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.
