Founded in Milan in 1937, Mapei is a manufacturer of adhesives and complementary products for the installation of all types of floor and wall coverings. The company is also specialised in other chemical products for building; from waterproofers, and special mortars to admixtures for concrete, products for the restoration of buildings and the preparation of all substrates used in construction. Mapei also strives to produce environmentally friendly products.

Today, around 5% of the company's turnover goes into research and development and 70% of that 5% goes onto research of green products alone. Mapei has built its strategy along three principal guidelines including specialisation, research and development and internationalisation. The group has 57 subsidiaries with 56 plants in 24 countries over five continents. Furthermore, Mapei has developed a sales and technical service network with offices all over the world. Last month, the company acquired a ceramic tile adhesives and insulation systems production plant in Ruse, Bulgaria. The company signed the agreement to obtain the 15,000m2 facility from Orgachim, a manufacturer of varnishes and paints. The acquisition is part of a series of growth initiatives being implemented by Mapei.