15 years of innovation with Quick and Easy technology from Uponor</h1> <article> <h1>15 years of innovation with Quick and Easy technology from Uponor</h1> <p>Tue, 07 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>Quick & Easy fitting technology – reliable for the past 15 years<br /></strong> <br /> <br /> <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=2A8F9A638701427481396CE293EACB2F&_z=z">Uponor PE-Xa pipes</a> are produced for more than 35 years now. The system consists of in-house produced <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0919A7A7AC334EB89556CD47F6798A70&_z=z">PE-Xa pipes and fittings</a> that fit perfectly together. The system is complemented by the necessary <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=606E4C4CB0F44867B167680D59BBFDB0&_z=z">accessories and a sophisticated tools </a>program – everything out of one hand to ensure reliable tap water and radiator connection installation. <br />15 years ago Uponor has developed the simple but ingenious <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=A8F57150EBFC46A9AADF7D4476E52415&_z=z">Quick and Easy connection system </a>which produces pressure-sealed, durable joints in just 25 seconds. The innovation made use of the shrinking back effect, which only works with crosslinked PE-Xa pipes produced by Uponor. The result is a long-term seal between the pipe and the fitting. In the beginning the fittings were made of special brass alloys, nowadays we offer the fittings made of the highly advanced polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) material. Also fittings with male and female thread as well as the manifolds are made of PPSU. The actual PPSU fitting range is available from dimension 16 up to 63 mm. <br /><br />For the installation of the system only 3 steps are needed: <br />1. Place the Quick & Easy ring on the pipe <br />2. Widen the pipe end with the expander tool <br />3. Push the pipe onto the PPSU fitting – done! <br /><br />Uponor always provides an entire system. For the Uponor PE-Xa system consisting of the Uponor PE-Xa pipe, the Uponor PPSU fittings, Uponor Quick & Easy rings for double-safety and the Uponor PPSU manifolds for reliable and safe results. This system is certified from several European standard institutes. The result is a hygienic system which does not affect the water quality at an expected life-time of 50 years. <br />Continuous development is a main target for this system to make it more user-friendly and reliable. Examples are the stop edges for the Quick & Easy rings and the newly developed self rotating expander head. Both innovations allow an even easier, faster and safer installation then before. <br />And Uponor will continue in this direction. <br /><br />3 billion metres of produced Uponor PE-Xa pipes since 1972 and 200 million PPSU fittings in the past years show the expertise and competence. <br />Pipes, fittings and system technology – Uponor offers the complete programme: certified safety and guaranteed reliability, a comprehensive worldwide network of local Uponor companies and distributors in more than 80 countries. </p> <p>Uponor simply more. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Better insulation for Uponor pre-insulated pipe systems</h1> <p>Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <strong>Decades of tried and tested functionality alone are not enough to meet Uponor's quality criteria: for the manufacturer of the flexible, pre-insulated Ecoflex pipe system, the key issues are innovation and continuous product optimisation. For our latest Ecoflex products, this means a notable increase in efficiency. By further reducing the lambda value of these pre-insulated pipes, their insulating performance was improved by up to 12 per cent. <br /></strong> <br />This makes the flexible, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6C50D68983954CCA9A908FC369A8DF0A&_z=z">pre-insulated pipe system</a>, formerly known as Ecoflex, ideal for long-term use in local heating systems as defined by the DIN EN 15632-3 standard. In addition, the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E23AFB3FB0284C089E4BD65F3450FE22&_z=z">Ecoflex Thermo pipe</a> for heating water supply, offers the proven quality of a Kiwa Komo BRL 5609 certified pipe system. <br /><br /><strong>Staying ahead </strong><br />Practical qualities such as sturdiness and longevity are decisive when choosing pipes for subsoil installations. For a hot water pipe with a planned service life of several decades, however, proper and reliable insulation is just as important. This prevents heat loss and thereby ensures long-term economic efficiency. From now on, all <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6C50D68983954CCA9A908FC369A8DF0A&_z=z">Uponor Ecoflex pipes </a>will be equipped with <strong>a modified crosslinked polyethylene insulant.</strong> Such an insulant has outstanding flexibility and durability, while <strong>reducing thermal losses to a minimum</strong>. This material is well suited to regenerative energy applications such as biogas and landfill gas plants, which use <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6C50D68983954CCA9A908FC369A8DF0A&_z=z">pre-insulated pipe systems </a>such as <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E23AFB3FB0284C089E4BD65F3450FE22&_z=z">Ecoflex Thermo</a> for heat distribution. <br /><br /><strong>More value <br /></strong>The innovative and improved polyethylene insulation is not the only benefit to come with the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=6C50D68983954CCA9A908FC369A8DF0A&_z=z">pre-insulated pipe system</a>. As a specialised system manufacturer, Uponor not only guarantees certified quality but also offers a full range of additional services – from its free cut-to-size service to on-site training by one of our experts. Sustainability is the common denominator of all Uponor products and services. In new installations, for example, the combination of highly developed plumbing skills and quality pipes manufactured from best materials is crucial in ensuring the long-term cost efficiency of a construction project. </article> <article> <h1>Revived demand boosted Uponor’s profitability</h1> <p>Fri, 20 Aug 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Uponor’s consolidated net sales in April-June totalled EUR 204.6 (193.3) million, up by 5.9 per cent on a year earlier. Net sales improved in the building solutions segments, with the North American segment experiencing the fastest relative growth. Uponor’s operating profit ended up at EUR 18.8 million, showing an improvement of 51.4% <br /><br />President and CEO <strong>Jyri Luomakoski </strong>commented on Uponor’s performance: “Overall, demand in the second quarter did not meet the expectations generated by market sentiment that had improved after the winter. Although many countries have seen numerous signs of recovery in residential construction, we are not yet expecting a sustained steady growth in demand. Staying alert and prepared for a wide range of challenges continues to be justified”. <br /><br />Uponor saw the confidence in the recovery of the building sector somewhat strengthen in April-June. However, this improvement was subject to major fluctuations and differences between countries. Unexpected disturbances in the global financial markets during spring and early summer, combined with withdrawals of public revitalisation measures, weakened business and consumer confidence in the future. <br /></p> <p>The comprehensive interim report is available on the <a href="http://investors.uponor.com/irmaterial/irmaterial_4.html?Id=hex_498820.html" target="_blank">company’s investor website</a>. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor Germany honoured as TOP 100 company</h1> <p>Wed, 14 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p>In the course of a top-class gala event in Rostock-Warnemuende the 100 most innovative German companies were awarded for the TOP 100 honour. After "Germany's customer champions" award in May this year, Uponor received a second prestigious award on 1st July 2010. Lothar Spaeth, former Prime Minister of the federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg and successful entrepreneur, handed over the TOP 100 award to Thomas Gillig and Michaela Hetzel from Uponor.</p> <p>The Vienna University of Economics and Business conducted a study for several months on the innovation behaviour of approx. 250 German small and medium-sized companies. The TOP 100, including Uponor, will bear the <a href="~/media/BD92CD8D815B4AD0A6805C3DD40D6AB8.ashx">quality seal </a>for one year. </p> <p>Uponor impressed the international economic expert jury by innovative products, such as <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0065047D4F4A494481EE3660AA8F1787&_z=z">DEM</a>, as well as traditional products like the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=25D5861507874672B7AADC870AA4834D&_z=z">multilayer pipe system</a> which has been constantly developed since its introduction 20 years ago. The jury was convinced that Uponor‘s systematic development is close to the market. The underlying processes like innovation management, innovation marketing and innovation promotion are top class among German SMEs. </p> <p>"Good ideas which are successful on the market will not arise automatically. We keep working on that day by day. We are very pleased that our commitment has been recognized and shows us that we are on the right track. It also demonstrates that we are going to rely on our good ideas in the future," concluded Thomas Gillig.</p> <p>Convincing solutions and services create satisfied customers. Therefore quality managment and review of the performance are important topics at Uponor.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor on the Designbuild fair in Melbourne</h1> <p>Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>Designbuild in Melbourne as the starting point for intensified sales and marketing activities in Australia <br /><br /></strong>From 23 – 25th of June 2010 the main nationwide building fair has been held in Melbourne, Australia. <br />The Melbourne exhibition centre was the meeting point of domestic and international companies active in the building industry. Uponor together with its local partner <a href="http://www.huntheat.com.au/" target="_blank">Hunt heating </a>have shown the great variety of Uponor’s portfolio on the fair on a 36 m² big booth. </p> <p>For more information, <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=407F52BF326B4BE1920FA508AC356709&_z=z">please click here</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor introduces new showroom concept for wholesalers business</h1> <p>Tue, 22 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <strong>Uponor introduces new showroom concept for wholesales business </strong> <br /> <br />We have developed a totally new concept for presentation of Uponor solutions at showrooms of wholesalers, distributors and retailers. This concept includes different elements such as roll ups (1 x 2 meters), A2 posters, ceiling banners, floor graphics and counter displays. The reasons for the development were the following: <br /><br />1. Maximum attention at the point of sale <br />2. Standing out from the advertising material of the competitors <br />3. Rising the awareness of the Brand “Uponor” <br /><br />Thus we have developed a new key visual “the blue Uponor hand”. <br />We have chosen the blue hand as this implements different positive advantages <br /><br /><strong>- Maximum Awareness <br />- The human touch of the hand <br />- The “helping hand” from Uponor <br />- We have solutions which make it easier for the plumber </strong><br /><br />Even if the recipient doesn’t remember Uponor immediately, he will have the blue hand in mind. <br />Attached please find a <a href="~/media/18A79E60564C4E5BA1DCD3369AF090C3.ashx">presentation of the full concept</a>. <br /><br />Please give us your feedback on the concept to <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=8B1153F8416046EFB1D0FC9290A0E226&_z=z"></a><a href="~/link.aspx?_id=8B1153F8416046EFB1D0FC9290A0E226&_z=z">Marketing Manager Uponor International Sales</a>.<br />We will inform you in due time on item nos and information on ordering. <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Cape Town Stadium in South Africa equipped with Uponor solutions</h1> <p>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <strong>Tap water installation for 68,000 people in Capetown´s new football stadium <br /></strong> <br />How do you economically sound fit the circular shape of a football stadium with tap water installation? The answer to that question is easy: use the flexible Uponor PE-Xa pipe system. When the <a href="http://www.capetown.gov.za/en/FIFA2010/Pages/defaultNew.aspx" target="_blank">Cape Town Stadium </a>project for the FIFA World Cup 2010 started in 2007, cost control was one of the main arguments in favour of Uponor, along with the perfect performance and the safety of the pipe. <br /><br /><strong>9,300 metres of Uponor pipes troughout the stadium </strong><br />Uponor has literally done any kind of tap water installation all over the place. A total amount of 9,300 metres of <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=2A8F9A638701427481396CE293EACB2F&_z=z">Uponor PE-Xa pipes </a>has been installed, thereby covering a huge range of dimensions from 16 up to 110 mm sized pipes are to be found in the complete drinking water supply. Also the high advanced <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=A8F57150EBFC46A9AADF7D4476E52415&_z=z">Uponor PPSU Quick & Easy fittings</a> have been installed. More than 400 spectator toilets, urinals, players´ changing rooms, bathrooms for VIPs, and the media and water supply for the kiosks in the stadium are supplied with Uponor pipes. <br /><br /><strong>PE-Xa outmatches PPr </strong><br />Originally, the stadium had been planned with PPr pipes. But those did not only run short due to their only recent introduction to South Africa. Even more problematic was the danger of leaks due to the critical material properties of PPr in combination with the circular shape of the stadium. The connections were under stress and caused leaks. Not only a damage, but time-consuming, too, because of high welding-efforts. With Uponor´s PE-Xa system, these troubles could be banned. <br /><br /><strong>A joint venture became an overall success<br /></strong>The job at the Cape Town Stadium was a cooperation of several partners. <a href="http://www.construction.murrob.com/cap_overview.asp" target="_blank">WBHO and Murray and Roberts </a>were the main contractors. Uponor’ s local partner <a href="http://www.afripex.com/" target="_blank">Afripex</a> assisted the Mechanical consultants <a href="http://www.wspgroup.com/en/Welcome-to-WSP-Africa/Sectors-Africa/All/Green-Point-Stadium-Cape-Town/" target="_blank">WSP-Cape Town </a>with the tap water supply design and layout, as well as with technical on-site support and training. Thus, the stadium could be finalised in early 2010, all sides being pleased with Uponor´s PE-Xa tap water system. <br /><br /> </article> <article> <h1>Green Building Council established in Finland</h1> <p>Mon, 31 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p>The newly-founded Green Building Council Finland (FIGBC) aims to promote sustainable practices related to the built environment. In co-operation with other founding members, Uponor seeks to participate in communicating information and knowhow, while activating discussion on sustainable development within the construction industry. <br /><br />All operators in the industry, be they owners, investors, users, builders or designers of the built environment, view energy and environmental efficiency as important. FIGBC’s goal is to introduce the sustainable development perspective as a natural part of all building and construction activities. Its operations cover the entire built environment and its life cycle. <br /><br />Sustainable construction comprises many factors. Core issues include understanding the interaction between various aspects and the overall optimisation of buildings; in this respect, simultaneous decisions must be made within a range of sectors and the co-operation of several parties is required. As a member of the Green Building Council Finland, this is precisely the kind of co-operation that Uponor wishes to promote. <br /><br />National Green Building Councils are non-profit making associations that aim to promote sustainable building and construction industry practices. These associations are part of the global Green Building Council network. <br />The www.figbc.fi site will open soon. <br /><br /><strong>Juha Olkinuora </strong>of Nordea is the Chairman of the Board of the Green Building Council Finland, with Uponor’s <strong>Ilari Aho</strong> acting as Vice Chairman. <br /></p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Severe winter slowed down business in the first quarter</h1> <p>Wed, 12 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Construction markets slowly recovering from the international economic crisis were hit hard by the severe winter in most of the northern hemisphere. As a result, development in building and construction was weaker than expected. <br /><br />According to Uponor’s interim report, its net sales in the first quarter were EUR 157.4 million, down by 8.0 per cent on a year earlier. Despite the fall in net sales, the company achieved a positive operating profit at EUR 1.5 million. <br /><br />President and CEO Jyri Luomakoski commented: “Despite the additional challenges caused by the severe winter, Uponor’s financial performance shows that last year’s savings and streamlining measures have been successful. We have strengthened our competitiveness in various ways, and are well positioned to respond to future challenges. The importance of building technology is becoming increasingly pronounced in green building and green living and Uponor can offer ecological solutions which create cost savings over their life cycle. <br /><br />The comprehensive interim report is available on <a href="http://investors.uponor.com/irmaterial/irmaterial_4.html?Id=hex_474074.html" target="_blank">the company’s investor website</a>. <br /></p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor amongst Germany's customer champions 2010</h1> <p>Fri, 07 May 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> 50 German enterprises with the best customer relationships have been honoured during a top-class gala event at the Palace of the Counts Elector in Mainz on Monday evening, 3rd May 2010. The prestigious award "Deutschlands Kundenchampions" (Germany's customer champions) has been awarded annually since 2008 by the forum “Market research Ltd. “ and the “German association for quality” to enterprises with exemplary customer relationship management, irrespective of the sector of the industry. <br /><br />"Customers welcome enterprises which consistently think from the customer's point of view and develop all processes in this sense. This pays off in the end," concluded co-initiator Dr. Wolfgang Kaerkes, executive member of the board of the German association for quality, positively. "In successful enterprises the focus of all considerations is on the customer, which has been impressively documented again at this year's competition." <br /><br />This year, Uponor Germany participated in the competition for the first time which included a comprehensive self-assessment and the presentation of customer processes. In addition a customer survey including approximately 100 of our German customers was conducted with regard to their opinion on Uponor. The analyses by the independent institutes have resulted in the nomination of Uponor Germany under the best 50 German companies with regard to customer relationship. <br /><br />And they have confirmed: For Uponor, partnership is not just a ingenious marketing idea, but a corporate philosophy followed by the entire company. <br /><br /><br />Picture caption: <br />Representatives of Uponor Germany, Michaela Hetzel, communications manager Uponor Central Europe (2nd from left) and Tanja Schamberger-Ruppert, manager sales division installers (standing in the middle), were happy to receive the award on Monday at the gala event in the city of Mainz. </article> <article> <h1>Uponor successful on the Mostra Convegno fair 2010 in Italy</h1> <p>Thu, 01 Apr 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>Milano was the meeting point for customers from over the globe</strong> </p> <p>Uponor was successfully attending the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort 2010.<br />The colleagues from Uponor Italy have reported 20% more customers registered at the Uponor booth compared to 2008. The booth was always fully crowded with visitors. The demo counter at which life demonstrations of the advanced Uponor plumbing solutions have been undertaken, was a real visitor magnet. The concept of installations of Uponor solutions in bathroom, bedroom, living room and an office was highly welcomed by the visitors.<br />These rooms were all equiped with Uponor indoor climate and plumbing solutions and the latest product innovations from Uponor.</p> <p>The new individual radio room control with its intelligent functions was a clear "number one highlight" on the fair. </p> <p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <td> </td> <td>The successful Italian exhibition team<br />infront of the Uponor tower </td></tr></tbody></table></p> <p> <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3445329DDC864DC9AC2F62BF27A9507D&_z=z"> <strong>Please click here to receive further information on the highlights on the fair.</strong> </a> <strong> </strong> </p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor introduced new solutions at ISH China</h1> <p>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>Uponor present with own legal entity in China and on the ISH 2010 in Beijing, China </strong> <br /> <br />Uponor recently achieved a major step for its business by registering its new entity, Uponor Trading (Beijing) Co., Ltd. in February 2010. It is Uponor’s first legal entity in Asia, and it is stressing the importance of the whole region and China in particular. <br />As an internationally leading solutions provider, Uponor was also present in the ISH exhibition, held in Beijing, China's most important marketing platform for the bathroom products, heating, energy and air conditioning technologies made its opening ceremony on 10 March 2010. During the ISH exhibition, Uponor successfully held a product technology seminar. <br /><br />The core topics of the seminar were: “Energy saving, high efficiency and high comfort concept”. The task was to focus on solutions with energy-efficient technologies and how Uponor can provide the different building types with reliable solutions which increase also the comfort level.</p> <p>During the seminar, Uponor's President and CEO Mr. Jyri Luomakoski and General Manager of Uponor Trading (Beijing) Co., Ltd Mr. Robert Cubick gave speeches. Professional experts, dealers and existing and potential customers attended the seminar. Uponor Indoor Climate Application Manager Mr. Zhang Xueming introduced the Dynamic Energy Management (DEM) and Comfort Panel operating principles, product advantages and installation methods. The innovative Uponor products apply for both building renovation and new building construction and target the professional designers, contractors and owners who will benefit from our advanced product solutions. <br /><br />Uponor’s innovative stand design attracted many customers. Uponor exhibited the following solutions: radiant heating, wall heating, tap water and radiator connection, as well as industrial heating. Many media representatives reported on the advanced Uponor technology. During the ISH exhibition, Uponor launched the following new products: Individual Radio Room Control with the Dynamic Energy Management and Comfort Panel for heating and cooling application. <br /><br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor on Tour at the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort fair in Italy</h1> <p>Tue, 16 Mar 2010 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p>From 23rd - 27th of March the Mostra Convegno Expocomfort fair will open its doors in Milano, Italy. </p> <p>Uponor is offering to the market the idea of innovative high quality solutions on the fair with a clear focus on presenting solutions for private homes, offices and industrial buildings. In order to show the Uponor solutions - a comfortable living environment has been created with a real bathroom, bedroom, living room and an office. All equiped with Uponor indoor climate and plumbing solutions.</p> <p>Additionally new product highlights will also be presented. </p> <p> <strong>1. Dynamic Energy Management</strong> <br />The new individual radio room control with <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0065047D4F4A494481EE3660AA8F1787&_z=z">Dynamic Energy Management (DEM) </a>and its revolutionary technology offers many advantages by offering a variety of new functions. And the best of all: Compared to other renovation measures such as building insulation, total renovation or solar heating system, the investment into the Uponor radio control with DEM pays off up to three times as fast! With a more accurate and faster control, the reaction time is up to 25% faster. Thus with the revolutionary DEM technology customers can save up to 12% in energy costs due to the higher efficiency. That has been confirmed in technical tests at the Technical University of Dresden/Germany. The result is a unique innovation from which installers, specifiers, and home owners will benefit in many ways, in new buildings as well as in renovation. Uponor DEM combines the efficient use of energy with a highest degree of comfort. <br /></p> <p> <strong>2. Uponor MLCP pipe system</strong> <br />Uponor is the pioneer of <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=93D90269FA4645B89B843DE47A89B01A&_z=z">multi layer composite pipe (MLCP) systems </a>with a number of 650 million metres of pipes produced since 1990 at the Uponor plant in Zella-Mehlis, Germany. We have widened our range of fittings by offering <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3BA79F4C01894186B90329EA64D67BB4&_z=z">composite pipe fittings </a>made of the advanced PPSU (Polyphenylsulfone) plastic material up to dimension 50 mm. Elbows, tees and couplings for dimension 40 and 50 mm have now been added. For the outer dimensions from <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E0AEF6EDF42C4433A3FE9C5FBE6BD1C1&_z=z">63 to 110 mm </a>the modular fitting system for risers has been completed with new spacer items. They allow to build up easy distribution lines and manifolds in a fast and secure way without the need of additional pipes and connection fittings. </p> <p> <strong>3. Uponor PE-Xa pipe system<br /></strong> <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=A8F57150EBFC46A9AADF7D4476E52415&_z=z">New Wipex and Quick & Easy fittings </a>for the connection to the MLCP Riser system as well as the PPSU fittings up to dimension 63 mm will be shown. </p> <p> <strong>4. Solutions for cooling</strong> <br />The importance of silent cooling is rising. Uponor offers for this future market segment innovative ceiling and <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=0205D339CA5F4EA1B2019E8752ED5231&_z=z">underfloor cooling solutions</a>. They are the ideally combination for cooling of green buildings and support the idea of sustainability and reduction of carbon dioxide for cooling purposes. <br /><br />These are only a few highlights to be pointed out.</p> <p> <strong>Come and see what we have to offer on the exhibition centre Rho, <br />hall 1, stand no. E11 F13.<br /></strong> <strong> <br />Ciao in Milano!<br /></strong> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor financial statements 2009</h1> <p>Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>Uponor’s profitability improved in declining markets </strong> <br /> <br />The year 2009 turned out to be a difficult one, with the decline in construction continuing from the previous year. Demand in the construction markets throughout Uponor's main markets reached a historical low, except for Germany, where the markets also weakened but remained at a reasonable level. <br /><br />As a result, Uponor's net sales from continuing operations fell to EUR 734.1 million, a fall of 22.7% year on year. Despite the decreased net sales, the gross profit margin improved from the previous year. <br /><br />President and CEO <strong>Jyri Luomakoski </strong>commented on the performance: “The year 2009 was a challenging time for all of us due to construction activity slowing down and the demand for our products and services declining. Thus, Uponor’s main focus was to manage costs, maintain a steady cash flow and improve our efficiency, which yielded some good results.” <br /><br />In 2009, all of Uponor’s major end markets – residential new building, public and commercial construction, and infrastructure solutions - were characterised by low activity levels. An increase in renovation and modernisation projects was seen in countries where recovery initiatives were targeted at consumers. This stimulated demand for certain product groups. <br /><br />Uponor carried out savings, cost-efficiency and development projects to secure control over its cost development. The Group’s ongoing integration process progressed successfully and the new organisational structure introduced in the autumn of 2008 contributed to the significantly improved performance of Uponor’s supply chain, in particular. <br /><br />Uponor does not expect the external business environment to show clearly more favourable developments in 2010. <br /><br />The comprehensive financial statements bulletin is available on <a href="http://investors.uponor.com/irmaterial/irmaterial_4.html?Id=hex_201002100000461120.html" target="_blank">the company’s investor website</a>. <br /></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>650 million metres of experience on multi layer composite pipes</h1> <p>Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>The Original – the multi layer composite pipe system from Uponor</strong> </p> <p> <strong> <u>20 years of experience on multi layer composite pipes</u> <br /> </strong>Uponor knows exactly, how a really good multi layer composite pipe system should perform. Uponor stands for more than 20 years of unique customer proximity and innovation leadership. Pipes, fittings and system technology – Uponor offers the complete programme: certified safety and guaranteed reliability, a comprehensive worldwide network of local Uponor companies and distributors in more than 80 countries. <br />Since 1990 Uponor has produced multi layer composite pipes in Germany. Our pipe production in Zella-Mehlis has produced more than 650 Million metres of pipes in all these years – experience at a glance!</p> <p> <u> <strong>An all-around system </strong> </u> <br />The Uponor multi layer composite pipe provides complete potable water installation – from house connection up to the latest tap, as single connections via manifolds, tee connection or loop system. The stable and incrustation free pipe is easy and safe to install and has an authentic protection for drinking water. The used brass material for the system fittings meets all demands of the new German drinking water regulations. It can be used without restriction for all water qualities, which correspond to the potable water regulations. With the Uponor multi layer composite pipe you can easily and energy-efficient install complete heating systems without any problems. Using high quality Uponor multi layer composite pipes as well as corresponding system components - press and threaded fittings - the system can be connected to all standard heating components and radiators.</p> <p> <u> <strong>Comprehensive programme from one source </strong> </u> <br />Uponor is also showing competence in the construction and development of an exactly to the pipe verified fitting concept. The fitting programme with couplings, elbows, tees and a variety of practice-oriented system components leave nothing to be desired: pressing or screwing – both methods are possible and assure everlasting water-proof connections.</p> <p> <u> <strong>Always Innovative<br /></strong> </u>At the ISH fair in March 2009 we presented the latest innovations. On the one hand the new fitting generation for the multi-layer composite pipe for the distributor and riser system for big dimensions until 110 mm. The Uponor multi-layer composite pipe enables to work in a relaxed, comfortable manner at the workbench when pressing the connecting components to the pipes.<br />On the other hand the innovation for the dimensions 14 – 32 mm: no calibration – no deburring is needed. That means less tools and time saving of about 30 % with the press connection.</p> <p>Uponor is and will be innovative. <br /><br /><u><strong>Convince yourself<br /></strong></u>Please find here detailed information on <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=93D90269FA4645B89B843DE47A89B01A&_z=z">Uponor multi-layer composite pipes and fittings</a>.</p> <p> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor presents energy-efficient solutions during the UN Climate Change summit in Copenhagen</h1> <p>Mon, 21 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT</p> About 15,000 people visited the BrightGreen exhibition (12-13th of december) that was organised in connection with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark. The objective of the exhibition was to demonstrate available technologies to combat climate change, and the Uponor crew was present to spread knowledge about their energy-efficient heating and cooling solutions. <br /><br />Uponor’s integrated heating and cooling systems help utilise renewable energy, thus reducing fossil energy consumption and carbon emissions, and bringing significant savings in the energy bill. The company exhibits its innovative low-energy solutions in the Bright Green event in Forum, downtown Copenhagen, on 12-13th of december. <br /><br />Uponor presented its new Dynamic Energy Management (DEM), an innovative automatic control system for underfloor heating both in new and existing buildings. The system utilises a new pulsed supply in the heat distribution, which means faster response times and more accurate temperature levels, increasing indoor comfort and lowering energy consumption. A self-learning system, the DEM system gradually optimises its operation by adapting to the specific building conditions. The system has been proven to give additional energy savings of up to 8-10%. <br /><br />Uponor’s low-energy solutions combine energy savings with superior indoor comfort. This is possible through the use of water-circulating systems that can utilise temperatures close to the ideal indoor environment. Uponor’s product range encompasses a variety of solutions, e.g. underfloor heating systems, ceiling cooling panels and thermo-active constructions that use the building’s thermal mass for energy optimisation. They use energy cost-efficiently and can integrate solar energy, ground heat, heat pumps, biomass, or other renewable energy sources. Compared to traditional heating and cooling systems, they can bring savings of 25-40%. <br /><br />In the European Union, buildings account for approximately 40% of the total energy consumption, and the majority of this energy is used to maintain adequate indoor climate conditions through heating, cooling, and ventilation. Consequently, improved technical systems and thermal insulation offer great savings potential with short payback times. <br /><br />As an additional advantage, water-circulating building systems are ideally suited for low or zero-energy cooling. The need for cooling in buildings is constantly increasing, partly due to more extreme weather types but also due to changes in building codes and indoor climate requirements. Choosing Uponor’s heating/cooling systems for a building means that free cooling sources, e.g. in the form of a ground heat exchanger, can be utilised. Such solutions are ideal for office buildings where they can help eliminate power consumption for air conditioning and thus give savings on the cooling bill of up to 90%. <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor on tour at the BIG 5 Show in Dubai</h1> <p>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT</p> In the last week of November, Dubai was the meeting place for all companies involved in the construction and building industry in the region. It is still the key driver industry in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Qatar even if the city of Dubai is lacking. Moreover the BIG 5 Show is the region’s largest and leading building and construction exhibition for the Middle Eastern countries. <br />The BIG 5 brings together architects, engineers, contractors and developers from the public and private sectors to network, source and specify the latest building and construction products and services. It lines up the most comprehensive product offering with the support of national pavilions from all major exporting countries of the world. The show covers seven core industry segments: building and construction, water technology and environment, air-conditioning and refrigeration, cleaning and maintenance, glass and metal, bathrooms and ceramics, and marble and stone. <br />The main topic for this year has been the commitment to encouraging green products and sustainable building construction. <br />Therefore it has been the ideal place to exhibit the Uponor building solutions on a 36 m² sized booth. <br />Especially with our solutions in sustainable building technologies such as underfloor cooling we offer high comfort for building solutions that ensures low energy consumption and reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional air conditioning systems. Uponor International Sales has intensively promoted the solutions and participation in the fair via online and print media initiatives plus public relations and invitations before and during the fair. <br />Uponor therefore attracted many visitors with the underfloor cooling concept which is covered by an entire project engineering services for the whole project cycle. Many new potential contacts have been made which we will follow up in the coming weeks to ensure that they will end up in new projects in this encouraging region. <br /><br />To the surprise of some officials the number of exhibitors and visitors has reached a new high-level. Some figures to underline the strength of the BIG 5 exhibition: <br />29,396 visitors from the United Arab Emirates <br />58,040 visitors <br />2,833 exhibitors <br />38,500 m² exhibition floor <br /><br /> </article> <article> <h1>Videos are now available on the Uponor solution pages</h1> <p>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 06:00:00 GMT</p> <p align="left">The Uponor webpages will be permanently updated with new content but also as part of the international new website strategy also with new features.</p> <p align="left">The latest update are now videos on Uponor solutions which have been included on the Uponor building solution pages. Customers can easily find out the outstanding advantages of our easy and fast to install systems.</p> <p align="left">Please click here to watch the video on the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=3BA79F4C01894186B90329EA64D67BB4&_z=z">no bevel features of the Uponor MLCP plumbing system<strong> </strong></a>for dimension 14 - 32 mm.</p> <p align="left">Please click here to watch the video on the easiness of the installation of the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E0AEF6EDF42C4433A3FE9C5FBE6BD1C1&_z=z">Uponor MLCP riser system</a> for the bigger dimensions up to 110 mm.</p> <p align="left">We will assure you that our services will also be updated in the near future. Our webpage with the wide range of Uponor building solutions is only one click away.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Comfortable indoor climate enabled in Italian Palazzo Ferrazzi from 1800s</h1> <p>Tue, 27 Oct 2009 05:00:00 GMT</p> Uponor high performance panel has been selected as the best solution <br /><br />Uponor brings the comfort of its Indoor Climate solutions to a prestigious renovation project transforming a 1800s palace into comfortable offices. The beautiful and historical palace is situated in Brescia (Lombardia), a city in Northern Italy, which dates back to the Roman times. The city, known also as the “Lioness of Italy”, is internationally famous for it is the starting and ending point of the historical car race "Millemiglia". <br /><br />“This renovation was an important restoration project, with the aim to preserve and renew the typical features of the 1800s style. The main challenge was to preserve the building’s architecture, while installing a high performance system featuring fast reaction time that could satisfy the high demands coming from the daily use of office space” says Fabio Bresciani, Uponor Italy’s Technical and Project Manager. <br /><br />The traditional heating system could not meet the needed demand, and therefore the perfect choice was Uponor high performance panel with Uponor PE-Xa pipes of 9.9 x 1.1 mm. <br /><br />“Uponor high performance panel is only 1.5 cm thick and this was the right feature to match the very low available depths, due to the original marble floors, that were removed and then laid back in order to install the underfloor heating and cooling system. We also installed Uponor climate controls to manage the system for both heating and cooling. The system was completed with dehumidifiers to control the relative humidity during summer and, if necessary, for cooling integration”, explains Fabio Bresciani. <br /><br />A total of 23,000 meters of Uponor PE-Xa pipes, 1370 m² of panels, 38 manifolds and Uponor control system have been installed for this outstanding project. <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Modern architecture meets engineering of the future</h1> <p>Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p>New Cologne, Germany landmark</p> <p>In 2009, three office buildings will be completed in Cologne, Germany, boasting impressive architecture inspired by quay cranes of the past. The 15-story buildings are considered to be somewhat of a new landmark for the modern, future-oriented Cologne. The buildings are designed by the Hamburg architecture office Bothe Richter Teherani. The southernmost of these buildings, Kranhaus Plus, houses a comprehensive solution in which well water is utilised for both heating and cooling purposes. The geographical and geothermal characteristics of the site, located on the bank of the Rhine, have been exploited in the design of the building. <br />The building is equipped with a system based on the thermal activation of its concrete structures. This prevents unpleasant fluctuations in temperature in these light, glass-walled offices, also during long periods of hot weather. The silent cooling system developed by Uponor stores room heat and operates invisibly, without generating any feeling of draught. <br />The Kranhaus 1 building took first prize in the business centre category at the MIPIM international real estate trade show in Cannes last March being the "office building of the year 2009". <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>New Quick and Easy rings for PE-Xa system for larger dimensions</h1> <p>Fri, 18 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p>For the Uponor PE-Xa pipe system new Quick and Easy rings for pipe dimensions 32, 40, 50, 63 are available from now on. They will include also the innovative stop edge. The new design prevents the ring from slipping down the pipe when expanding. This will facilitate the work for the installer and always makes sure that the ring will be correctly positioned on the pipe.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Uponor Academy with extensive training program</h1> <p>Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:00:00 GMT</p> <p> <strong>Successful knowledge transfer to Uponor partners</strong> </p> <p align="justify">Training programmes for our Uponor partners are the key factor to transfer knowledge and to increase service level in countries where Uponor is not active with own offices. </p> <p align="justify">Only in 2008 we have trained at Uponor International Sales nearly 1,000 participants. Counting all Uponor Academy locations then some 10,000 participants have been trained in special courses during the past years. One example is the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=69539B034DEA476EAE8CF3F470E82751&_z=z">seminar week</a> which took place at the Academy locations in Zella-Mehlis and Hassfurt, Germany from 6th to 10th of July. <br />Uponor had organised a seminar week with 25 participants from the United Arab Emirates, China, Slovenia, Serbia, Iceland, Lebanon and Syria. </p> <p align="justify">The highlights were also the training room in Zella-Mehlis in which simulation of underfloor heating and cooling are possible and have been of much interest. Feel and touch is what convinced the participants about cooling ceiling at the Academy in Zella-Mehlis where Uponor has installed the latest technology for practical demonstration during Academy courses.</p> <p align="justify">For further details please check the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=69539B034DEA476EAE8CF3F470E82751&_z=z">detailed report</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>New Uponor web presence</h1> <p>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:15:00 GMT</p> Uponor will introduce harmonised websites for all countries. The first launch of 14 websites deals with mainly Eastern Europe and countries where Uponor exports its products. Other Uponor units will follow step by step in 2009–2010. <br /><br />Visitors to the new site will find an open and clear design to support the unified Uponor brand message. Tailor-made services for customers, functional oriented solution pages as well as a completely new designed online product catalogue and a well arranged download centre will meet information requirements for a modern web service. <br /><br />“Discover the new Uponor world!” is the slogan for the virtual 3-D city where customers can experience the full range of Uponor building solutions with only a few clicks. <br /><br />The first pages in English have now been launched and visitors at www.uponor.com and www.uponor.com/international can convince themselves about the new design and features. </article> <article> <h1>No more bevelling - just press!</h1> <p>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:00:00 GMT</p> <p>The new generation of Uponor multi layer pipe systems without calibration and bevelling for higher safety and time saving installation.<br />At the ISH 2009 Uponor has introduced the new generation of the multi layer composite pipe system for tap water installation and radiator heating. The important innovation of the system for the outer dimensions from 14 up to 32 mm: No more calibration and bevelling is needed. For the plumber that means less tools and to save one entire working step which leads to a time reduction of about 30% for the press connection. After cutting, the pipe can immediately be inserted into the fitting and afterwards has only to be pressed with the respective tool. The further advantages of the innovative system are still valid. The fittings have been designed so that water discharges when the fitting has not been pressed or screwed. This pressing indication together with the colour coded fittings and pressing jaws for fast and safe allocation of each dimension from 14 to 32 mm reliably prevents any kind of mix-up. These unique advantages together with the world-wide certified quality ensure a permanently tight connection combined with easy and efficient installation. </p> <p>Please find more details on the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=93D90269FA4645B89B843DE47A89B01A&_z=z">solution page</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>300 different fittings are replaced by just 27 new modular items</h1> <p>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Uponor introduces new fitting generation for it’s Riser system with multi-layer composite pipes <br /><br />Fewer parts, greater flexibility, easier planning and quicker processing are the key advantages of the new Uponor multi-layer composite pipe (MLCP) system for risers in the dimensions 63 to 110 mm. </p> <p> <br /> <br /></p> <p>With this innovation Uponor sets a new benchmark for multi-layer composite pipe systems with regard to quality, reliability and safety. While up to 300 different components are necessary for conventional 63 to 110 mm plumbing systems, the new Uponor MLCP Riser system requires not more than 27 items. The combination of polyethylene and aluminium of the multi layer composite pipes certified to German DIN 16833 makes the system robust, oxygen tight and resistant to pres-sure and temperature changes and thus leads to a durable installation. Please find more details on the <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=93D90269FA4645B89B843DE47A89B01A&_z=z">MLCP system</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>$name</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Jan 0001 06:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Insert content here</p> </article> <article> <h1>$name</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Jan 0001 06:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Insert content here</p> </article> <article> <h1>$name</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Jan 0001 06:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Insert content here</p> </article> <article> <h1>$name</h1> <p>Mon, 01 Jan 0001 06:00:00 GMT</p> <p>Insert content here</p> </article> </main></body></html>