An AMI report highlights the growth of companies in Greece and Spain

An AMI report highlights the growth of companies in Greece and Spain

Southern European plastics pipes companies are experiencing faster growth rates than the more mature industry in the north of the continent, according to a new report. AMI’s A Review of Europe’s 50 Largest Players reveals Petzetakis has emerged as a major pipe extruder in Greece. With an estimated throughput of 75,000 tonnes in 2003, it is one of the fastest growing manufacturers of plastic pipe and hose systems in the world.

Plasticos Ferro became one of Spain’s largest plastic pipes companies in September 2003 following the E64m acquisition of Grupo Tuyper (owner of Tuberias y Perfiles de Plasticos and Plasticos IMA). The acquisition boosted Plasticos Ferro’s PVC pipe capabilities, adding to its PE pipe extrusion.

The profile of the European plastics pipes extrusion industry has changed significantly in the past four years, according to AMI. The second edition of the report has less than 40 of the companies included in the previous 2000 edition due to consolidation. While some big names have disappeared in this decade, three major multinational groups have moved fast to maintain their dominance of this market – Wavin, Pipelife and Uponor.

The report also highlights emerging pipe groups such as Aliaxis. This was created in June 2003 as shareholders in Franco-Belgian industrial group Etex sought to bring together their interests in plastic plumbing products for industrial and public utilities applications in a group focused on these activities. The Aliaxis holding company brings together 94 former Etex companies.