A look at Mapei from its humble beginnings as a small company on the outskirts of Milan to its current position as a world-leading multinational specialising in adhesives and chemical products for the building industry.

65 years ago, Mapei was just a small company on the outskirts of Milan, dealing mainly in paints, plasters, and interior and exterior covering materials for large buildings, hospitals, and airports.

The big change came when the company began concentrating its efforts on a specific market niche: floor installation products.

This proved a very successful step and Mapei is now a multinational which has neither gone into the red nor laid off workers in all of its years in the business.

Its history is also inextricably linked with that of two generations of the Italian Squinzi family, in particular Rodolfo, who founded the company, and his son Giorgio who has continued his good work.

Established in 1989 in Middlesborough Mapei UK Ltd moved to the West Midlands in 1999, and in 2004 cemented its commitment to the UK market with the completion of a brand new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Halesowen.

The UK headquarters is Mapei’s 42nd manufacturing plant worldwide. The building accomodates manufacturing, stock, marketing, sales and technical services - all dedicated to the provision of efficient and friendly customer service - all under one roof. This 7.5 acre site is home to on-site training facilities, holding regular training and educational sessions.

Manufacturing facilities at Mapei UK Ltd are capable of producing up to 103,000 tonnes of product annually. In the last year staff levels have doubled and 52 employees are now employed by Mapei UK to provide support and assistance to an ever increasing customer base of over 500.

www.mapei.co.uk for more information.