More efficient production in Hungary for the construction industry - Mapei expands its Soskút plant

The new investment by Mapei will accelerate construction in Hungary, with the establishment of a machine line for the production of finishing plaster and a new 12,000 square metre warehouse. The HUF 8 billion investment, to be completed by 2025, will supply Hungary and the region with high-quality plasters for thermal insulation systems, according to the company's press release. As we reported, Mapei last expanded – specifically doubling – the capacity of its factory in Sós.

It pays better to produce in Hungary

The Communication points out that the inflationary environment and rising fuel costs have brought about a major transformation in the production of construction products. It is much more profitable to produce locally than to source materials from hundreds of kilometres away. Other factories for Mapei are located 800-1000 km from Hungary in Italy and Poland, making it economical to build a new production line in this region to serve neighbouring countries. According to the Hungarian Central Statistical Office (KSH), domestic construction output in the first half of the year was down by 7% compared to the previous year,

However, the demand for the Mapei lidding systems is still growing, which is why the eight billion HUF investment was decided to be implemented.

It is important not to fade the walls

Bela Markovich, managing director of Mapei Kft., said that the durability of the cover is of paramount importance because it makes the insulation systems more resistant. In the case of low-quality panel programmes, it is clear to see the problems that arise if the adhesive separates from the surface after a few years, or if the colour plaster starts to fade or crack. A well chosen render will protect the insulation for decades without maintenance. The Mapei topcoat system offers an alternative.

The development was also justified by the outgrowth of current production and warehouse capacity. The line to be installed will be a closed system, fully automated up to the packaging of the products, and will comply with the strictest environmental and health and safety standards. As mentioned above, the company has carried out a similar scale of development between 2017 and 2019, expanding its production and warehouse capacity.

By the end of 2020, production had exceeded 100 000 tonnes and the 15 000 m2 warehouse had reached its maximum capacity.

Priority investment status is a big help

The investment has been declared a priority project by the Government. "Thanks to this priority investment, the administration of the expansion of our plant in Salskút will be faster and simpler, which will significantly facilitate the administrative procedures that will allow the timely implementation of the investment. This is a huge relief"- said Béla Markovich.

In addition to the construction of a plaster factory, the company also plans to set up a training centre in Budaörs.