DEMAND FOR FIXINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR RECOVERING

For Sormat Group, a company manufacturing and marketing fixing products for the construction sector, the past winter and spring have been busy and the entire personnel have been working at full throttle. The company is celebrating four decades in business as demand on both the domestic and international markets is increasing.

According to Ismo Laitakari, Managing Director of Sormat Group, the recovery of the construction sector can already be seen in the order books of the fixings manufacturer.

–      The first signs of recovery appeared last winter and at the moment, we are already 15 per cent ahead of our budget. Sales have picked up substantially, particularly in Russia and in such Western European countries as France, Italy and Portugal. After a slump in sales, demand on the Finnish market is also recovering, whereas the growth in the Baltic states and Germany has been slower.

According to Laitakari, Sormat has actually recovered from the downturn more rapidly than many of its competitors.

– Sormat’s long-term emphasis on construction safety and quality is now providing us with clear competitive advantages, particularly in comparison with low-cost Asian manufacturers. As more and more builders are becoming aware that they can also buy ETA-approved fixings, they are opting for our products plus the training services provided with them.

More emphasis on sustainable development

Sormat which is celebrating 40 years of business in June, is actively working on new innovations for the construction sector. It will launch four new products during 2010.

–  Sormat is introducing new solutions to such areas as sustainable construction. One example of this is the plastering bracket for low-energy construction and renovation, says Laitakari.

In keeping up with the demand of sustainable development, Sormat has also made its own manufacturing process more environmentally friendly, one example of which is the ISO 14001 environmental certificate. All Sormat’s staff received training on more environmentally friendly approaches during the spring.

New markets

In the wake of the festive season, Sormat has also been receiving good news from new market areas in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

–  The company is strengthening its presence in a number of regions, particularly Russia, its biggest market. At the same time, cooperation projects in such countries as Poland and Belarus are also making progress.  Furthermore, the letter of intent between Sormat and the company Al Rashed Fasteners has reached the sales stage and Sormat is in the process of shipping its first container from Rusko to Saudi Arabia, explains Laitakari.

For more information, please contact: Managing Director Ismo Laitakari, tel. +358 40 5037 364

Founded in 1970, Sormat Group manufactures and markets fixing products, mainly for the construction industry. The company’s Finnish-based production facilities and its head office are located at Rusko, in Southwestern Finland. In 2009, Sormat had net sales of EUR 15 million, of which 75 per cent was generated by exports. www.sormat.com

History of Sormat

1970
Tarmo Lieskivi founded Sormat Oy in Turku. The company started as a subcontractor for the metal industry.

1972
The company launched its first product on the Finnish market.

1980
First export shipments to other Nordic countries.  

1982
Sormat started manufacturing nylon and plastic products using the injection moulding method.

1991
Sormat entered the Russian market.

1992
Sormat received ISO 9001 certification.

1998
Sormat started manufacturing products using the cold forging method.

2001
Sormat received ISO 14001 certification.

2002
Exports exceeded domestic sales.

2002
Sormat Holding Oy acquired the majority of shares in the Dutch company Sormat PFG B.V.

2003
A new sales company Sormat France S.A.S established in France.

2006
New management. Sormat Academy established.

2008
A new logistics centre opened in Rusko.

2008
A new automatic assembly and packaging line opened in Rusko.

2008
Zinc plated S-KA through bolt granted ETA Option 1.

2009
A4 stainless S-KAH and 1.4529 high corrosion resistant S-KAH HCR throughbolts granted ETA Option 1.

2009
Sormat launched consumer-friendly DIY for hardware stores.

2009
The Association for Finnish Work granted Sormat the right to use the Key Flag in its through bolts.

2009
Sormat launched the S-UF/S-UP universal nylon plug family.

2010
Sormat celebrated 40 years in business.

2010
Sormat and maxit Oy jointly launched a new fixing system for low-energy construction.

2010
Sormat launched ITH150/300, an injection resin cartridge, which can be opened without tools.

2010
Hot dip galvanized S-KAK through bolt was granted ETA Option 1.

2010
Sormat launched the new S-CS concrete screw.