Research & Development activities

The Group sets great store by its policy of product innovation by constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of its existing products. This goal is realized every day in the activities of the enterprises within the Group:

• through the continous search of quality basic materials
• through the continuous optimization of manufacturing processes

Innovation also involves the development of new products in order to meet evolving needs even better. The collaboration between Etex Group's branches and its laboratories plays a major role in this, for instance in the analysis of products' technical properties and in research into the composition of products for specific applications.

Research & Development Centres

The Group's R&D centres hold the kernel of know-how for its core technologies on polymeric and mineral materials. These centres form the links of the Group’s innovation strategy and help the operating companies to adapt products to market needs, to improve cost effectiveness and reduce production cost and to strengthen the competitive position of each subsidiary.

• The company Redco, based in Belgium, provides services mainly related to fibre cement slates and boards. This research centre employs experts in chemistry and skilled laboratory staff specialising mainly in fibre cement.
• As a specialist in the development of passive fire protection systems and thermal insulation, the Promat Research and Technology Centre investigates how partitions, ceilings, ducts, metal structures, etc as well as tunnel structures can be protected against fire in extreme conditions.
• Marley Eternit in the United Kingdom holds an accredited laboratory for testing concrete roof tiles. At the same time, each manufacturing site of Marley Eternit has a dedicated laboratory where testing is routinely conducted.
• For Creaton in Germany, specialised in the production of clay roofing and cladding materials, the development of new roof tiles and accessories as well as the finishing of the materials is of high importance.

All development programs and technical assistance are specified through close contacts with local research centres, the technical management and the marketing departments of subsidiaries. Programs of fundamental research are sometimes awarded to university laboratories. Via internal communication channels and through repeated consultation, know-how is shared by subsidiaries throughout the Group.