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[June 2005]
Wienerberger Announces Construction of New Hollow Brick Plant in France
Wienerberger AG (Vienna, Austria) is constructing additional capacity for the production of hollow bricks in France. Preparations have started to convert production in the existing Angervilliers plant near Paris from facing bricks to hollow bricks. At the same, Wienerberger is preparing to integrate the Angervilliers facing brick activities into the Ollainville plant, located some 30km away.
"The conversion of Angervilliers to hollow brick production represents an important step to strengthen the market position of Wienerberger in France," said Heimo Scheuch, a member of the Managing Board. "It will also allow us to utilize the existing market potential of bricks and increase the market share of our products in France.
"As part of our 'Go West Strategy' in France, we have increased the share of bricks on the wall materials market from 17% to over 20%. A single production facility in the Paris region will allow us to sell our high-quality hollow bricks not only in Alsace and the Lyon area but also in the northwest section of the country, which will further strengthen the position of bricks as a natural alternative to concrete.
"Over the long-term, we want to establish positions throughout France as a complete supplier of bricks and roof tiles."
Investments to convert the Angervilliers plant will total roughly 12.5 million and will expand capacity to over 100 million brick units. Approximately 3.5 million will be invested to optimise the Ollainville facing brick plant at the same time.
www.wienerberger.com
ENDS