Brussels -- Recticel announced 7 Feb 2103 that it has inaugurated its €23-million ($31-million) state-of-the-art insulation plant in Bourges, in the centre of France. At full capacity, the factory will employ about 52 people.
The Bourges unit will make thermal insulation panels for the building sector, serving the "growing demand for high-performance thermal insulation materials in France."
"This investment in a greenfield plant in France is consistent with the growth strategy of our Insulation business. This factory not only brings additional production capacity to Recticel, but it is also located in a country for which we believe that our growth potential is significant," commented Olivier Chapelle, chief executive officer of Recticel, in the statement.
Recticel said that average growth for its insulation business was 12.2 percent a year (sales of €223.1 million in 2011) between 2006 to 2012.
The Belgian polyurethane product maker first announced the investment in November 2010, saying it would accelerate its growth strategy in the insulation business. At that time, Recticel had two insulation sites - at Wevelgem, in Belgium, and at Stoke-on-Trent, in the UK.
The French plant will produce rigid polyurethane foam (PIR -polyisocyanurate) panels, for the thermal insulation of walls, floors and roofs in residential, commercial, industrial, public, logistics as well as agricultural buildings.
"A local state-of-the-art production capacity enables us to establish a solid industrial platform and presence for our insulation products in France," said Philippe Henrot, commercial director Recticel Insulation France. Henrot added that this puts Recticel in a better position to offer its products and services to French customers, in terms of proximity, dedicated product development, logistics and quick reactivity.
Recticel said the panels, marketed under its strong brand names, can be used in both new construction as well as in renovation projects.
According to the Belgian foam group, insulation growth is expected because structural demand for high-performing polyurethane insulation will continue to increase. This will follow from stricter insulation standards and regulation, particularly in Europe, as well as higher energy prices and the ever-growing awareness of the need for more and better insulation.
PIC "Significant potential" -- Olivier Chapelle, Recticel ceo
