EQS-Media / 05.12.2024 / 09:00 CET/CEST
wienerberger: Heimo Scheuch appointed president of European ceramic
association Cerame-Unie
Vienna, December 5, 2024 – Heimo Scheuch, CEO of wienerberger – a leading
international provider of innovative, ecological solutions for the entire
building envelope, in the fields of new build and renovation, as well as
infrastructure in water and energy management – was appointed president of
Cerame-Unie, the European Ceramic Industry Association, by decision of the
Cerame-Unie Board of Presidents on April 29, 2024 ahead of the general
assembly of Cerame-Unie scheduled December 4, 2024 in Brussels. He will
take on this position starting January 1, 2025.
“As president of Cerame-Unie, my mission is to ensure that the ceramic
industrial champions and world market leaders based in the EU retain their
global market leadership and their competitiveness in the EU. It is
essential to secure support from the European Union and its Member States
to keep the industry in Europe and create sustainable jobs and added
value. Additionally, providing the industry with the necessary energy
infrastructure – which means accelerating the supply of green energy at
affordable prices –, unbureaucratic access to raw materials, the reduction
of administrative burden by -25% as well as funding support for green
transition investments in our production process is crucial to maintaining
our international competitiveness,” said Heimo Scheuch.
Cerame-Unie is the Brussels-based trade association representing the
European ceramic industry. Composed of world-leading companies, the
European ceramic industry manufactures value-added solutions by
transforming mineral raw materials into sustainable, functional, and
innovative products. The industry is structured into nine sectors, ranging
from construction products and consumer goods to industrial processes and
cutting-edge technology. Cerame-Unie represents 30 member countries,
spanning a pan-European scope, and is a key growth driver with an EU
production value of € 37 billion per year. It ensures 200,000 direct jobs
and supports 25 million employees in the European construction industry.
The association provides expertise in areas such as construction and
sustainability, research and innovation, and climate and energy, while
maintaining constructive dialogue with EU institutions, industry
associations, research partners and other stakeholders.
After his appointment, Heimo Scheuch thanked the Board of Presidents and
the assembly and said: “The presidency of this association is both an
honor and a responsibility. Since its foundation, Cerame-Unie has been a
crucial voice for a strong European economic landscape, as it contributes
the insights of key industrial sectors to ensure that policy works in
practice. Today this role has become more important than ever, as Europe
is under massive economic pressure from other world regions. That is why
as president, I will intensively work with European institutions to
improve our competitiveness while also supporting the goals of the
European Green Deal. The construction sector holds great leverage in
promoting the ecological transition, as 40 % of energy consumption and 36
% of greenhouse gas emissions are accounted for by buildings. Europe’s
economic future needs a strong, sustainable industry to promote the
quality of life for both current and future generations.”
New Position Paper for a Competitive and Sustainable Ceramic Industry
Heimo Scheuch, who has served as CU Vice President since 2010, officially
unveiled the new Cerame-Unie position paper, titled “The Clean Industrial
Deal: A Tailored Approach for Energy-Intensive Industries,” in his role as
the newly appointed President of Cerame-Unie. The paper emphasizes the
need for a dedicated “Transition Dialogue for Heterogeneous
Energy-Intensive Industries” as part of the Clean Industrial Deal. It
outlines key priorities, including tailored support for the clean
transition, improved infrastructure, access to raw materials, and
streamlined administrative processes. By addressing these areas, the paper
aims to strengthen the competitiveness of EU ceramics, a sector
characterized by its dominance of SMEs and multi-site companies often
located in remote regions, while promoting sustainable growth,
decarbonization, and industrial development.
wienerberger is a member of TBE (Tiles and Bricks Europe) and thus a
member of Cerame-Unie since decades with an active role in its efforts.
The association’s priorities align with those of wienerberger, as both
focus on decarbonization through innovation and leveraging the unique
qualities of ceramic products to save energy and move towards ecological
construction and sustainable buildings with a strong commitment to the
goals of the European Green Deal. Cerame-Unie as well as wienerberger
consider the renovation of the existing building stock – reducing their
energy loss and carbon footprint – as a crucial step towards climate
neutrality.
The new Position Paper for a Competitive and Sustainable Ceramic Industry
was released during the European Parliament Ceramic Forum, held in the
framework of the European Ceramic Days from December 2 to 4, where
stakeholders from business, media and the European political and
administrative bodies came together to discuss the industry’s challenges
and prospects.
wienerberger
wienerberger is a leading international provider of innovative, ecological
solutions for the entire building envelope, in the fields of new build and
renovation, as well as infrastructure in water and energy management. With
more than 20,000 employees worldwide, wienerberger's solutions enable
energy-efficient, healthy, climate-friendly, and affordable living.
wienerberger is the world’s largest producer of bricks and the market
leader in clay roof tiles in Europe as well as concrete pavers in Eastern
Europe. In pipe systems (ceramic and plastic pipes), the company is one of
the leading suppliers in Europe and a leading supplier of facade products
in North America. At the beginning of 2024, wienerberger successfully
completed the acquisition of Terreal, becoming the leading European
provider of innovative all-in roofing and solar solutions, as well as
solutions for the entire building envelope in Europe and North America.
With its more than 200 production sites, wienerberger generated revenues
of approx. € 4.2 billion and an operating EBITDA of € 811 million in 2023.
For further information, please contact:
Claudia Hajdinyak, Head of Corporate Communications Wienerberger AG
t +43 664 828 31 83 | claudia.hajdinyak@wienerberger.com
End of Media Release
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Issuer: Wienerberger AG
Key word(s): Associations
05.12.2024 CET/CEST This Press Release was distributed by EQS Group AG.
www.eqs.com
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Language: English
Company: Wienerberger AG
Wienerbergerplatz 1
1100 Wien
Austria
Phone: +43 1 60 192-0
Fax: +43 1 60 192-10159
E-mail: investor@wienerberger.com
Internet: www.wienerberger.com
ISIN: AT0000831706
Listed: Vienna Stock Exchange (Official Market)
EQS News ID: 2044339
End of News EQS Media
2044339 05.12.2024 CET/CEST
