Par Renée Cordes
Rigid Foam leader ready to insulate mainland Europe.
Ireland’s Xtratherm invests €33 million in Belgian site
The move to low-energy, passive housing, driven by a combination of idealism and post-Kyoto legislation, is set to deliver a boost to the Province of Hainaut in Wallonia. Xtratherm, the Irish producer of hard foam insulation products for the construction industry, is launching its continental subsidiary this spring. This will be its third manufacturing facility.
Zero-Carbon future
The Feluy plant will initially employ 40 people and supply rigid foam panels to builder’s merchants in Germany, France, Benelux … and the trend is upward and outward. Employment in the segment is set to grow as the insulation market booms. Not only new buildings, but also the retrofitting of older ones push expansion as we approach a zero-carbon 2020.
Employment in the segment is set to grow as the insulation market booms.
Clinching the deal
AWEX was helpful in bringing this important opportunity to Belgium, good advice, providing valuable connections and helping to set up meetings with business actors in the area.
For Xtratherm, key elements of their decision were:
- Location, location! … well-placed site at Feluy, north-west of Charleroi, with access to Europe’s largest markets via key networks in four directions;
- Cost … sizeable industrial plots at a good price with room for expansion and a supportive business community;
- Investor-friendly environment … the economic climate in Wallonia – where the Regional Government offers insertion incentives to companies who employ in the region – is encouraging. Belgian banks are friendly, cooperative and flexible;
- Polyvalent workforce … access to a pool of skilled workers and staff, who are easy to get on with, keen to work, culturally close to their Irish bosses and multilingual as well;
- Growth … both the site and the European segment are poised for growth. The Feluy plant will soon employ 100 workers and staff as it extends its market area and penetration.
Rigid Foam: it’s expanding!