2020 was a milestone year in the face of an unprecedented global challenge. We focused on our strategic pillars, made remarkable progress in shaping the future of lightweight construction and in sustainability. In trying times, we delivered an exceptional financial performance. We set a new safety record. And people engagement among Etex teammates reached new heights.
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Etex proved its resilience through connecting and caring. Etex teammates united as one global force behind our purpose ‘Inspiring ways of living’. We accelerated strategy execution, focussed on lightweight and modular building technologies, and delivered a strong financial performance in crisis mode. In this short video, six teammates testify on key topics that allowed Etex to outperform expectations in a challenging year.
However challenging, 2020 proved to be a milestone year. We focused on accelerating delivery of our six strategic pillars. With swift measures we weathered the storm, grew the trust of our stakeholders and contained the negative effects of the pandemic, all while paving the way for future growth.
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The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Etex’s revenue in 2020, with a like-for-like decrease of 3.1%. Nonetheless, the company recorded a like-for-like REBITDA increase of +10.9%, its net recurring profit (Group share) was up by 15.1%, and its net financial debt was drastically reduced.
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In this year of global turmoil, Etex reached a number of important milestones. We completed our exit from the clay and concrete roof tile business to focus on lightweight and modular building solutions. This led to major acquisitions.
Over 8,500 Etex teammates in 38 countries attend 125 townhall meetings across our entire organisation to unite with a common purpose and a brand-new corporate identity.
E2E (an Etex-Arauco joint venture) company Tecverde, part of our New Ways division, delivers the first of five lightweight, modular hospitals. Built using industrialised construction techniques, they are completed in an average of 33 days each to help fight the pressure of COVID-19 in Brazil.
Etex becomes a signatory of the UN Global
Compact – a global corporate sustainability
initiative committed to the 10 business principles
of the United Nations and their 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
The peak impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Etex is this month; the activities of around 48% of our facilities are put on hold as numerous countries roll out lockdown measures around the world.
We officially introduce our Etex Leadership Principles: the result of a global, multistakeholder collaborative exercise. These future-focussed principles align with our corporate strategy and are built into the performance review cycles of Etex teammates.
We celebrate the first Etex CEO Award with two individuals and three teams as nominees. Winner Michael Orlowski, based in Neubeckum, Germany, showed exemplary dedication to the Etex values within the context of the Zero Rejects project.
During our General Meeting of Shareholders,
two new Board members are appointed:
Muriel De Lathouwer,
permanent representative of SPRL MucH,
and Hans Van Bylen,
permanent representative of ViaBylity BV.
Etex is back on track following the lifting of global lockdowns; 100% of our production sites are up and running.
Etex runs an in-house-developed ‘Me & Etex’ employee engagement survey in 15 languages. An impressive 8,500 teammates respond to this completely digital initiative, and their feedback is very positive: engagement increased by 5%!
Christophe David joins Etex’s Executive Committee as Chief Manufacturing Officer. In this role, he will drive us towards becoming a global manufacturing organisation of the future – all while staying close to our local businesses.
We reach a record low lost-time accident frequency rate of 1.4. This figure is the direct result of structural changes implemented over the last two years to transform Etex into a global, unified, simpler and more agile organisation.
Etex commits to 100% sustainable electricity sourcing where achievable, certified by guarantees of origin. Etex meets this goal for all production sites in Europe and Chile, and achieves a total of 50% sustainable power globally!
Etex launches PLURATECT MARINE LIGHT, the largest lightweight fire protection board for marine applications available on the market. It combines weight-reducing technology with superior mechanical properties – and is 100% recyclable.
Our Building Performance division enforces its leading position in plasterboard and fibre cement boards. Etex is the global reference in fire protection solutions and dry construction systems for the residential and commercial markets.
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This division offers the best of our knowledge and performance in fibre cement exterior solutions for design architects, homeowners and installers to build beautiful homes without compromising on quality. For entrepreneurial farmers, we are the partner by excellence to safeguard the future.
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During this unusual year, Etex made great
strides in its health and safety engagement, standards animation efforts, and its risk management approach.
Emissions, water use and the circular economy are key environmental topics for us, which we address through data-driven decision-making, increased reliance on renewable energy and further emission reduction measures.
COVID-19 forced us to adapt to collaborating in a new reality. In the face of this challenge, we achieved a number of truly admirable milestones that pave the way for a more agile, engaged and empowered future.
