Insight

Amidst custom restrictions, anti-dumping duties and CBAM regulations, European production is becoming increasingly vital, which is why pgb-Polska – the production branch for pgb-Europe – is undergoing a number of investments in technology and infrastructure at its production facility in Zabrze, Poland, to offer shorter lead times, higher quality control, as well as greater flexibility.

Krzysztof Biskup, general manager at pgb-Polska Sp z.o.o, explains: “The shift to source from Europe is enhancing the significance of European manufacturers and helping to drive the competitiveness of the region’s fastening industry. The label ‘Made in eastern Europe’ is increasingly synonymous with quality, affordability and flexibility, with eastern European manufacturers known for their ability to adapt quickly to changing market conditions, while maintaining high standards of production. These attributes, combined with cost efficiencies, make eastern European products highly competitive on the global stage.”  

With a large warehouse and production facility in Zabrze, pgb-Polska is able to supply and replenish deliveries to global customers from the warehouses of its parent company pgb-Europe, headquartered in Melle, Belgium. This means customers can benefit from a truly global outlook, with strong sales activity in the Middle East, central Asia and North Africa – with particular emphasis on the European market. 

 “With the added advantage of utilising our global network, pgb-Polska is able to focus on investment and innovation, which are the cornerstones of our business philosophy,” reports Krzysztof. “By continually investing in the latest technologies, we stay ahead of the curve, enabling us to lower production costs while boosting efficiency and productivity. This enables us to introduce cutting edge solutions that cater to the ever changing needs of our customers, ensuring that we deliver both quality and value in every product.”

A recent investment includes an advanced automatic box packing system that was introduced in Zabrze, enabling a significant shift in speed and productivity. pgb-Polska has also enhanced its production capabilities by acquiring several new machines and expanding its central material supply system, which ensures efficiency at every step. Additionally, the company is embracing sustainability
with the installation of energy measurement systems and photovoltaic panels to lower its carbon footprint, with further expansions planned. 

The company’s commitment to sustainability has also seen a change to some of its product processes. “Recently we started with the process for an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) on our plastic anchors, which will provide transparency about our product’s environmental impact and support our customers in complying with regulations and certifications, as well as ensure the quality of our wide range of products,” highlights Krzysztof. 

pgb-Polska’s diverse range of anchoring products is distributed under the patented SMART brand, with a full range of woodscrews offered through the pfs+ and HAPAX brands, with rigorous certifications and regular audits ensuring the highest possible product quality. 

Krzysztof outlines: “We take pride in offering one of the most comprehensive ranges of plastic and metal fixings on the market, designed to meet the needs of diverse industries – from construction to furniture manufacturing. We have been promoting and offering our own products for years under the SMART brand, which has proven to be a high-quality range of products for our customers.”

Krzysztof continues: “Quality isn’t just a value for us – it’s the backbone of everything we do. However what really sets us apart is our holistic approach to customer service. From prompt delivery and a complete product portfolio to thoughtfully designed packaging and robust technical support, we ensure that our clients receive an experience and service that goes beyond the product itself.” 

As part of this service, pgb-Polska has recently launched an entirely new packaging model featuring new graphics to elevate the visual identity of its products. In addition, the company has also introduced customised private label packaging, enabling customers to personalise boxes with their own branding, offering tailored packaging solutions to meet customers’ diverse needs.

The company has also recently introduced a variety of innovative fixings, including insulation plugs with long expansion zones, specialised anchors for aerated concrete and sandwich panel screws, as well as a new line of C4 coated screws – under the HAPAX brand. “All our latest investments not only streamline our operations but improve our product offering, which ensures pgb remains competitive in a growing market, while catering to both current and future customer demands,” states Krzysztof. “As we look ahead, automation is a key driver of our future growth strategy. It plays an essential role in improving operational efficiency and reducing costs, so I expect it to become even more integral to pgb’s processes, enabling us to stay competitive and continue delivering value to our clients. The goal with pgb-Polska is to continue to put ourselves at the top of the list of high-quality plastic anchor producers, by continuing to excel in both products and added services, as well as being a sustainable partner for existing and future customers.”