TPi September 2013

A positive future for Radius Systems An interview with Andy Taylor, CEO of Radius Systems, following the sale of the business to the Polyplastic Group

■ What made you join Radius Systems?

A ndy Taylor became CEO of Radius Systems in June 2012. With his broad-ranging experience and background, he talks about the company’s positive future outlook after its recent acquisition by Polyplastic Group.

This company has always been at the forefront of innovation in the utility and construction industry – an industry, incidentally, that leads the world for quality, safety and innovation – and I’ve always admired that, even when I was managing Hepworth Building Products and later Wavin. A lot of consolidation has gone on in the industry, and where it hasn’t, some smaller operators are struggling to provide the capacity, security of supply, short lead times and quality of manufacturing and product support that customers want and expect. This company offers all of these benefits, right now, and it will get even better as we work on being leaner and more cost- efficient for customers. Customer expectations are constantly changing and Radius needs to be aware of that, so in turn we are constantly seeking to complement our existing skill base by introducing new ideas and new talent from other similarly fast moving sectors. I also have a background in the automotive industry, and we are now bringing benefits like product traceability standards from that sector directly into the gas industry. ■ Can you tell us anything about these future plans and why they should reassure Radius Systems’ customers? With the security that comes with being part of a substantial international group rather than a standalone business, we are already looking at how we can bring benefits to our customers with the manufacturing technologies, product innovation and product portfolio the new group now offers, in conjunction with our own local expertise. We will share scale and efficiencies, new sales territories, and people’s skills, and we’ll have access to new products. We’re listening very carefully to what our customers are asking us for. We will strive for maximum efficiency and cost- effectiveness, but because we believe we need to offer a comprehensive solution for our customers, which includes guaranteed quality, local capacity, national (local) product support, security of supply, short supply lines and short lead times (all of which make a big difference to whole asset life, performance and overall cost), we may never be the cheapest on a product-for-product cost comparison. Complacency is never an option, even when you are a leader in your market.

■ What has been happening with Radius in the last three years?

Andy Taylor: It’s certainly been a turbulent three years at Radius Systems. In 2008 the company undertook a management buy-out from its Finnish parent, Uponor, when the markets were looking pretty strong. What then followed was the massive economic recession that affected us all. Radius has been UK market leader in utility pipe systems for many years and had been expanding internationally. Overseas factors like the Dubai construction slump and a complacent attitude towards our position in the UK market made the last three years particularly challenging ones. But the acquisition by Polyplastic Group in February brings us a new level of stability and financial security and is great news for us, our customers and our new owners. I’m delighted to be CEO at the start of this exciting stage in Radius Systems’ progress – there are some great developments ahead. Polyplastic Group was founded in 1991 and is today the leading European supplier of thermoplastic compounds and polyethylene piping solutions for infrastructure markets, with modern production plants in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Kazakhstan. A strong emphasis on investment in technology, underpinned by a focus on quality, research and development, has resulted in a product portfolio spanning gas and water utilities, sewer systems and district heating. With the Radius acquisition, the new group now forms the fourth largest pipe and fittings producer in Europe. Incidentally, with regard to polyethylene pipes and fittings, Polyplastic is the largest volume producer in Europe. The combination of Polyplastic and Radius creates scale and a two-way synergy stream which will undoubtedly lead to benefits we can share with our UK customer base. ■ Tell us about Polyplastic Group

Radius Systems Ltd – UK sales@radius-systems.com www.radius-systems.com

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September 2013 TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL