Metigla, a family-owned company, was founded 40 years ago in Belgium and has been active in the Romanian market since 2000. Metigla is a renowned partner in the commercial, residential, and industrial building domains, specializing in the production of a variety of metallic roof and façade solutions. The company is recognized for its unwavering focus on premium quality, long-lasting partnerships, and innovative covering solutions. Apart from Romania, Metigla conducts operations in Belgium, France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Congo.
Interview with Olivier Somers, Leader of Continuous Improvement at Metigla.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
Olivier Somers: Metigla produces and delivers complete covering solutions that withstand the test of time. “It is our mission to cover people’s and businesses’ well-being with a sustainable, smart, and innovative covering solution. Our advanced facilities and careful supply of raw materials ensure the best quality and safety of our products, for users everywhere. Over 8.5 million euros have been invested in automating the production process at our Ceptura factory in Prahova, Romania, with a strong focus on new technologies. For example, our rainwater systems are currently produced by robotized lines, guaranteeing accuracy, water tightness, and premium quality.
E.E: What’s the news about new products/services?
O.S: We consistently invest in implementing new technologies to improve production, delivery times, and resource usage. The launch of Falt Solar by Roofit.Solar highlights Metigla’s commitment to innovation and environmentally friendly building solutions. The 2-in-1 Solar Roof integrates photovoltaic cells directly into the standing seam roof. This type of solution has emerged as a game-changer in the renewable energy landscape. Falt Solar blends photovoltaic panels with traditional roofing materials, offering a sleek and aesthetic roofing solution for both residential and commercial properties.
The year 2023 has seen a notable rise in the adoption of Solar Roofs on residential buildings, leading to projects in both Romania and Belgium. Following the installation of Romania’s first Falt Solar roof, in Păulești, Prahova County in March 2023, Metigla’s innovative technology was swiftly embraced in other locations.
We have many noteworthy projects, such as an 11 kW installation in Strejnic, a 9 kW project in Chitila, a chapel in Poenari with a 9 kW installation, an impressive 15.5 kW installation in Brașov, a 6,2 kW installation in Dragomiresti Vale, Ilfov, and our most recent 8 kW installation in Bucov, Prahova. Metigla also protects and powers the new Scara Mountain refuge, built on Șaua Scării, in the Făgăraș Mountains. This 1.6 kW Falt Solar Roof is installed at the highest altitude in Europe where Metigla & Roofit.Solar has built a solar roof!
E.E: What are the ranges of products/services?
O.S: The company’s primary focus lies in providing premium covering solutions for a wide array of commercial, residential, and industrial buildings. We offer premium, modern, aesthetic residential roofs, and easy-to-install rainwater systems, with a consultative approach, assured by our proactive sales team, ensuring that real value is added to match our client’s vision. The versatility of our portfolio allows us to integrate into a variety of residential project types, from single-family homes to large residential or mixed-use developments. As for our industrial division, we provide premium, tailored, and sustainable solutions for every project. Our products are designed for a wide range of commercial, industrial, and agricultural-use buildings, including mineral wool sandwich panels, corrugated sheets, galvanized profiles, structural and façade cassettes, finishing elements, and accessories. We stand out for our commitment to high-quality systems for both industrial buildings and residential roofs, using only the highest quality raw materials, that withstand the test of time deliver sustainability, efficiency, and reliable performance, and are easily adaptable to different architectural styles and design requirements.
E.E: What is the state of the market where you are currently active?
O.S: In early 2023, the CNSP (the National Commission for Strategy and Forecasting) predicted growth in the construction sector for 2023 and 2024, attributing it to the utilization of European funds. Now, at the beginning of 2024, we can confirm that the Commission’s forecast remains accurate, thanks to the market’s consistent performance in terms of both demand and supply. Based on our market knowledge, real estate investors in both the residential and industrial/commercial segments maintain a positive outlook and have ongoing investment plans for 2024.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
O.S: We prioritize anticipating trends, which is why our investments are focused on automation, digitalization, and sustainability. For example, towards the end of last year, the EU adopted a European Directive imposing a standard on the energy performance of buildings. According to this, all new public and commercial buildings will be required to have photovoltaic installations by 2026. Also, by 2029, new residential buildings will be required to follow suit. Another measure adopted was the efficient integration of photovoltaic installations into construction processes. This will encourage integrated photovoltaic panels, such as the Metigla Solar Roof.
The ESG (Environmental Social, and Governance) factor holds great significance to us in terms of sustainability, aligning Metigla with global environmental initiatives. Our commitment to innovation extends beyond our Solar Roof to our more ‘traditional’ products. For example, our galvanized profiles now also serve as structures for photovoltaic parks, and our mineral wool core insulation panels, with up to 3 hours of fire resistance, protect buildings with rooftop photovoltaic panels. Additionally, Metigla achieved a 70% reduction in grid electricity consumption in 2023 through the installation of 518 kW of photovoltaic panels on the roof of our Ceptura production facility. An investment of around €450,000 will lead to the elimination of around 65 t of CO2 emissions/year. We are also transitioning our car fleet to clean energy, with plans to have only electric cars shortly, powered by the charging stations we installed at the Ceptura site for our employees and visitors.
E.E: What are the most innovative products/services marketed?
O.S: As previously mentioned, our solar roof is an innovative 2-in-1 solution with photovoltaic cells, a combination of mono PERC cells, fully integrated into the high-quality steel material of the metal roofing. This comes with a series of advantages that make it a viable option for any residential project. Just to mention the warranty of over 25 years, the increased resistance to weather conditions, exceptional aesthetics, suitable for any building, including heritage ones, provides energy even in low sunlight conditions, easy to install, has Class A fire protection, and high mechanical resistance. It is a roof that falls under the category of BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) – photovoltaic panels integrated into buildings, completely different from the usual photovoltaic solution, which involves installing solar panels on top of the roof. This innovative roof is a symbol of our dedication to sustainability and efficiency in the development of future-oriented buildings.
E.E: What estimations do you have for the beginning of 2024?
O.S: At the start of each year, we set new goals that we strive to accomplish. Our investments for 2024 revolve around sustainability and digitalization, utilizing new technologies to optimize production and reduce resource consumption. A key focus is the recyclability of the materials we use, and our goal is to make all product packaging reusable or 100% recyclable. We’re actively contributing to Romania’s green energy transformation through innovative solutions like Falt Solar by Roofit.Solar and galvanized profiles for photovoltaic parks. Safety takes precedence, and we recommend mineral wool insulation panels, a 100% recyclable and fire-resistant product, for industrial and logistic parks or shopping centers aiming to generate electricity through rooftop photovoltaic panels. But beyond these, Metigla has a mission to follow. This is to cover people’s and businesses’ well-being with a smart, sustainable, and innovative covering solution. Our passion, experience, and commitment to quality and premium covering solutions are reflected in everything we do – partnerships, development, teamwork, and more. In 2024, we’ll continue to be a long-term, trusted partner, providing our customers with high-quality complete roofing and cladding solutions, and being more than a supplier, but a collaborative ally in the success of their every project.