France/Ukraine: Promising Business Opportunities for Whitewares and Tiles - Imerys' approach to the Eastern European ceramic markets

摘要

With its takeover of ECC in 1999, Imerys became one of the leading players in the industrial minerals business (approx. 16 000 employees, consolidated turnover 2005: 3,045 billion EUR) Imerys spent the first years following the takeover gaining a specific understanding of the various market segments. Its strategy depended on both organic and external growth based on some major acquisitions (recently: Lafarge Refractories, World Minerals and Denain-Anzin Mineraux/DAM and ACS). Aiming to get the best out of its vast mineral portfolio, Imerys has developed various new products to meet customers needs and enjoyed continuous growth in its net income over the last few years. Imerys' activities in ceramic raw materials (Tiles, Sanitaryware, Tableware, Glass/fiberglass, technical ceramics, electro-porcelain) form part of the Imerys Speciality Minerals Business Group. Their strategic business development on a global scale has now been reorganized and Imerys' new Ceramic Centre gives support in marketing, geology and R+D. This decision falls in line with the Imerys mission to develop further in new geographical areas, applications and minerals. Head of the Ceramic Centre is Alexandre Sevagen (AS), the former Marketing & Sales Manager of Imerys Tiles Minerals. He and Patrick Masurel (PM), Business Development Project Manager for Eastern Europe, agreed to give us an insight into Imerys' approach in Eastern Europe.