of ARDEX Group UK sales have been logged within the program, with a 73% member engagement rate.
For the first time ever, the public will also be able to vote for their favourite loyalty programme in a new category – “The 2024 International Loyalty Programme of the Year – As Voted by the Public.” This will be open to all finalists in every category.
Voting opens on 1st March and runs until 31st March, with the winners being announced in Dubai on April 24th.
David Hackett, Managing Director at ARDEX Group UK, said: “Being named as a finalist for this prestigious award is a testament to the innovative forward-thinking nature of the ARDEX Group UK – where we are always looking at ways to add-value to our products and services.
“Despite only being 6 months old, GivBax Rewards has already seen more than 17% of our total customer base signing-up and using the programme, with tens of
thousands of pounds worth of redemptions being made – that is cash back directly into the pockets of fixers and floor layers across the country. GivBax members have been blown away by the programme, which is shown by the numerous positive reviews submitted as part of the award entry.
Check out ARDEX and BAL’s social media accounts to find out how to vote for GivBax Rewards for “The 2024 International Loyalty Programme of the Year – As Voted by the Public.”
To find out more about GivBax Rewards or to sign-up to the program visit:
ARDEX.co.uk/givbax
ARDEX returns to SPATEX 2024
ARDEX UK are once again exhibiting at SPATEX – the UK’s largest pool, spa and wellness show – which is taking place next year from 6th to 8th February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
At the heart of the pool and leisure industry, SPATEX is backed by a number of prestigious associations including ISPE (Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers), SPATA (Swimming Pool and Allied Trades Association) and BISHTA (British and Irish Spa and Hot Tub Association).
ARDEX will be returning to Stand D1 to showcase their world-class tiling solutions for pool and wet leisure installations – providing an extensive range of products, designed to work as systems – not only for fast-track installation times, but that also produce long-lasting, durable finishes.
Join the ARDEX team of technicians and specification experts to find out why ARDEX are the experts in swimming pool and wet leisure installations – with systems specified on a many prestigious projects including the London Aquatics Centre for the 2012 Olympic Games, the Toll Cross International Swimming Centre for the 2014 Commonwealth Games and many, many more!
Visit our stand and talk to our professionals about your pool projects, find out about our products and systems and how we tap into the resources of the ARDEX Group – a global leader of high-performance building products – to provide solutions to a range of situations.
Shaun Howarth, Head of Business Development at ARDEX will also be delivering a RIBA-approved CPD – “Specify Tiling in Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres” at 1.15pm on Tuesday 6th February in the ISPE Workshop Arena.
Shaun will be discussing the latest developments and standards in swimming pool design and tiling and considerations for contractors and architects when selecting and specifying the most appropriate tile fixing solutions for use in swimming pools and leisure centres.
After more than 20 years with ARDEX and over 10 years with BAL, Peter Bell, Managing Director, is passing on the baton to his deputy, David Hackett.
Peter has enjoyed a stellar career with the ARDEX Group underpinned by his leadership of ARDEX and BAL, two highly successful, market-leading UK businesses. Testament to his commitment and legacy, Peter also holds a group steering position as an ARDEX Global Management Committee member as well as roles on various group boards, including India, Ireland, and the Middle East. He will retain these roles until the end of 2023.
As from 1st July 2023, David Hackett will take on the position of UK Managing Director.
Born in Sydney Australia, David’s career with the ARDEX Group began after the acquisition of Australian Building Adhesives (ABA) along with its sister company Building Adhesives Ltd (BAL) in 2001.
Moving to Europe in 2007, David completed MBA studies in international business throughout several countries including Russia, United States, China, India, Romania, and Austria.
David’s career path took him to ARDEX Head Office in Germany where he took on Corporate Unit responsibility of Global Marketing for the ARDEX Group. Working on global brand strategy and the introduction of the ARDEX Academy concept around the world were highlights of this time.
In 2011, David’s next challenge saw him move to BAL in Stoke-on-Trent where he took on the role of Sales & Marketing Director. “Customer First”, innovation and product development are central to David’s business ethos and the success of BAL Micromax 2 , BAL White Star Plus, BAL Rapid-Flex One and BAL Level Max are testimony to his efforts.
In 2016, David became General Manager at Building Adhesives, overseeing all functions in the Stoke business. Alongside his peers in the UK Leadership Team, David has successfully steered the BAL ship for the last six years. The alignment of the ARDEX and BAL Commercial Teams in 2021 has paved the way for a more potent market reach model, and further consolidates the UK management “One-Team” approach.
As commented by Peter Bell: “David’s promotion to UK Managing Director is a great example of how the ARDEX group opens development pathways for its key people. It also demonstrates how we promote from within, and how we encourage people to take on international assignments to open up career progression opportunities.
“As part of passing the baton to David, we expect our UK businesses to continue to thrive under his leadership. His commitment to our people, our customers and our strategic vision make him a great choice to lead our talented team into the future. I am confident that ARDEX & BAL will continue to succeed and achieve new milestones under his leadership.”
According to David: “ARDEX and BAL’s strategic focus areas are strongly aligned to our core values and include a focus on developing our people, accelerating our digital capabilities, the innovative & sustainable solutions we provide customers, and maintaining our customer-centric approach. This is about listening to our customers’ needs and improving the products & services we provide, based on their feedback.”
David continued: “I am excited and honoured to be stepping into the role of Managing Director and look forward to building on Peter’s impressive legacy. ARDEX UK & BAL have a fantastic culture, a tremendous team, and an unparalleled enthusiasm for making a difference. We do this through outstanding products, expert advice and excellent customer service.”
David Hackett’s appointment as Managing Director represents a natural progression in his career. He brings a wealth of experience including tile retailing in Australia, Corporate marketing roles in Germany and manufacturing expertise in the UK along with Board member responsibilities with the UK Tile Association (TTA). Add to this his dedication to firm growth by delivering on the ARDEX and BAL commitment to its people, customers, and community.
Peter Bell will continue with his ARDEX Group responsibilities throughout the remainder of 2023.
Bank Holiday- 19th September
Everyone at ARDEX and Building Adhesives Ltd is saddened by the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, who served with grace and selfless devotion for the UK and Commonwealth as our longest serving monarch.
As we all pay our respects, ARDEX UK and Building Adhesives Ltd will be closed on Monday 19th September to allow us all to remember and pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen. This will mean our offices will be closed and deliveries will not be made on this day, with a return to business from Tuesday 20th September..
If you would like any further information relating to this prior to this date, please contact our Customer Services Team by email on customerservices@ardex.co.uk or by phone on 01440 714939.
Introducing ARDEX EG 18 Plus
When tiling swimming pools, wet areas or installations that require hygiene protection, an epoxy grout is often the best solution.
ARDEX EG 18 Plus is a new, improved formula three-part epoxy grout that provides a hygienic, durable and impervious finish.
You can see this product being demonstrated FIRST at SPATEX 2022 – the UK’s dedicated international pool, spa and wellness show taking place at Coventry Building Society Arena in Coventry.
Visit the ARDEX stand from 1st to 3rd of February to see the product in action.
The three-part technology found within ARDEX EG 18 Plus locks the colour within the filler, ensuring improved, longer lasting colour-tones. It also provides for easier mixing and easier application with an epoxy grout float.
Improved rheology ensures the grout holds well in the joints – even on walls.
What’s more, ARDEX EG 18 Plus cleans off far easier than other epoxies: emulsifying pads are not required (but can be used if preferred). Installers can just clean off with a good quality sponge – even on heavily textured, anti-slip tiles.
It also cleans off easily from just 15 minutes after application, with a long clean off time of 45 minutes (cleaning off from 15 mins to 60 mins after application).
Ideal for swimming pools, bathrooms, hydrotherapy spas, hospitals, domestic and food preparation areas, ARDEX EG 18 Plus can withstand full loads after 2 days of curing.
After 7 days it is resistant to aqueous salts, chlorine water, commercial cleaning agents, dilute mineral acids.
Available in White, Bahama Beige, Silver Grey, Grey and Anthracite it can be used from 2mm to 12mm joints – perfect for any installation or design where a hygienic or water impervious grout is required.
Contact the ARDEX team for more information, or pre-register to join us at SPATEX 2022 for FREE at https://spatex-2022.reg.buzz/
ARDEX donates to local charity fighting poverty
ARDEX UK, a Haverhill-based specialist manufacturer of construction materials for the tiling, flooring and general construction trade, have donated £2,000 to local charity Reach Haverhill.
Reach Haverhill, which has facilities on Hollands Road and Leiston Road, works to help people out of poverty by providing several services to help them get back on their feet.
Visitors to Reach Haverhill can ask for help with housing and benefit queries, CVs and job applications as well as providing access to online resources. Timed appointments and home visits are also available for complex matters.
Reach Haverhill aims to get to the root of the issue. A client may come in asking for food or furniture, but this may be a symptom of an underlaying problem, or complex set of problems.
Together with the client, they conduct thorough financial assessments to begin to understand the real need. Reach then works to help them get control and back on their feet.
Peter Bell, Managing Director at ARDEX UK said: “Reach provides vital work, particularly at Christmas time, supporting those in poverty in and around Haverhill get the support they need to help start to turn their lives around.
“ARDEX recognises the outstanding work they provide to the community, which is why we have chosen the charity to receive a donation from us to support their amazing work.”
Henry Wilson MBE, CEO of Reach said: “This is fantastic support and will go a long way in helping many families struggling to keep their homes warm and put food on the table.
“Just the other day we received a call from young mum, her partner had just left and was panicking about how she was going to feed her baby let alone herself.
“This gift will mean that we can continue helping families who often end up in hardship through no fault of their own!
“I really cannot thank ARDEX UK enough for their very generous support.”
ARDEX achieves international greenhouse gas emission standard
ARDEX UK, part of the global ARDEX Group, specialist manufacturers of construction materials for the tiling, flooring and general construction trade, has achieved ISO 14064:1 (otherwise known as CEMARS) for the quantifying and reporting of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and removals.
ARDEX UK is one of the first companies in the ARDEX Group – along with their sister company Building Adhesives – to achieve this standard and are believed to be one of the first companies in the tiling and flooring sectors to be reporting their GHG emissions through this internationally recognized standard.
This standard will assist both companies by providing accurate data to assess the impact of the various initiatives to be adopted in their efforts to deliver ambitious Carbon Neutral plans by 2030 (scope 1 and 2).
To achieve this internationally recognized standard, ARDEX UK worked with Achilles (an independent consultancy) to accurately measure its GHG emissions and create positive strategies to manage and continually reduce impacts.
Achilles’ Carbon Reduce (powered by Toitu) scheme highlights the necessary data required which is then measured, monitored and calculated under the ISO 14064:1,scheme. Following successful completion and assessment, executive reports are produced for independent verification.
Solutions to manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at source were then provided, with external impartial auditors authorised to verify GHG inventories in accordance with the standard’s requirements.
David Shepherd, UK Operations Director and Corporate Lead on Supply Chain & Operations, said achieving ISO 14064:1 certification puts both companies on the path to Carbon Neutral Status by 2030 (scope 1&2).
“Against the backdrop of COP26 in Glasgow, we are all know the consequences on the planet of failing to reduce our carbon emissions.
“Every company in every sector of industry has a responsibility to reduce emissions with a goal of being carbon neutral. However, before you can act, you must be able to understand those emissions.
“Measuring GHG emissions under ISO 14064-1 including company vehicles, business travel, fuel and electricity, water and waste, helps us accurately identify areas of the business where we can reduce our emissions.”
Even before achieving ISO 14064:1, ARDEX UK have put in place several measures to reduce their carbon footprint including:
Converting diesel forklifts to electric
Partnering with a 100% renewable energy provider
Replacement of energy inefficient lighting with more efficient LED systems
Promoting the use of electric company vehicles and installation of EV charging points
Reducing the use of “virgin” plastics
Increasing the use of recycled raw materials
About Ardex
Ardex GmbH is one of the global market leaders for high-performance specialty building materials. As a family-owned business, the company has pursued a sustainable growth path for more than 70 years. The Ardex Group now employs more than 3,900 staff and is present in more than 100 countries on all continents, with a virtually comprehensive presence in one of its core markets, Europe. With more than ten major brands, Ardex generates total sales of more than 930 million euros worldwide.
ARDEX takes up majority stake in wedi
Witten, 21 September 2021. Ardex continues to grow: the Witten-based construction chemicals specialist is taking up a majority shareholding in wedi GmbH, a leading manufacturer of system solutions for high-quality wet room solutions domiciled in Emsdetten – it is the largest acquisition in the company’s history. The employees of both family-run companies have already been informed of the development. In this respect, the management made it clear that wedi will continue to operate independently. In addition, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin will remain in place as the manging directors of wedi. Stephan Wedi will also continue in his shareholder role.
For Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of the Ardex Group, this cooperation is a milestone in the development of the company – and his delight at the future collaboration with wedi is correspondingly great. “The Ardex Group is taking a major step forward with the acquisition of the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems. There could be no better way to enhance our systems competence – Ardex and wedi are two strong brands which complement one another in an ideal manner. As family-run companies, we also share a common understanding of the importance of customer proximity, innovation and quality. All in all it is the perfect basis for a successful cooperation.”
The managing directors of wedi, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin, also regard the cooperation as tremendously beneficial for the two companies. Above all the international Ardex network and the complementary strengths in the product areas were an important factor for wedi in reaching its decision. “Ardex is a perfect growth accelerator for us – one only has to think of the many global markets and the joint innovation potential. It was of tremendous importance to us that we find a partner with whom we can safeguard our independence and contribute our strengths to ensure joint growth. To this, we will also implement the already planned capacity expansions together with Ardex. The matter is one very close to my heart, and from the very outset my gut feeling about Ardex was extremely positive,” says Stephan Wedi.
wedi is already very successful in Europe, and in particular in Germany and France, and it is the market leader in North America – since 2017 with its own factory in Batavia, Illinois. The objective of the cooperation with the other companies in the Ardex Group is that of developing this position. “wedi and Ardex complement one another excellently, not just in Germany, but also in other core markets such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand, France, England, Austria, Switzerland or Benelux. The innovative strength of the Ardex Group is enormous, and as a result, we expect to make considerable advances,” adds Fabian Rechlin. “Our partners in the trade have long been encouraging us to take a major step forward. We are doing so now.”
Independent family-owned companies
Furthermore, for both companies it is important that they retain their independence in full. In the future wedi will be a stand-alone company within the Ardex Group – headed by its current managing directors Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin. The trading name, location, brand name and marketing strategy will not change either. The same is true of the contact persons for clients and suppliers.
Inventor of watertight shower and construction systems
wedi is the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems in Europe and North America. The success story began in 1983 with the invention of a totally watertight building board – to this day the board with the blue core is still the company’s trademark. What began as a one-man operation in his garage at home is now an international company with more than 500 employees and a further production site in the USA.
The parties have agreed not to disclose the economic terms of the cooperation. Metzler Corporate Finance exclusively supported wedi in the transaction as M&A advisor.
About Ardex
Ardex GmbH is one of the global market leaders for high-performance specialty building materials. As a family-owned business, the company has pursued a sustainable growth path for more than 70 years. The Ardex Group now employs more than 3,900 staff and is present in more than 100 countries on all continents, with a virtually comprehensive presence in one of its core markets, Europe. With more than ten major brands, Ardex generates total sales of more than 930 million euros worldwide.
About wedi
wedi GmbH, based in Emsdetten, is a leading manufacturer of and systems provider for directly tileable, watertight construction elements in Europe and North America. The extensive portfolio is complemented by high-quality design surfaces which provide additional design options in the bathroom. With its innovative system solutions and guaranteed system reliability, wedi offers long-lasting, complete solutions for wet rooms. The family company, founded in 1983 by Helmut Wedi, currently employs around 500 members of staff and is active in more than 50 countries.
