MAPEI in Ukraine: A key player in reconstruction and development

With over eighty years of history, the Italian company MAPEI holds a leading position among manufacturers of construction materials. In the current context, it plays a significant role in rebuilding infrastructure and supporting socio-economic development in the country. MAPEI not only provides high-quality products but also actively collaborates with local communities, supporting various educational and cultural initiatives. Its contribution to sustainable development and local community support deserves special attention and respect. Therefore, we consider it our duty to share more about the company.

Unveiling the Legacy: The Mapei Group Story

For over 85 years, Mapei Group has pioneered innovative solutions in the construction industry, honed through continuous collaboration with designers, architects, and industry experts. Founded in Milan in 1937 by Rodolfo Squinzi as Mapei - Materiali Ausiliari Per l'Edilizia e l'Industria, the company embarked on a journey that has transformed it into a global leader of Italian excellence. Today, Mapei operates manufacturing facilities across five continents, offering twenty-five product lines tailored to meet diverse construction needs. Veronica and Marco Squinzi, representing the third generation of the family, uphold this legacy at the helm of the Group.

Innovations and Sustainability at the Core

Mapei Group is dedicated to offering cutting-edge products and promoting eco-sustainable construction practices. Their R&D Laboratories focus on formulating high-quality, environmentally friendly products to reduce CO₂ emissions. A significant portion of the Group's workforce is dedicated to R&D, with a global network of 32 main units supported by a Corporate Centre in Milan, serving as a central laboratory and coordinating hub. They collaborate closely with universities, scientific institutions, and industrial research centers.

Mapei's R&D teams support the Technical Services Department in solving complex customer challenges, aided by quality control centers across their 90 production facilities worldwide. The Group has led numerous impactful projects globally, including the restoration of iconic structures like the Guggenheim Museum in New York, Teatro alla Scala in Milan, and the Colosseum in Rome. They have also contributed to innovative ventures such as the Arena of the Future and green-mobility initiatives like the A35 Brebemi motorway in Italy.

Mapei's Impact in Ukraine

Mapei Ukraine, established in 2006, six years after first introducing Mapei products locally, has grown significantly from its Kyiv headquarters. The company has built a robust distribution system centered around two main channels: distributors and DIY markets. This system also supplies materials from other Group brands like Cercol and Polyglass, available through major retailers such as the Epicentr K chain (the leader of a hardware stores in Ukraine), which stocks Mapei and Cercol products for ceramic tile and stone installations.

In Ukraine, Mapei operates through a network of 11 distributors and extends its reach to Georgia with a distributor, a sales representative, and a partner company. This setup efficiently serves both markets with a wide range of products.

Expanding into Georgia in 2009, Mapei Ukraine has fostered profitable partnerships with local construction companies and distributors. Despite challenges posed by ongoing geopolitical tensions, Mapei Ukraine has demonstrated resilience, supported by its robust technical assistance services and dedicated staff, continuing to operate and plan for future growth.

The company actively engages with the construction sector through technical seminars and participation in industry conferences like Liha Maistriv and KyivBuild. Notably, Mapei Ukraine showcased its latest products at KyivBuild 2023, with upcoming seminars in Kyiv focusing on the ULTRATOP range of cementitious floor and wall coatings, popular in interior design.

Drawing from its extensive experience in Italy, where it has developed solutions for restoring historic monuments and structures, Mapei applies this expertise in Ukraine. Mapei products have been instrumental in rebuilding critical infrastructure, including bridges near Sviatohirsk Lavra (a major Orthodox Christian monastery on the steep right bank of the Siverskyi Donets River)  and Malyn (a city in Zhytomyr region).
Motivated by teamwork and a forward-looking approach, Mapei Ukraine remains dedicated to enhancing the building industry through continuous innovation and education, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Culture and modern art

Mapei Group embodies the essence of Italian identity by actively supporting both sport and culture. This commitment stems from the belief instilled by its founder, Rodolfo Squinzi, that work cannot be separated from art. For Mapei, this philosophy translates into significant sponsorships and contributions to cultural landmarks and sporting endeavors.

In its hometown of Milan, Mapei's sponsorship of La Scala Opera Theatre not only promotes music and art but also enriches the cultural landscape of the city. Since 1984, Mapei has been instrumental in funding technologies and research for the Opera Theatre's renovation, emphasizing its role in innovative corporate communication through cultural engagement.

Internationally, Mapei has contributed to the restoration of iconic cultural sites like the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York and Palazzo Venier dei Leoni in Venice. These efforts have forged enduring partnerships with prestigious institutions such as the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, highlighting Mapei's dedication to preserving global cultural heritage.

In the realm of sports, Mapei's commitment is exemplified by its ownership of Sassuolo Calcio football club, supporting both men's and women's teams across all levels since 2003. The transformation of Reggio Emilia's stadium into Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore underscores Mapei's dedication to sports excellence and community engagement, exemplified through initiatives like the Open Stadium without Barriers project, promoting a safe and inclusive environment for football enthusiasts of all ages.

Since its entry into professional cycling in 1993, Mapei has been a steadfast supporter of the sport, sponsoring a UCI first division team that dominated international rankings for years. Beyond competitive success, Mapei continues to invest in youth cycling and major events like the Road Cycling World Championships, where it has served as the Main Partner since 2008.