[size=75:1i897ngu]novinite 11 January 2010

Italian Mapei Buys Ruse Production Plant Despite Crisis

The Milan-based international company Mapei has announced an expansion in its Bulgarian operations with the purchase of a production plant in the northern city of Ruse.

The plant has been bought from Orgachim, a Bulgarian company specializing in the manufacture of varnishes and paints. The Ruse plant, more than 15 000 square meters in area, is for production of ceramic tile adhesives and thermal insulation systems.

"
This acquisition is oriented to allow Mapei to strengthen its presence not only in Bulgaria but also in Romania, where the Group is currently operating through its local commercial subsidiary, Mapei Romania,"
announced Veronica Squinzi, Global Business Development Director of Mapei Group.

"
Our investment also proves that, despite the slump in the construction industry that has been caused by the economic crisis, the Mapei Group keeps looking at the countries of Eastern Europe in order to maximize any attractive opportunities from new and growing markets,"
he added.

As a result of this acquisition, Mapei Group currently owns 56 production plants in 25 countries around the world. Mapei has already had a presence in Bulgaria for a long time through several local distributors.

Mapei Bulgaria will be managed by Plamen Petrov, newly appointed General Manager, who will capitalize on his consolidated experience in the Bulgarian construction market to maximize development of the company. Production in the plant will run at full capacity, starting in 2010.