Pictured left to right: Alan Hill (ARDEX); His Worship the Mayor of Penrith, Councillor Todd Carney; Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek and Shadow Assistant Minister for Jobs and Small Business; Shalini Mudaliar (ARDEX); Alastair Wright (Barings), Fabian Morgan (ARDEX); Darrell Jefferies (ARDEX); Reini Otter (Frasers Industrial Property), Stephen O’Connor (Barings), Roland Martin and Ian Barter (Frasers Industrial Property, Raewyn Hughes, Chris Skiladellis and Rolf Offerhaus (ARDEX).
We are pleased to announce that on the 3 December 2024 ARDEX Oceania HQ was officially opened in the presence of dignitaries, honoured guests and property partners: Frasers Property Industrial, Barings and Aware Real Estate.
A smoking ceremony was a respectful and spiritual experience for staff as Graham Kirrpatja, Board Member of Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, shared an ancient song and its meaning before engaging in the entire audience to participate in the performance of the song. Guests were blessed with a eucalyptus branch brushed with the sacred smoke.
Dignitaries included His Worship the Mayor of Penrith, Councillor Todd Carney and Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek and Shadow Assistant Minister for Jobs and Small Business.
Special guests included Ian Forster and his wife Libby, Chris Ballauff and joint venture partners from Nexus and DTA Australia as well as interstate production and state sales managers. Neighbours from TheYards were also present. Over 200 people were present on the day, making this a record attendance for the site.
Fabian Morgan, ARDEX Regional Managing Director – Oceania gave an address which was a resounding success, expertly articulating the past five years of planning, implementation and collaboration for Oceania HQ. He not only told the story in an entertaining way but also gave due recognition to all whom were actively involved in the project.
The guided tours were the pièce de résistance of the day – with guests left speechless over the grandeur and attention to detail in the design.
The new $140 million targeted 6 green star manufacturing regional headquarters features a world-class 35-metre-high powder manufacturing tower used to vertically mix raw materials efficiently. Another new liquids manufacturing plant is an industry-first for its orientation and size and includes a 20-metre silo tower for storage and transfer of raw materials to the multi-level mixing plant.
According to Fabian Morgan, the new HQ brings certainty and stability to customers as well as new possibilities and partnerships for sustainable solutions like those required for offsite-built modular social housing.
“A typical challenge of off-site building methods for housing is the stresses acting on the elements due to transportation to the construction site and lifting operations. Building materials must be uniquely designed to ensure safety against cracks and detachments. ARDEX is globally aligned and well positioned to provide such high performing solutions. For these reasons, we support inclusion of uniform standards for manufactured homes constructed offsite, which the NSW Government is seeking from NSW Building Commission.
“Our expert local team include chemists, engineers, technicians and production operators who are highly trained and already producing new formulations and bespoke solutions for the industry.”
ARDEX HQ is also well positioned within the largest employment catchment area in Sydney with jobs expected to increase as the production towers speed manufacturing and outputs.
The new HQ location is strategic for an optimal national logistics network for the warehouse, located nearby the 24/7 Western Sydney International Airport and future Southern Link Road in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, close to the M4 and M7, and within Greater Western Sydney’s sought-after industrial zone, alongside Microsoft and Amazon.
The site complements the other 9 manufacturing and 14 distribution centres around Australia and New Zealand.
Alan Hill appointed as Operations Director
Congratulations to Alan Hill who has been appointed as ARDEX Australia’s Operations Director, responsible for supply chain management, leading the organisation in procurement, production, inventory and logistics.
Promoted from National Operations Manager, and a key member of the Australian Leadership Team, Alan will focus on strategic planning to enhance manufacturing production and warehouse efficiencies across an advanced national manufacturing and distribution network of five manufacturing sites and five distribution centres, while maintaining relationships with key raw materials suppliers and third-party logistics partners.
A major project for Alan currently includes the relocation of the NSW warehouse operations and establishing the traffic management plans for the new targeted 6 star rated $140 million ARDEX Oceania HQ located in Sydney’s Greater West, where manufacturing, warehousing and support office as well as joint venture partners DTA Australia, Nexus Adhesives and WEDI will reside in 2024.
Alan will continue his ongoing commitment to the professionalisation of supply chain management and is responsible for fostering talent and skill development across the production and warehousing teams nationally.
ARDEX employs over 300 employees in Australia including its joint venture partners. Alan’s passion for Australian made building materials and local manufacturing extends to creating local jobs and new skills in young Australians.
This is Alan’s seventh year with the ARDEX Group. He says that the business has fostered the development of his career as a leader, living out the company’s global value “Build Belonging” to be inclusive, empowering and take action.
FCIA Awards Gala 2024
The FCIA Awards Gala 2024 held last month was a fantastic gathering of the flooring industry – bigger and better than the inaugural year. Recognition to individuals and companies was celebrated for contribution, education, and positive impacts to our industry.
One of the most prestigious awards, the Flooring Industry Contribution Award was awarded to Don Considine from ATTAR, recognised for 40 years of service to the industry in flooring compliance, testing and performance.
Each year, apprentices are also recognised and awarded for their commitment to education, exceptional performance, and the impact they make within the companies for which they work. Congratulations to Max Cheetam, Caleb Jacoby, Bear Payne and Ben Townsend.
ARDEX was honoured to host Caleb Jacoby (Isa Street Carpets) and his partner Charmaine Hanah to travel to Melbourne and share the evening with us while receiving his award.
CEO of FCIA Fiona Wischnewski and the team at FCIA were celebrated on the night for their progress in building a strong and diverse flooring industry that is responsible, sustainable and innovative. The night was a demonstration of strength and diversity!
As an Australian manufacturer of flooring building materials and long standing supporter of FCIA, ARDEX Australia, DTA Australia and Nexus Adhesives were proud to celebrate the industry and congratulate the award recipients and the FCIA for their achievements.
Entrance
Program
Dinner
Megan Wilson, Leigh Fisher, James Wilson, Raewyn Hughes, Ralf Sablowski and Andrew Neal
Caleb Jacoby (Isa Street Carpets) and his partner Charmaine Hanah
Caleb Jacoby Second Year Apprentice Award Recipient
Brett Sturgess, FCIA Chair
Leanne Sturgess, Fiona Weschnewski, FCIA CEO
Raewyn Hughes appointed as Commercial Director
Congratulations to Raewyn Hughes who has been appointed as ARDEX Australia’s Commercial Director, responsible for commercial management of the Sales and Marketing functions across Australia.
Promoted from Marketing and Business Development Manager, and as a key member of the Australian Leadership Team, Raewyn will now focus on commercial outcomes for business profitability, ensuring adherence to safety, business ethics, environment policies and quality standards, while maintaining relationships with key customers and stakeholders including joint venture partners.
The role includes the design and coordination of the construction of the new support office, Training Academy and demonstration areas of the new $140 million ARDEX Oceania HQ located in Sydney’s Greater West, where the organisation’s commercial focus is to accelerate growth in the region.
Director responsibility also includes participation in ARDEX Group global committees bringing global intelligence to the sales and marketing teams on new product development and innovation.
Raewyn will continue her direct relationship and ongoing commitment to industry partnerships and industry bodies to help support skill development, apprenticeships and future stability and sustainability in the building materials industry.
Raewyn recently celebrated her 16th year with the ARDEX Group and says that the business has fostered the development of her career as a leader, living out the company’s global value “Build Belonging” to be inclusive, empowering and take action.
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek tours Oceania HQ
Last week, our Regional Managing Director Fabian Morgan hosted a tour for Tanya Davies MP through ARDEX Australia’s targetted green star manufacturing regional headquarters in Kemps Creek, which is near completion.
Tanya expressed her delight to see our commitment to local employment, local manufacturing and Australian made supplies, as well as our focus on sustainability and innovation.
With the Western Sydney Airport fast approaching, Tanya said our $140 million investment is the type of investment we should seek to attract to our growing region.
Thanks to all those who also contributed to the tour (Pictured from left to right)
Ross Cannava, Site Manager
Fabian Morgan, Regional Managing Director, ARDEX Australia
Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek
Stephen O’Connor, Project Director, Barings Real Estate Australia
Carlo Imola, Site Engineer
ARDEX invests for the future with a new sustainable Oceania HQ
ARDEX Australia is near completion of a green star manufacturing regional headquarters in Kemps Creek, west of Sydney, positioning it as an Industry 4.0 building materials manufacturer for Oceania.
Oceania Regional Managing Director, Fabian Morgan, said the move underscores the company’s future-focussed sustainable vision.
“We are passionate people who are driven by innovation, responsibility, integrity and belonging. The site’s 50-year design life and targeting 6-star green rating are testament to our vision, values and plans for reinvestment back into our people, profitability and planet.
“We’re investing now for long term, low cost production ensuring we will retain our market focused position for decades to come,” he said.
The site’s bespoke advanced manufacturing design includes a world-class 35-metre high powder manufacturing tower used to vertically mix raw materials efficiently. The new liquids manufacturing plant is an industry-first for its orientation and size and includes a 20-metre silo tower for storage and transfer of raw materials to the multi-level mixing plant.
“Our commitment to local manufacturing and Australian-made supply brings certainty and stability to customers.”
Other Industry 4.0 characteristics include automation, electric vehicles and forklifts, solar panel system spanning 17,000 sqm, rainwater tanks, and energy efficient lighting – targeting the site a 6 Star Green Star Design As-Built v1.3 rating and a serious contender for awards into the future.
The YARDS developed by joint-venture partners Frasers Property Industrial and Aware Real Estate is the first industrial estate in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star Communities v1.1 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, within which the ARDEX Oceania HQ resides. It includes solar installations, water harvesting and recycling, and full electrification to facilitate a seamless transition to fossil fuel-free energy sources in the future.
The ARDEX HQ site doubles the size of the company’s current research and training facilities, recognising the requirements for new and innovative building material solutions and a strong succession of future installers and applicators in the waterproofing, generation construction, flooring and tiling industries.
The location is strategic for an optimal national logistics network for the warehouse, located nearby the 24/7 Western Sydney International Airport and future Southern Link Road in the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, close to the M4 and M7, and within Greater Western Sydney’s sought-after industrial zone, alongside Microsoft and Amazon.
ARDEX has future plans to grow local employment opportunities. According to Tanya Davies, Member for Badgerys Creek, ARDEX is clearly an organisation with strong values and best employer qualities which brings attractive employment opportunities for residents within the largest employment catchment area in Sydney.
“We’re excited to welcome ARDEX into the neighbourhood and value their integrity and responsibility towards the environment, skills and future vision.”
The $140 million investment is the single largest infrastructure investment that the intergenerational privately-owned global organisation has internally funded in its 70 years of operation.
For the first time, ARDEX will merge its manufacturing, warehousing and support office as well as its joint venture partners DTA Australia, Nexus Adhesives and WEDI, in April 2024.
The site complements the other 9 manufacturing and 14 distribution centres around Australia and New Zealand.
ENDS
About ARDEX
The ARDEX Group comprises of 67 subsidiaries, 50+ production facilities and some 4,000 employees represented in more than 100 countries.
The history of ARDEX can be traced back over 70 years to Witten, Germany where ARDEX Chemie GmbH was founded. Products such as Ardit Z 8 and Ardur K 15 are firmly established as benchmarks for flooring products worldwide.
ARDEX entered the Australian market through the acquisition of Norcros Building Products in 2001 known in Australia as ABA. The latter has a similar heritage in the Australasian market with ABA tile adhesives- renowned for their quality and technical excellence, a reputation built over 40 years. Innovations such as Abaflex are unique in the market until this day. Other brands offered by ABA include Superflex under-tile waterproofing systems, Shelter (previously Dunlop) sheet membrane systems and Hydrepoxy coatings. In 2002 Vibro Products Pty Ltd, manufacturers under licence of ARDEX floor levelling and adhesives, was acquired and integrated into ARDEX Australia.
These brands, leaders in their respective fields, come together under the ARDEX Australia umbrella, offering you expert solutions. In addition, sharing of resources and technology within our extensive network enables us to provide you with a broader range of world benchmarked products and services.
ARDEX system solutions have been making buildings better all over the world. From the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the London Olympic Aquatic Centre, the Sydney Opera House and commercial and residential projects big and small. ARDEX systems provide reliability and support that are always tailored to the specific requirements of the project.
Strong growth and intelligent acquisitions in foreign and local markets enables the ARDEX Group to draw from a global pool of resources. This allows ARDEX to ultimately supply complete system solutions which include market leading, high quality products and services to its valued customers.
ARDEX has continued with its growth since these initial acquisitions in Australia with investments including Dunlop, DTA Australia, Nexus, WEDI, Loba, Wakol, Cemix, and Drymix, all market leading brands in Australia each focusing on distinct product segments and channels.
For media enquiries or an interview with Fabian Morgan please contact Monique Fenech on 0460 733 808 or Monique.fenech@ardexaustralia.com
The CEO Magazine features Fabian Morgan
Gifted Wisdom
In this month’s The CEO Magazine, the lead article features Fabian Morgan and how he began his career on factory floors. He explains how it was hands-on experience that gave him unique insight into how best to drive performance. Now, as ARDEX Australia’s Regional Managing Director for Oceania and a member of the global management board, he’s putting those lessons into practice.
Since 2017, the FCIA has been working tirelessly to improve and develop our industry. The ARDEX Group locally are proud to support through ARDEX Australia, DTA Australia and Nexus Adhesives.
The inaugural dinner was held this month at the Plaza Ballroom, Melbourne. ARDEX Australia was honoured to attend, amongst key industry leaders and CEO of FCIA Fiona Wischnewski.
Congratulations to all of the award winners on the night, including Kyle Sankey of Floorworld Nowra, who won the prestigious Apprentice of the Year 2022 award. By working together with the members, the FCIA has brought 300 new apprentices into the industry. Kyle is a great advocate for new apprentices entering our industry.
Building a strong and diverse flooring industry that is responsible, sustainable, innovative and that supports its people is the ambition of the FCIA. Through advocacy and collaboration with key industry stakeholders, Australian flooring manufacturers are working harder to achieve these goals than ever before.
FCIA Gala
Pre-dinner networking
Dinner
Alan Gower, Colin Hellyer, Andrew Neal, Fabian Morgan, Mark Collins
Ralf Sablowski, Raewyn Hughes
Construction starts on ARDEX’s new headquarters with 20-year lease at The YARDS
Frasers Property Industrial and Aware Real Estate secure 20-year lease with ARDEX
Construction starts on new headquarters at The Yards in Kemps Creek
ARDEX’s new flagship headquarters to service Oceania region
SYDNEY, 9 DECEMBER 2022
Joint venture partners Frasers Property Industrial and Aware Real Estate have commenced construction on the new Oceanian headquarters and production plant for ARDEX at The YARDS, a Premium Estate in Kemps Creek, New South Wales.
The global manufacturer has committed to a 20-year lease for a state-of-the-art 26,265 square metre facility at the innovative industrial precinct. The estate is now over 76 per cent committed, with leasing transactions secured to leading technology, pharmaceutical, manufacturing and freight, and logistics users.
The facility will be a consolidation of ARDEX’s New South Wales operations and will be its regional support office for its 10 manufacturing sites within Australia and New Zealand. It will also serve as a base for ARDEX’s regional expansion in the Australian, New Zealand and Southeast Asian markets. The facility will feature a 40-metre-high manufacturing tower used to mix raw materials from powder in the most efficient way, along with a 20-metre-high silo area for storage of liquid materials and a 3,500 square metre, three-storey office and training facility.
ARDEX’s facility will be used for the manufacturing and supply of innovative building solutions under key brands such as ARDEX, Dunlop, DTA and ABA. The facility will also feature areas designed for training and testing, battery charging and spill containment.
The new headquarters will be a flagship facility for ARDEX once completed in Q3 2023, complementing its current manufacturing and operational footprint in over 50 countries with 71 subsidiaries. ARDEX has been manufacturing in Australia for over 55 years, and the site was chosen at this strategically located estate to help continue its expansion in this part of the world.
The facility has been designed to target a 6 Star Green Star Design and As-Built v1.3 rating from the Green Building Council of Australia. A planned solar panel system spanning 17,000 square metres will allow ARDEX to manufacture utilising its own energy production, in addition to rainwater collection tanks and energy-efficient lighting that will be incorporated into the building’s design.
A recent sod turning event onsite for the ARDEX facility was attended by Frasers Property Industrial’s Executive General Manager, Ian Barter, Altis Property Partner’s Executive Director, Alastair Wright, and ARDEX’s Chief Financial Officer, Uwe Stockhausen and Regional Managing Director, Fabian Morgan.
Merging leading sustainability strategies and community wellbeing, onsite employees will benefit from premium amenities such as a food and beverage precinct, outdoor recreation areas and wellness spaces.
Roland Martin, General Manager – NSW, Frasers Property Industrial said:
“We have established a strong relationship with ARDEX by working closely with their team to ensure bespoke manufacturing and intricate design requirements are addressed for their flagship built-to-suit manufacturing facility and workplace. With the start of construction, we have reached an important milestone in the development of ARDEX’s new Oceanian headquarters, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with ARDEX into the future as we deliver their state-of-the-art facility, which will shape its future operations and further enable growth in the region.
“The YARDS is an Australian first in industrial design and innovation, bringing together warehousing, logistics and workplace infrastructure with generous community and lifestyle amenities, and we are pleased to welcome ARDEX to the precinct next year.”
“This is the largest investment in such a site in ARDEX’s history and demonstrates the confidence that the global business has in Oceania. The consolidation of our New South Wales operations at this new modern, built-to-suit facility will strategically position our expansion in the Australian, New Zealand and Southeast Asian markets over the coming years. We are looking forward to growing our production in New South Wales and providing job opportunities to people in Western Sydney.
“Our new facility at The YARDS will serve us far into the future as we grow our business in the region. We partner with great companies all around the world, and the commencement of construction marks the start of another strong partnership with Frasers Property Industrial and Aware Real Estate.”
Michelle McNally, CEO Aware Real Estate said:
“Aware Real Estate is proud to strengthen Western Sydney’s position as a growth hub in New South Wales and do our part in supporting economic prosperity. We are looking forward to a long-standing partnership with global company, ARDEX, and helping deliver in partnership with Altis Property Partners, a sustainable and industry-leading facility to benefit their employees and operations.”
end
About Frasers Property Industrial
Frasers Property Industrial is a strategic business unit of SGX-listed Frasers Property Limited (together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”), a multi-national company that owns, develops, and manages a diverse and integrated property portfolio with total assets of approximately S$40.2 billion as at 30 September 2022.
Frasers Property Industrial owns and manages industrial and logistics properties in Australia and Europe, and its portfolio includes logistics facilities, warehouses and production facilities in strategic locations. Frasers Property Industrial has approximately S$11.2 billion of assets under management as at 30 September 2022 with integrated development, asset management and third-party capital management capabilities across the Group’s industrial and logistics markets in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria.
In addition, Frasers Property Industrial provides property management services to the logistics and industrial properties owned by Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust (“FLCT”) in the major logistics and industrial markets of Australia, Germany and the Netherlands. FLCT is a SGX-listed REIT with a S$6.7 billion portfolio comprising 105 logistics, industrial and commercial properties in five developed markets – Australia, Germany, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. FLCT is sponsored by the Group and is managed by Frasers Logistics & Commercial Asset Management Pte. Ltd.
Frasers Property Limited (“Frasers Property” and together with its subsidiaries, the “Frasers Property Group” or the “Group”), is a multinational investor-developer-manager of real estate products and services across the property value chain. Listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (“SGX-ST”) and headquartered in Singapore, the Group has total assets of approximately S$40.2 billion as at 30 September 2022.
Frasers Property’s multinational businesses operate across five asset classes, namely, residential, retail, commercial & business parks, industrial & logistics as well as hospitality. The Group has businesses in Southeast Asia, Australia, Europe and China, and its well-established hospitality business owns and/or operates serviced apartments and hotels in over 20 countries and more than 70 cities across Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Frasers Property is also the sponsor of two real estate investment trusts (“REITs”) and one stapled trust listed on the SGX-ST. Frasers Centrepoint Trust and Frasers Logistics & Commercial Trust are focused on retail, and industrial & commercial properties, respectively. Frasers Hospitality Trust (comprising Frasers Hospitality Real Estate Investment Trust and Frasers Hospitality Business Trust) is a stapled trust focused on hospitality properties. In addition, the Group has two REITs listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Frasers Property (Thailand) Public Company Limited is the sponsor of Frasers Property Thailand Industrial Freehold & Leasehold REIT, which is focused on industrial & logistics properties in Thailand, and Golden Ventures Leasehold Real Estate Investment Trust, which is focused on commercial properties.
The Group is committed to inspiring experiences and creating places for good for its stakeholders. By acting progressively, producing and consuming responsibly, and focusing on its people, Frasers Property aspires to raise sustainability ideals across its value chain, and build a more resilient business. It is committed to be a net-zero carbon corporation by 2050. Building on its heritage as well as leveraging its knowledge and capabilities, the Group aims to create lasting shared value for its people, the businesses and communities it serves. Frasers Property believes in the diversity of its people and are invested in promoting a progressive, collaborative and respectful culture.
For more information on Frasers Property, please visit frasersproperty.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
About Aware Real Estate
Aware Real Estate was launched in 2022 to actively manage Aware Super’s directly-owned Australian living, industrial, office and mixed-use portfolio. With $1.7 billion Assets Under Management (AUM), Aware Real Estate aims to be a market-leading property platform hosting $7 billion in assets within five years.
Altis Property Partners have been foundational in establishing the Aware Real Estate portfolio, and as our development partner, has a strong track record in delivering quality projects.
A core strategic pillar of the platform is to cement its leadership in the Build-To-Rent sector through management of its national Essential Worker Housing Program which offers eligible residents rent at 80% of the market rate and access to 500 existing apartments and an active development pipeline of 1,200 quality apartments.
ARDEX Australia has been operating in Australia for over 55 years and is part of the ARDEX Group globally. The ARDEX Group is one of the global market leaders for high-performance specialty building materials. As a family-owned business, the company has pursued a sustainable growth path for more than 70 years. ARDEX now has more than 3,900 employees and is present in over 100 countries on all continents, with a virtually comprehensive presence in one of its core markets, Europe. With more than ten major brands, ARDEX generates total sales of more than 930 million EUR worldwide.
In 2022, The ARDEX Group will be celebrating 55 years in the Australian building and construction industry. Key to Ardex’s continued growth and longevity is their ability to leverage global networks to produce locally – practicing ‘Glocalization’ provides the best of global and local.
Ardex offers products and systems in the areas of floor levelling and adhesives, tile and natural stone systems, sheet and liquid applied waterproofing membranes, general construction and tools. These products have helped transform the building industry, saving time and reducing building costs, and being manufactured locally has added much to Ardex’s growth in Australia.
Ardex’s success reflects its commitment to innovative manufacturing technologies, outstanding product options and excellent customer service, that draws upon global best practice. “We have a proud history of leading the market with constant innovation, delivering new products and systems most recently demonstrated with the acquisition of Wedi, to improve building performance, technology, and services to make life easier for specifiers, tilers and builders. These new technologies have had a major impact on product performance and installation practices in Australia,” says Fabian Morgan, Regional Managing Director – Oceania.
The ARDEX Group is one of the largest manufacturers across APAC including manufacturing operations in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand, Taiwan, South Korea and China. Despite this, they choose to produce more than 98% of the volume sold in Australia, in Australia, with New Zealand being a large supplier of the balance. In all Ardex employs over 400 people in Australia and New Zealand.
“There are so many positives for manufacturing in Australia,” says Fabian. “Firstly, we save the environment making products close to the source of raw materials and customers lowering our carbon footprint. Australian tradies require products that are made to some of the highest standards in the world. They are trusted, known for their safety and quality. Ardex has a consistent track recording of reinvesting profits back into the Australia business, and this helps to keep Australian jobs, strengthen local industries and support local communities. Manufacturing locally also allows for faster turnaround and supports our customer first approach.”
While the last two years have affected many businesses, today, Ardex is seeing unprecedented sales in all brands despite recent government restrictions, as builders and tradesmen look for reliable supply chains to complete existing and new projects.
Fabian continues, “We have six manufacturing plants and eleven distribution centres nationwide, providing a strong supply chain without hold ups or cancellations. This includes our new manufacturing and distribution facility in Brisbane and our state-of-the-art distribution centre in Kings Park, Sydney. Both are recent investments showing our commitment to the local market. Further investments include a doubling of our already significant powder manufacturing in Auckland, New Zealand. Our largest commitment, which will be announced in the coming months will be a gamechanger for our industry.”
“With a large R & D team based in Australia there is a commitment to adding value to our customers and construction projects through proven ability to respond to the demands of ever-changing industry requirements. Our tailored product strategy has been designed with the expectations and needs of Australians in mind, providing appropriate market solutions that consider Australia’s standards and regulations with no compromises.”
“We will continue to lead and support the industry, which we can only do thanks to our dedicated local team. A thriving manufacturing sector is critical to Australia’s economic future and prosperity. We are proud of our history as an Australian manufacturer. It’s more important than ever to support and grow the local manufacturing capability,” adds Fabian.
Ardex takes up majority stake in wedi
Biggest acquisition in the company’s history: ARDEX takes up majority stake in wedi
Ardex continues to grow: the German-based construction chemicals specialist is taking up a majority shareholding in wedi GmbH, a leading manufacturer of system solutions for high-quality wet room solutions based in Emsdetten, Germany – it is the largest acquisition in the company’s history. The employees of both family-run companies have already been informed of the development. In this respect, the management made it clear that wedi will continue to operate independently. In addition, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin will remain in place as the Managing Directors of wedi. Stephan Wedi will also continue in his shareholder role.
For Mark Eslamlooy, CEO of the Ardex Group, this cooperation is a milestone in the development of the company – and his delight at the future collaboration with wedi is correspondingly great.
“The ARDEX Group is taking a major step forward with the acquisition of the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems. There could be no better way to enhance our systems competence – ARDEX and wedi are two strong brands which complement one another in an ideal manner. As family-run companies, we also share a common understanding of the importance of customer proximity, innovation and quality. All in all it is the perfect basis for a successful cooperation.”
The managing directors of wedi, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin, also regard the cooperation as tremendously beneficial for the two companies. Above all the international Ardex network and the complementary strengths in the product areas were an important factor for wedi in reaching its decision.
“ARDEX is a perfect growth accelerator for us – one only has to think of the many global markets and the joint innovation potential. It was of tremendous importance to us that we find a partner with whom we can safeguard our independence and contribute our strengths to ensure joint growth. To this, we will also implement the already planned capacity expansions together with Ardex. The matter is one very close to my heart, and from the very outset my gut feeling about Ardex was extremely positive,” says Stephan Wedi.
wedi is already very successful in Europe, and in particular in Germany and France, and it is the market leader in North America – since 2017 with its own factory in Batavia, Illinois. The objective of the cooperation with the other companies in the Ardex Group is that of developing this position. “wedi and Ardex complement one another excellently, not just in Germany, but also in other core markets such as the USA, Australia and New Zealand, France, England, Austria, Switzerland or Benelux. The innovative strength of the Ardex Group is enormous, and as a result, we expect to make considerable advances,” adds Fabian Rechlin. “Our partners in the trade have long been encouraging us to take a major step forward. We are doing so now.”
Independent family-owned companies
Furthermore, for both companies it is important that they retain their independence in full. In the future wedi will be a stand-alone company within the Ardex Group – headed by its current managing directors Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin. The trading name, location, brand name and marketing strategy will not change either. The same is true of the contact persons for clients and suppliers.
Inventor of watertight shower and construction systems
wedi is the market leader for watertight shower and construction systems in Europe and North America. The success story began in 1983 with the invention of a totally watertight building board – to this day the board with the blue core is still the company’s trademark. What began as a one-man operation in his garage at home is now an international company with more than 500 employees and a further production site in the USA.
The parties have agreed not to disclose the economic terms of the cooperation. Metzler Corporate Finance exclusively supported wedi in the transaction as M&A advisor.
From left to right: Mark Eslamlooy, Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin
About ARDEX: The ARDEX Group is one of the global market leaders for high-performance specialty building materials. As a family-owned business, the company has pursued a sustainable growth path for more than 70 years. ARDEX now has more than 3,900 employees and is present in over 100 countries on all continents, with a virtually comprehensive presence in one of its core markets, Europe. With more than ten major brands, ARDEX generates total sales of more than 930 million EUR worldwide.
About wedi: wedi GmbH, based in Emsdetten, is a leading manufacturer of and systems provider for directly tileable, watertight construction elements in Europe and North America. The extensive portfolio is complemented by high-quality design surfaces which provide additional design options in the bathroom. With its innovative system solutions and guaranteed system reliability, wedi offers long-lasting, complete solutions for wet rooms. The family company, founded in 1983 by Helmut Wedi, currently employs around 500 members of staff and is active in more than 50 countries.
Why is Substrate Preparation so important?
Why do we do substrate preparation? The answer is simple – just like anything else, substrate preparation is a good 95% of the application. If you do not do the right substrate preparation, you’re guaranteed that there’s a potential failure.
Substrate preparation is the key to any successful application. Substrate preparation is to ensure you’re removing contamination from the surface which includes dirt, dust, paint – anything that can inhibit the bond of anything you are putting over the top. That could be priming, waterproofing membranes, tile adhesives, or it could be floor levelling products.
All materials require the correct substrate preparation for a proper bond to the substrate to ensure a longevity of the material.
What can be used to remove haze from ARDEX EG 15 Epoxy Grout?
Question: I have used the ARDEX EG 15 Epoxy Grout between non-slip or textured surface tiles. Now that the grout has cured, I have noticed there is a thin grout haze that has been left on the surface of the tiles. I want to know what can be used to remove this haze.
Epoxy grout is extremely hard and chemically inert when cured. Removal of a grout haze by either mechanical or chemical means is extremely difficult.
The only resolution is the application of a suitable Paint Stripper such as Polystrippa (available from Bunnings).The material has a ‘gel’ like consistency to ensure the active ingredient (methylene chloride) stays on the surface long enough to interact with the grout haze. The Paint stripper will cause the grout haze to bubble and soften enabling its removal with a scraper.
For more information on the ARDEX range of epoxy grouts, please click here.
Will a primer stick to contaminated surfaces?
When it comes to substrate preparation, it’s very important that all contamination are completely removed. Whether it’s grease, paint, dirt, dust, overspray – anything that can inhibit the bond of a product that you’re placing over the top must be completely removed.
A common question we receive here at ARDEX is “Will the primer fix the bond problem?”. The answer is no. The primer is only as good as what it’s adhered to. So, all contaminations must be completely removed prior to the application of the primer.
Remember, priming will not fix the bond issue.
For more information, please contact our technical services team on 1800 224 070.
Why is it important to not overwater your materials when mixing?
One of the most common issues we receive here at ARDEX is the overwatering of materials.
When mixing, specific products need the exact amount of water as per the datasheets, to get the full performance out of the product.
Once you add too much water, you are potentially ruining the performance. Yes, you may make it more workable and get more coverage, however the performance of the product is now compromised and the potential for failure of that product may occur.
For more information on mixing ratios and water content, please contact ARDEX technical services on 1800 224 070.
ARDEX Australia Internal Structural Changes
ARDEX Australia is pleased to announce that we’ve made several internal structural changes effective 1st September 2020, that will enable ARDEX to continue our strong focus on supporting customer needs and be the quality leader for an entire industry, offering engineered products and systems in the areas of: floor levelling and adhesives, tile and natural stone systems, sheet and liquid applied waterproofing membranes and general construction.
For the ARDEX Sales Team this entailed:
> Promoting Ralf Sablowski to the role of National Field Sales Manager (previously NSW State Sales Manager) leading the ARDEX National Sales Team;
> Appointing Mark Collins to VIC/TAS State Sales Manager (previously SA/NT State Sales Manager);
> Promoting Paul Maguire to SA/NT State Sales Manager (previously SA/NT Account Manager – General Construction); and
> Promoting Andrew Neal to NSW State Sales Manager (previously VIC Account Manager – Flooring).
Several changes have also occurred within the National Commercial Team with:
> Raewyn Hughes, National Marketing Manager – Product & Customer taking on additional responsibilities including the account management of several key national accounts together with her leadership of the product marketing team.
> Joel Clough as National Specification & Training Manager takes on a multi-faceted role that combines our leadership in the delivery of training programs and the opportunity to further develop our relationships & positioning within in the Architectural & Specification space by raising the awareness of the ARDEX brand, systems and service offerings.
> Dianna DeZordo broadens her responsibilities as Commercial Administrator supporting the Sales, Marketing, Training and Customer Service teams with administrative support.
It is exciting to know that we have developed high quality people that can grow within the business and very capable people to be able to make a move into a new role or to adopt new responsibilities as we continue to invest and grow.
The effect of cold weather on the performance of adhesives, grouts, cements and liquid applied membranes
Introduction
ARDEX Technical Services have received many reports of problems over the years that can be explained simply by the fact that the weather was cold at the time of application. This short article looks at the common problems encountered and the simplest solutions.
The Major Problems Cement Based Tile Adhesives – Slow Curing
Tile adhesives containing cement must chemically react in order to cure. In cold temperatures, chemical reactions slow down. This means that initial set times, final set times and the time before you can safely walk on a tile without dislodging it, are extended. Typically the product datasheets quote 23°C for their “walk-on times” so keep in mind if the temperature where you are working is only 10°C you can’t expect a 6 hour walk-on time if this is what a datasheet states for a particular product.
Levelling Compounds – Slow Curing
Floor levelling compounds also rely on cement to chemically react and this reaction is slowed in winter. The Technical Datasheets typically quote application properties at 23°C. The initial cure and subsequent final cure are much slower when the temperature drops below 10°C than what they are at 23°C. At temperatures below 5°C, the reactions can halt altogether. It is possible to apply a compound with a quoted walk-on time of 3 hours and have it still wet on the surface at 3 hours if the temperature is only 5°C for example. Figure 1 shows a levelling compound that due to a very low ambient temperature (around 5°C) took so long to dry that strange surface effects and settling can be observed.
Below 0°C, the water in the material freezes which can produce ice crystals which can permanently damage the compound. Refer to AS1884-2012 regarding conditioning required.
Figure 1 – Settling, a weak surface and a strange appearance due to low temperature curing of a leveller
Efflorescence in grout
Due to increased water residence times, as a result of slowed evaporation in winter, efflorescence can also be increased in cement based grouts. Efflorescence is a deposit of water soluble salts from the cementitious components which are drawn out by the water and then deposit at the surface when the water evaporates. Premature sealing can exacerbate this effect.
Epoxy – Slow Curing
Epoxy based grouts, adhesives, membranes and sealers cure by a chemical reaction between two components and this reaction is slowed or halted by cold conditions. The viscosity of the resins can also increase making effective mixing difficult. Water based epoxies can display increased drying times and apparent stickiness due to decreased rates of water evaporation.
Mastic Adhesive and Membranes – Slow Curing
Water based membranes and mastic adhesives cure by drying. That is, the water must physically come out of the product for it to cure. In winter, decreased rates of drying are common due to slow evaporation of the water. They can also become thicker in cold conditions.
Freezing of Mastic Adhesives and Additives
Mastic tile adhesives, water based membranes and latex additives can freeze which both makes the products not able to be laid, but may also cause the polymer/water suspensions to be permanently damaged, rendering the product unusable. Water based product must not be allowed to freeze.
The Solutions
There are a number of simple procedures which can be observed to avoid the worst of the cold weather problems. Below is a list of things to do and to not do.
Do….
Where the work area is indoors, and air conditioning is available, it should be turned on to bring the substrate up to above 10°C.
Use rapid set adhesives to reduce cure times.
Where the product data sheet allows reduced water additions, use the lowest level consistent with the quoted minimum and workability.
During the installation, factor increased drying times between each step in the job.
Increase the amount of ventilation by the use of fans which will raise the rate of evaporation. This is useful for slow drying membranes and mastic materials. However the air must not be supplied by a heater as this can cause cracking and should only be used on floor levellers after the material has hard cured.
If the daytime temperature is acceptable, but may drop significantly at night, only use products until around midday to allow the material to form an initial set prior to the onset of cold temperatures at night.
Do not….
Store materials outside or where they may drop below 0°C.
Work in the coldest part of the day in an uncontrolled environment.
Work when the temperature is below 5°C (where possible minimise working below 10°C.)
For further advice on particular conditions, sites or applications contact ARDEX Technical Services on 1800-224-070 (freecall), or the relevant ARDEX Sales Representative for the product in your state.
Important Company Update
Ardex Australia, as part of the Ardex Global Group has been manufacturing in Australia for over 50 years. Together as a Group we have 8 separate manufacturing sites in Australia and New Zealand along with dedicated logistic facilities. We have over 50 locations globally and therefore are acutely aware of the far-reaching impact being felt by the spread of Covid-19. Through these concerning days, the health and well-being of our customers and our partners, as well as our employees and their families are foremost in our minds. We have plans in place to deal with the situation and to limit the virus entering our facilities. We will continue to monitor the situation and take guidance from the heath authorities.
All Ardex manufacturing sites in this region are in full operation. We have been in contact with our suppliers and we see no changes in supply. The Ardex offices are all functioning and sales team still active in the market as we believe that this is prudent to meet our customers’ needs and to carry on economic activity as advised by government. We will be moving to telephone and other electronic communication for all non-essential meetings and have advised staff of their social distancing responsibility. We still believe that meetings with customers including onsite support and technical advice will still be needed and therefore have not restricted these from taking place. Requirements to mitigate this threat can change daily, and we will endeavour to keep you updated in a timely manner should the situation change.
On behalf of the entire Ardex Australia team, we wish each of you good health and look forward to being here to serve you in the days ahead.
A totally ARDEX system for concrete swimming pools
BACKGROUND
This article gives a summary of one ARDEX system for waterproofing and tiling a swimming pool. Readers should refer to the TB088 for the comprehensive discussion which presents more options in terms of which products can be used.
KEY ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION
A. Structural – the pool must be structurally sound. Refer to the relevant Australian Standards.
B. Climatic – the quoted products must be applied when the ambient temperature is between 10°C-35°C. The membrane must not be applied unless the relative humidity is less than 90%.
C. Time Scale – the time intervals between successive stages as recommended by both AS3958.1-2007 and Ardex Technical information must be followed.
SURFACE PREPARATION
All protrusions must be ground smooth and levelled. The surface must be mechanically prepared to remove all contaminants and to have the required profile of at least CSP2 to provide open pores for rendering and membrane coating preparation.
Render the surface with ARDEX WR 120 FR. Refer to the Product Data Sheet for more detail.
The rendered surfaces must be light broom finish.
A 20mm coving must be installed in the internal corners. This can be done with ARDEX WR 120 FR.
Inactive cracks can be filled with one of the ARDEX crack repair systems – for example ARDEX RA 142.
All existing expansion joints and construction joints can be filled with ARDEX ST Silicone.
PRIMING
All surfaces must be coated with 50% thinned ARDEX WPM 300 and a 2nd coat with undiluted ARDEX WPM 300 on all surfaces to achieve coverage of 3m2/L. Allow the Prime/Seal coating to dry thoroughly between application layers.
WATERPROOFING
Construction joints can be covered using the ARDEX WPM 002 membrane with embedded ARDEX Deckweb polyester fabric. This sits atop the bond breaker which may be a 10mm wide bead of ARDEX ST Silicone for example.
After treatment of all the joints, apply 2 coats of ARDEX WPM 002 two-part membrane at no more than 1m2/L in each application to achieve the recommended minimum 1.2mm DFT. Let dry for 24 hours prior to adhesive fixing the tiles
TILING
Tile adhesives must comply with the ISO13007 ratings Types C2S1 or R1 as per AS3958.1.
The required adhesive coverage of 90% and dry bed thickness must be observed. A typically recommended tile adhesive is ARDEX X 18 with E 90 additive but a selection of Ardex tile adhesives which are suitable for tile fixing in swimming pools is listed in the TB088. ARDEX E 90 is added to improve the performance of the tile adhesives. Allow the adhesives to air cure for a minimum of 7 days before proceeding to grouting.
GROUTING
ARDEX FG 8 grout, mixed with Grout Booster or epoxy grouts such as ARDEX EG 15 and ARDEX WA are suitable for swimming pool applications. ARDEX Grout Booster is added to improve strength, flexibility and abrasion resistance.
Allow 21 days before filling the pool with water.
MOVEMENT JOINTS
Existing expansion or construction joints in the substrate must be carried through the tile work to the face and shall conform to architectural details and AS3958.1-2007.
ARDEX recommends the use or ARDEX ST Silicone.
Elongation of Waterproofing Membranes
BACKGROUND
Waterproofing membranes are sold based on the merits of the elongation properties and their ability to bridge cracks.
The current Australian Standards classify membranes into Class I, II and III according to % Elongation:
Class I: 0-59%
Class II: 60-299%
Class III: 300% and above
Note: The % E is measured without any re-enforcing mat – which when added, will reduce the elongation.
REAL WORLD PERFORMANCE
The membrane can have restricted or non-restricted movement depending on its bonding to the substrate. The way the membrane is bonded also affects the extent of the flexibility and elasticity of the product.
If you use a bond breaker over a crack, it is much better if the crack were to open up later on. This is shown in Figure 1 (bond breaker) in comparison with Figure 2 (no bond breaker).
The stress on the membrane in Figure 2 is much more severe and likely to lead to failure. Even a small opening of the crack in the underlying concrete substrate will require extensive elongation.
MEMBRANE FAILURE
Cracks formed after the application of the membrane have no membrane distance so they are like Figure 2. When this occurs, the membrane will extend but the result will be serious necking of the membrane across the newly formed gap and may lead to the membrane tearing when subject to small movements.
It is important to note that the membrane can only stretch to a limited length before its waterproofing properties fail, regardless of its elongation capability.
CONCLUSION
The elongation properties of a waterproofing membrane are best preserved in situations where the membrane is not directly bonded over the crack due to a bond breaker being in place.
When cracking occurs after a membrane has been installed, then membrane failure is inevitable regardless of its elastic properties.
Top 100 Trusted Brands in Architecture & Design
ARDEX Australia has placed 69th in Architecture & Design’s 2018 Top Trusted Brands Survey. With more than 6,000 votes counted in this years’ survey and over 600 participating brands, the Top 100 reveals those brands most recognised by the industry to uphold a relationship beyond the sale, time and time again.
For the full list of trusted brands, please click here.
Weather and related site effects on liquid membranes
When products are designed and tested for performance, this is done at a set of specified conditions. The standard conditions for laboratory testing are normally set at between 20 and 23 degrees Celsius and 50-55% relative humidity.
In reality, though, the temperature or humidity on site rarely is as in the lab.
To ensure the waterproofing system performs as intended, below are some recommendations to avoid any issues, especially when the temperature and humidity are varying.
Some of the problems
Variances in conditions can affect the waterproofing membranes significantly. For example, a dark substrate in direct sunlight can be ten degrees Celsius higher than the temperature of the air. Being this hot means the waterproofing membrane won’t set and cure as under lab conditions. Likewise, similar failures occur with excess or lack of moisture in the air or in really cold temperatures.
In fact, when the air temperature is below ten degrees Celsius, certain physical changes and chemical reactions when it comes to drying and curing, won’t work. For example, for materials containing Portland Cement (part of cement-polymer liquid membranes) and epoxy resin, the reaction ceases at around five degrees Celsius.
In hot and dry weather, a water borne liquid membrane can lose its water both through evaporation and the substrate. If this happens too quickly, it can lead to holes and voids. This is not acceptable for a membrane. If the day is cool and humid enough, potentially, it may not cure at all, leaving it soft on the inside. And if it freezes when it gets below zero degrees Celsius, then ice crystals can destroy the structure.
Likewise, heat can rapidly speed up the drying and curing process and often can even trap in moisture, by creating a crust but leaving it soft internally.
Wind, airflows, humidity, fog, snow and rain all have their own issues when it comes to using liquid membranes and can severely affect the future performance of the applied waterproofing coat.
Water falling onto waterborne and cement-based membranes can mean they don’t dry properly and potentially can be washed away. Substrate moisture can also lead to bubbles and blisters. Even geography can play a part in how the material reacts. For example, near the coast your surface may be more likely to have a damp sticky film which can interfere with adhesion.
Some solutions that are proven
It’s hard to avoid or control temperature and condition variables. Scheduling works in expected weather extremes should be avoided; however, the following measures can be put in place:
Hot weather
All work should be avoided in the heat of the day. Instead, works should be scheduled for evening, early morning or night. The substrates will take some time to cool after extreme highs.
Shade the working area(s).
Keep all products stored in cool conditions and out of the direct sun.
Do not add water to products that are not intended to be diluted.
Mix smaller quantities at a time to reduce self-heating.
Cold weather
Keep all products stored out of the cold, especially products not intended to be frozen.
Warming materials to around 35 degrees Celsius can help but they will go to the substrate temperature rapidly when applied.
Use heated tents or enclosures around work areas.
High humidity and wet weather
Installation when rain has recently fallen, is currently falling, or is expected to fall soon must be avoided where possible.
Check the weather forecasts.
Use tents or protection to cover areas to be worked on.
Remove water that has accumulated from rain and allow the area to dry.
Use fans or driers and ventilation to remove moisture and lower humidity.
Damp substrates
Use the correct moisture barrier as a membrane or membrane’s primer.
Make sure that below grade drainage is adequate.
Prevent water getting into building elements in the first place (protection of parapets.
Test for moisture content.
Other important things
Several thinner coats of most membranes are better than one or two overly thick coats. This allows more effective drying and curing in general.
Aim for the correct film thickness and use the right product for the application.
5 Million Old Tyres Recycled into ARDEX Tile Adhesives
Australia generates millions of used car tyres every year, some of which are recycled and others that are stockpiled.
Tyre dumps and stockpiles present many environmental concerns;
They are unsightly
Take up valuable land space
Cause problems for landfill sites
When stockpiled above ground they are at high risk of catching fire which then causes pollutants and toxic gases to be released, oil enters the groundwater and nearby rivers
Breeding grounds for pests such as mosquitoes and rodents
Further to this, sand mining is a practice that is fast becoming an ecological problem as the demand for sand is increasing. Sand is mined from beaches, inland dunes and dredged from ocean and river beds, leading to erosion and impacting local wildlife.
The ideal solution is to recycle and reuse the components that make up tyres and at the same time, reduce the need for sand mining.
By doing so, ARDEX has not only recycled over 5 million tyres in its history in Australia, this currently equates to the recycling of over 250,000 used tyres per year, which also saves approximately 3500 tonnes of Australia’s sand per year.
How can ARDEX improve their grout and silicone range?
Your feedback will help shape some new goals going forward into the new year.
ARDEX Grout and Silicone is focused on quality and range and it is most important to us to ensure we are delivering what YOU need.
The following survey has been designed to provide us with feedback on our range, colours, packaging on grouts and silicones so we can set some new goals on delivering you exactly what you want!
The survey should take no more than 10 minutes to complete.
*Survey is open to Australian residents only.
Project in Progress – The Elan, 1 Kings Cross Road, Darlinghurst, Sydney
At 136 meters, 40 stories, The Elan is one of the tallest residential apartment blocks in Sydney. The building is also situated in the highest part of Kings Cross, 45 meters above sea level. Built in 1997, there is 18,200 cubic meters of concrete and 2550 tonnes of reinforcing steel in The Elan.
Consultant: Diagnostech
Builder: Biltbeta
Challenge
20 years after it was built, The Elan required a complete façade overhaul that included crack and joint repairs, she-blot repairs, spalling concrete, render repair, concrete crack injection, balustrade post repairs and façade coating systems. Furthermore, several balconies required re-waterproofing. ARDEX Australia in conjunction with the consultant specified a wholistic solution that included a complete, fully warrantable SystemARDEX approach. Works commenced in May 2016 and are expected to be completed early 2018. The size of the building makes it one of the largest façade restoration projects currently in Sydney.
Solution
Before work on the façade coating could start, concrete repairs were essential on parts of the building. Spalling concrete and she-bolt hole repairs were rectified with ARDEX BR 345 MICROTEC® Fibre-Reinforced, High Resistivity, Polymer-Modified, Structural Concrete Patching and Repair Mortar and ARDEX BR 120 FC Polymer-Modified, Fibre-Reinforced Fairing Coat.
Areas that were affected by cracks in concrete were reinstated by using ARDEX RA 88 Multi-Purpose Epoxy Repair Adhesive to adhere ARDEX T-Ports, a unique pressure injection port system, before injecting ARDEX RA 142 Super Low Viscosity Structural Concrete Crack Injection Epoxy for hairline cracks and ARDEX RA 144 Low Viscosity Structural Concrete Crack Injection Epoxy for cracks that were wider than 1mm.
For render repairs, ARDEX WR Prime Performance Enhancing Polymer Primer & Additive was used in conjunction with ARDEX WR 100 General Purpose Acrylic Render.
There was a large number of joints that needed to be repaired and re-sealed. Throughout the project, a range of ARDEX sealants were used in including ARDEX CA 20 P Multipurpose Construction Adhesive and Sealant, ARDEX RA 030 One Component, Moisture-Curing Expansion Joint Sealant and ARDEX RA 040 Polyurethane Joint Sealant.
The specified façade coating system included the use of two coats of ARDEX WPM 300, a two-component water based epoxy polyamide membrane/barrier coating, followed by two coats of ARDEX WPM 330 External Anti-Carbonation Facade Membrane.
Unique Elements
Due to the size of the structure, there was a significant amount of product required to coat the façade. In total, there are approximately 35,000 litres of WPM 300 and an additional 35,000 litres of WPM 330 that were used for the façade coating system.
ARDEX Australia Continues Partnership with McGrath Foundation
ARDEX Australia has been a corporate partner of the McGrath Foundation for over two years and during this time is very proud of the support that customers, suppliers and employees have made to this excellent cause.
This October, ARDEX is continuing its support of the McGrath Foundation by making a contribution to the Foundation from the sales of a selection of the tiling Choose Your Solution range (X 17, X 18, X 77 and X 78) as well as parts of the flooring Choose Your Solution range (K 220, K 10 Reactiv8, K 12 and K 15). During the partnership so far, over $100,000 has been contributed to the McGrath Foundation which assists the McGrath Foundation in supporting families experiencing breast cancer with breast care nurses throughout Australia.
ARDEX is encouraging retail partners to pink up stores in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and would love for you to contact us if you would like to get involved. We will provide you with decorations and signage to pink up your store, email us here to get involved!
McGrath Breast Care Nurses have supported over 36,000 families across the country and the team at ARDEX are looking forward to contributing to such an esteemed Australian charity. Help make a difference today by donating at http://mcgrathfoundation.gofundraise.com.au/page/ardexaustralia or contact your local ARDEX representative on how you can get involved.
Top 100 Trusted Brands
Thanks You for your Nomination
ARDEX would like to thank Architecture and Design customers who nominated ARDEX Australia as one of the most trusted brands in 2016. There were 341 brands considered in the survey and 13,456 votes from the architecture, building, construction and design industries determined the winners.
The survey revealed that the most common themes associated with trusted brands were great service, products and reliability – in addition to being a socially driven eco-friendly company with Australian made products.
The Top 100 Trusted Brand Survey was established in 2012 and is Australia’s leading national showcase of the best brands within the Building and Architectural arena. Brands compete for recognition in 25 categories that highlight innovation, application or quality in a particular area.
ARDEX Australia is proud to add this achievement (58th Most Trusted Company) to the Financial Review’s Most Innovative Company Award where ARDEX Australia achieved the 28th Most Innovative Company in 2016.
