Mapei acquires British manufacturer

Mapei, a world's leading manufacturer of construction chemicals, is strengthening its presence in the UK with the acquisition, through Mapei UK, of the local manufacturer Wykamol to expand its waterproofing product offer.

Established in 1934 in Burnley, between Leeds and Manchester, Wykamol is a company specialising in waterproofing and property renovation solutions, with a strong reputation and expertise in damp proofing, structural waterproofing, and structural repairs.

The company operates from two sites in Burnley: the first is the head office and powder production, and the second is dedicated to HDPE (high-density polyethylene) manufacturing and warehousing.

"Mapei has a long history in the UK, dating back to 1989 - says Veronica Squinzi, CEO of Mapei - thanks to this acquisition and the recent opening of the new Speke plant, dedicated to the production of concrete admixtures, the Group is improving local production capacity and its presence in the UK, continuing its responsible growth strategy”.  

"With Wykamol, Mapei completes its existing range of construction solutions for the UK market - says Marco Squinzi, CEO of Mapei - where we are already a leader in products for laying ceramic and stone materials.  The integration of Wykamol's innovative products, such as cavity drain membranes, will enable Mapei to offer its customers a more comprehensive range of products to meet different construction needs with greater efficiency and effectiveness".

Philip Breakspear, Managing Director Mapei UK adds: "This acquisition aligns with our strategic vision to strengthen our market position and expand our product offerings. By combining the strengths and expertise of both companies, we are poised to deliver even greater value to our customers and drive innovation in the construction industry."

The acquisition of Wykamol also underscores Mapei's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Both companies share a dedication to developing eco-friendly solutions that reduce energy consumption and emissions, contributing to a more sustainable future for the construction industry.

In addition to product expansion, the acquisition is expected to create operational synergies and improve supply chain efficiency. By leveraging Wykamol's established distribution network and technical expertise, Mapei aims to enhance its service delivery and customer support across the UK.

As part of the integration process, Mapei will work closely with Wykamol's management team to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity in customer relationships. The combined entity will focus on fostering a collaborative and inclusive organisational culture, promoting knowledge exchange and cultural integration. 

Today, with more than 370 employees, Mapei UK is the market leader in ceramic installation products, with two manufacturing plants in Halesowen (West Midlands) and Speake (Merseyside) and three warehouses in the West Midlands that supply distributors throughout the UK and Ireland. In 2023, the company recorded total sales of more than £110 million with consistent grown year on year since it was founded.

Mapei Group is thus continuing its international expansion strategy, which since the beginning of the year has seen it announce openings or acquisitions of new plants also in Denmark, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Portugal and The Netherlands.

The growth strategy of the Mapei Group continues under the sign of internationalisation and localisation. The Group is present in 57 countries all over the world with 96 companies and more than 12,500 employees and, in the year 2023, recorded a consolidated turnover of 4.2 billion Euro.