Conex Bänninger (www.conexbanninger.com) — a global manufacturer and supplier of fittings, valves and accessories — is celebrating “25 years of production excellence” in Poland.

Its manufacturing site and distribution centre near Poznan supports about 550 jobs, serving markets across Europe and around the world.

It was spotting the opportunity for growth — firstly in Poland and then internationally — that persuaded parent company IBP to invest in what was just a small factory and warehouse in western Poland in 1992.

The acquisition of Instalfittings Sp was the springboard for a quarter century of product innovation and expansion that contributed much to the success of Conex Bänninger and IBP today.

Richard Darwin, group commercial director at IBP, said: “We were fortunate in identifying the opportunity for growth through establishing production in Poland, and this has proven to be a winner many times over.

"The commitment, innovation and expertise provided by all those involved has built great success for Conex Bänninger over the past 25 years and made a major contribution to the rich heritage of the IBP Group.”

Instalfittings was established in 1987 by Irekneusz Grupa and had a workforce of just 50 — making red brass and compression fittings — when it was acquired by IBP; Irek stayed on as CEO.

Later, as sales and marketing director, he continued to play a key role, ensuring that the growing range of products was taken into new international markets.

There was investment in a new 2,000m² warehouse, the production of brass fittings was extended, and a new sales team was introduced. At the time, Conex and Bänninger were separate brands, but they were merged in 1994.

Subsequent developments saw the introduction of copper products. Today’s ‘state of the art’ facilities comprise a modern foundry in the Poznan district, plus a 12,000m² warehouse and logistics hub at nearby Sady, from where fittings and valves are distributed throughout Europe — and as far afield as Australia and the USA.