CEO Letter Series: Ardex
The landscape of our industry has shifted dramatically over the past of couple years due primarily to the significant downturns in the U.S. economy, which has been further complicated by global economic concerns. We have seen companies’ go-away, as well as increased merger & acquisition activity. One thing is certain, even though economies tend to be cyclical, the changes that have occurred within our industry will never return to how they were before Fall 2008.
During times of economic crisis, companies must be decisive in how they position themselves and what strategic plans are executed. If properly positioned, an organization can be uniquely poised to take advantage of opportunities when they occur, as well as be in a potentially stronger position when the economy corrects. Many companies choose to react by making sweeping cutbacks, reducing services and becoming involved in price wars. However, experienced companies understand that down economies can provide opportunities to improve internal structure, gain share and diversify.
ARDEX Americas has implemented an aggressive strategic plan in the face of the current economy that includes investing in innovation, new technologies, diversification, improving infrastructure and by further increasing our commitment to distributor, architectural and contractor partners through value-added benefits.
In the face of the economic downturn in 2009, we introduced 20 new products. In 2010, we have already delivered two new revolutionary self-leveling underlayments with high-flow properties and doubled coverage rates. Also in the first 6 months, we have introduced a full line of moisture control systems and expanded our Engineered Concrete Repair System to provide a comprehensive line of concrete repair & restoration products for all types of horizontal, vertical and overhead concrete surfaces.
As the innovation leader, we remain focused on environmental leadership. HENRY® was the first adhesive brand to introduce solvent-free adhesives. ARDEX & HENRY continue their leadership through GreenLine® Environmental Technology, which includes products with ultra-low VOC emissions, low odor, solvent-free, anti-microbial, reduced raw material & energy usage and contribute to valuable LEED® points.
ARDEX & HENRY represent more than best-in-class products. We have reaffirmed our commitment to training with the opening of a new state-of-the-art training facility at our Mansfield, Texas manufacturing facility. We now have four dedicated training facilities where we will train 5,000+ professionals in 2010. We also provide:
60+ Field Sales & Technical Consultants; the most knowledgeable team in the industry
Architectural Specialist Group; CSI membership / LEED® Accredited Professional
Highly Experienced Technical Services Department
Professional Marketing Services
The investment in these unparalleled value-added benefits reaffirms our commitment as the ultimate partner for our customers. Although the economy will bring new challenges, rest assured ARDEX & HENRY, who have been providing unmatched service and technologies for 60+ years, will continue to set the standards for excellence and deliver timely solutions that will provide our customers a distinct competitive advantage in the marketplace!
Sincerely,
Stephan M. Liozu
President & CEO, ARDEX Americas