LEEDS: Everbuild Building Products has turned around the fortunes of iconic construction chemical brand Feb following its purchase in 2009. Since making the acquisition sales of Feb products have increased from a low point of £1 million to £4 million a year.
Everbuild secured the future of Feb last year when it acquired the Feb and Aquaseal brand names, intellectual property and key product formulations from German chemical giant, BASF.
Feb was set to disappear after BASF announced plans to close its Manchester-based subsidiary in 2009 before Everbuild stepped in to ensure the range of 200 products would continue to be manufactured in the UK.
Everbuild has reinvigorated the brand both in the UK and overseas with a number of new international markets being established.
The Feb range is manufactured alongside Everbuild’s existing product rnge at its factory in Leeds where it employs more than 220 people. Everbuild has created a separate division for Feb run by a specialist team, which has focused on growing the brand’s market penetration and building on its excellent reputation.
With almost 60 years’ history, Feb is synonymous with the building and construction sector. The popularity of its concrete and mortar admixes among generations of builders has led to the brand taking its place in the lexicon of builders’ language with all similar products referred to as ‘Feb’.
David Seymour, managing director of Everbuild Building Products, said: “Rescuing Feb not only ensured the future of one of the construction industry’s most iconic brands, but also expanded our offering to the sector. These excellent sales figures totally justify our decision and highlights how important these quality products are to people working in the industry.
“Through our strong network of international customers we have also been able to take the Feb brand into new markets around the world. Based on Everbuild’s existing global success we know that international customers appreciate the manufacturing and chemical expertise we have in the UK and they have been very responsive to the Feb brand.”
