Wavin (Zwolle / The Netherlands; www.wavin.com) plans to restructure its UK operations. The multi-million pound investment programme will see the plastic pipes producer expand its manufacturing facilities in Doncaster and Chippenham. While the former will focus on plumbing and heating, specialised in its “Hep2O” flexible plumbing brand, the latter will be dedicated to above and below ground plastic drainage manufacturing, embodied by Wavin’s “OSMA” brand. Both plants are set to be completed in mid-2016.

As a result of the restructuring, Wavin said it is considering the closure of its extrusion facility in Brandon. Commenting on the changes, Brent Nicholls, the group’s managing director South West Europe, said, “By simplifying and increasing the focus of our UK manufacturing network and supply chain we will be aligned to the changing needs of our customers.”

With sales of about EUR 1.2 bn and a workforce of 5,500 spread across more than 25 countries, Wavin is considered to be one of Europe’s leading plastic pipe producers. The Dutch group was acquired by Mexichem (Tlalnepantla / Mexiko; www.mexichem.com.mx) in 2012 – see Plasteurope.com of 09.02.2012.