As part of its international expansion, XPFoam GmbH has acquired a 25% stake in QEP UK Group, an established company in the British flooring and underlay sector. Its subsidiary, XPS Foam Ltd, based in Flint, Wales, is a manufacturer of high-performance underlays made from extruded polystyrene foam (XPS).
This strategic partnership is an important milestone for XPFoam, as it provides direct access to the British market and offers both companies the opportunity to pursue joint initiatives in the areas of technology, automation and product innovation, as well as a cooperative approach to market growth for both companies. The collaboration is also expected to generate significant operational synergies, particularly in the areas of procurement, manufacturing efficiency and cross-border logistics.
XPS Foam Ltd currently operates two modern extrusion lines with an annual production capacity of over 30 million square metres of XPS foam underlays. This not only ensures a reliable supply to the UK market, but also facilitates product exchange and harmonisation with XPFoam’s production site in Leutkirch, Germany. Together, the two plants comprehensively cover the continental European and UK markets, which no other competitor offers.
Marco Seitner, Managing Director of XPFoam GmbH:
‘Our partnership with QEP UK is a decisive step towards strengthening our international presence. QEP UK brings with it in-depth market knowledge and a strong distribution network in the UK. By combining our technical expertise and production capacities, we are well positioned to offer our customers added value and drive innovation across our entire product portfolio.’
Paul Boyce, CEO and majority shareholder of the QEP UK Group:
‘We are delighted to welcome XPFoam as a strategic investor. This partnership opens up exciting opportunities for both companies – not only in terms of market expansion, but also in terms of further developing our technological capabilities. By combining our strengths, we aim to set new standards in product quality, sustainability and customer service.’
With its investment in QEP UK, XPFoam is underlining its ambition to set new standards as an international manufacturer of underlays – with a high level of vertical integration, technical expertise, efficiency and a clear focus on sustainable international growth.