MAPEI recently acquired a production plant in Ruse, Bulgaria, from Orgachim, a Bulgarian company that manufactures varnishes and paints. The 15,000-square-meter facility, located between the borders of Romania and Bulgaria, is dedicated to the 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. 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,” commented Veronica Squinzi, Global Business Development Director of MAPEI Group.

As a result of this acquisition, MAPEI Group currently owns 56 production plants over the world. Production in the Bulgarian plant will be run at full capacity starting in 2010.

MAPEI Bulgaria will be managed by newly appointed general manager Plamen Petrov, “who will capitalize on his consolidated experience in the construction industry in the Bulgarian market to maximize the development of the company,” the company says.