KWH Pipe believes that the plastic pipe market will grow in Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states. Export opportunities are increasing now further East and West. Eyes are set on Russia, where an expansion of activities is being considered at present.

KWH Pipe Ltd, which produces and develops plastic pipe systems, has been operating in eastern Europe for just over ten years. There is production in Poland, the Czech Republic and Estonia.

"We became established in these countries at a very early stage, and after some initial difficulties the companies have managed very well. Our experiences have, in the main, been good," says Pekka Kuivalainen, who is the Area Director of KWH Pipe Europe.

From Poland to the Czech Republic and Estonia

KWH started in Poland with exports and a minority interest in a company producing pipes for district heating. In 1993 it set up its own plant, which today is one of the biggest producers of polyethylene systems in the country. Also operating in Poland is a joint venture company established in 1991 with the City of Warsaw. There are sales offices in Warsaw and Gliwice.

A few years ago in the Czech Republic KWH Pipe bought out a plant that produces district heating pipe systems. Initially it had been a joint venture company. Based in Prague, the compay is, according to Kuivalainen, the market leader in the field, the biggest and only sizeable producer in the Czech Republic and Slovakia region.

Trade in Russia expands

Kuivalainen says the outlook is quite good. Poland, the Czech Republic and the Baltic states have grown steadily and the markets are operating on a healthy basis. Building up the infrastructure, such as highways, is on the increase and increasing attention is being paid to the environment. KWH Pipe's products will be needed for these purposes. Growth is expected on the markets, although a big boom is not on the horizon.

Export opportunities are increasing further to the East and West. "The role of central-eastern Europe 'between East and West' is growing. Our interest is focused on the East, Russia and the Ukraine. Trade with Russia will increase and expand on a broader front," he predicts.

At this moment water pipes are selling particularly well in the St Petersburg region. "At present we're considering a possible expansion of operations in Russia," Kuivalainen says.

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KWH Pipe is one of the world's leading producers and developers of plastic pipe systems.