E-mail: info@spri.es
Bizkaiko Enpresa Kimikoen Elkartea
Gran Vía, 50 - 5.º
Tel. 94 400 28 00 - Fax: 94 400 28 00
E-mail: lblanco.avec@cebek.es
· Strategic Location 9
· International Vocation 11
· Infrastructure of R+D+I 13
· Industrial and Financial Infrastructure 13
· Quality of Life 13
3 The Basque Chemical Industry 16
· The Sector in figures 16
· The Sector of the Basque Chemical Industry 17
· Leading subsectors 18
4 Company search engine 22
5 Catalogue of Companies 28
8
Idiomas oficiales Euskara y Castellano
Capitales Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao y Donostia-San Sebastián
Aeropuertos Loiu, Hondarribia y Foronda
Puertos principales Bilbao y Pasajes
Parques Tecnológicos Araba, Bizkaia y San Sebastián
Médicos 4,7 por cada mil habitantes
Esperanza de vida (hombres) 76,4 años
(mujeres) 83,7 años
Tasa de escolaridad (mayores 15 años) 100%
Source: EUSTAT y Elaboración propia
he history of the Basque Country over the last 300
years can not be understood without the overriding
contribution of industry. Many conditions made the territory
the ideal location for the industrial development which still
continues today.
the Chemical Industry is the level of preparation obtained by
the Basque educational system, providing companies with
individuals trained to the highest degree at all professional
levels, who are particularly aware of the importance and
responsibility involved in a job in industry.
Located in the northeast of the Iberian peninsula and rated
as the leading industrial conglomeration in Spain, the Basque
Country is characterised by its continuous adaptation to the
changes required by the development of an advanced society
and by the core existence of the conditions, attitudes and
skills necessary for the development of the hugely active
and competitive Basque Chemical sector.
Strategic Location
The Basque Country, one of the geographical and communication
centres of the European Atlantic arc, has a number of maritime
ports, national and international airports, and a major well-
connected network of railways, motorways and first-class
roads. Furthermore, the logistical centres of the Port of Bilbao
and Vitoria airport are gateways for the arrival and departure
of goods to leading international destinations.
The Basque Country: a powerful industrial reality
9
T
10
Source: EUSTAT and the Ministry of Finance
Network of Industry and Subcontracting
Companies (total nº) 171,988
Unemployment Rate (2004) 7.0 %
Chemical Industry (% employed population) (2004) 0.70 %
Construction (% employed population) (2004) 9.11 %
Services (% employed population) (2004) 61.36 %
Gross Domestic Product GDP (Thous. Euros) 47,277
GDP per capita (Euros) 22,383
Distribution Gross Value Added (GVA) Agriculture 1.47 % Industry 32.68 % Construction 7.74 % Services 58.12 % Imports (Thous. Euros) 10,495
Exports (Thous. Euros) 11,786
Internet Users (%population >15 years of age) 35.50%
Source: EUSTAT 2003 Export trends (%) Export Trends 2003
The Basque Country 26.15 Spain 27.94 France 23.53 Germany 32.86 Italy 24.56
(*) % Exportación/PIB
Quality
Companies with ISO 9000 certification 4,016 Companies with ISO 14001 certification 675 European Award EFQM 5 winners
5 runner-ups Q Basque Gold Award Quality Management (*) 15 Q SIlver (*) 65
Source: The Basque Government, Dept. of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, 2004.
(*) Following EFQM model: Q Gold , 500 points, and Q Silver, 400 points.
Source: The Treasury- the Basque Country
Comparative evolution of GDP (%)
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 20022001 2003
2.4 2.4
Technological Level of Industrial Production (%)
Macroeconomic variables Employment GVA Sales
Distibution of industrial production 100.0 100.0 100.0 High Technological Level 2.7 2.6 2.4 Medium to high Technological Level 28.2 28.3 28.0 Medium to low technological Level 46.8 44.0 46.5 Low Technological Level 20.2 16.6 16.8 Participation of the Chemical Sector % Chemical/Industrial in High TL 7.4 14.5 10.5 % Chemical/Industrial in Medium-High TL 8.8 11.9 14.6
Source: EUSTAT 2002
The Basque Country has a long industrial tradition, in the
early periods of the steel industry, continuing with naval
construction and evolving to more advanced technology
sectors. The recognised business-like nature of the Basque
population has given rise to a dense network of small and
medium-sized specialised firms, supplying an industrial
network with multiple subcontracting capacities.
International Vocation
international vocation, with facilities and/or strategic
alliances in a number of countries around the world,
particularly in the rest Of Europe, Latin America and the
Far East.
Administrative Structure
bodies, of which the industrial, education and public
investment policies are of note. Traditionally there has
always existed a varied range of aids to companies:
encouraging the start of business projects, the development
of new products and technology companies, promoting the
setting up of projects, etc. The Society for Industrial
modernisation and promotion, S.A. (SPRI) is the development
agency of the Basque Country, and included among its
main objectives are the promotion of the Basque country
as an area attractive to investment, and the setting up of
business between foreign and Basque companies, and
after almost 25 years of work, it has much experience in
these matters. SPRI is a privileged gateway to a broad
selection of public and private financial aids, with particularly
attractive and competitive offers for companies, configuring
an advanced system of industr ia l promot ion.
The Basque Public Administration has created certain bodies
to offer basic support to the industry in sensitive areas for
the Chemical Industry such as: quality (Euskalit), the
environment (Ihobe), energy (Eve), technology (Saretek),
etc.
This is the basic reason why the Basque Country is one of
the areas in Europe with the highest density of ISO 9000
and ISO 14001 certificates, and a higher number of followers
of the EFQM European model of excellence There is also
a high degree of sensitivity to all environmental aspects,
which contributes to reducing the impact on the environment
and to providing high quality surrounds, in spite of the high
industrial density.
public health system in the whole country, Osakidetza, and
one of the most modern and automated public
administrations, with special attention and specific
programmes for the development of electronic
administration.
12
R&D Expenditure in %GDP 1.48 1.10 1.83
Company Financing/Total R&D (%) 79.1 54.1 66.3
FTE* persons per 1000 in active service 11.58 8 9.9
FTE* researchers per 1000 in active service 7.28 4.9 5.6
Source: EUSTAT 2003 except (*) 2002
R+D Infrastructure
R&D Expenditure (Thous. Euros) 699.9
Companies: 79.1
Enseñanza Superior: 17.8 Source: EUSTAT 2003
Infrastructure of Training
University students (2003) 76,589
Nº of workers in continuous training courses in the Basque Country (2003) 90,242
Source: EUSTAT
teaching staff.
providing highly-prepared professionals to the Basque
Chemical Industry: the Faculty of Science and Technology,
the Higher School of Industrial Engineers, and the School
of Technical Engineering.
But it is perhaps in the intermediate levels where the Basque
Country offers a qualitative jump with respect to neighbouring
areas. The level of preparation offered by the Occupational
Training system for young people who will take up work in
the Chemical Industry factories is underlined by all the
participating companies as being a decisive factor in the
competitive capacity.
The Basque Network of Science, Technology and Innovation
(SARETEK) is made up of more than 80 institutions including
Technological centres of international prestige, university
departments with accredited research, research laboratories,
etc., one of the highest concentrations in Europe dedicated
to research and development as a supporting factor for
industrial activity.
Some of the centres are specialised in services of great
interest to the Chemical Industry such as the environment,
research into new polymer materials or new possibilities
in chemical production.
Industrial and Financial Infrastructure
The Basque Country has a major network of support to the
industrial sectors. The Basque Network of Industrial Parks
includes three large Technological Parks (Bilbao, San
Sebastian and Vitoria), of which the Zamudio Technological
Park is of note, as the number one in Spain.
The network of Business Associations and Clusters, whose
work is of particular importance in backing the Chemical
Sector, is one of the main supporting elements for the
groups of companies, due to its continual work in
promotions, incentives and interlocution, moving a fluid
system of industrial development based on collaboration.
All these centres and a large part of the Basque territory
have access to telecommunication networks with a broad
band width, provided by two leading operators and a large
number of Internet service providers (ISP).
The Basque financial system is known for its capacity and
scope, and is the origin of international entities such as
the BBVA, the Savings Bank confederation, the Cooperative
System, etc. Also present in the territory are all the leading
international financial institutions.
Quality of Life
The reputation of the Basque Country for high quality living
is upheld by exceptional orographic conditions and countryside
(sea, mountains, weather, etc.) in addition to first class
cultural events (international festivals and congresses, Film,
jazz...), renowned museums (Guggenheim Bilbao, Artium,
Chillidaleku...), and a prestigious gastronomic culture. Sport
of all types also plays a major role in Basque society.
14
2.1.
Raw Material NH3O + H2SO4
15
Product Azul ultramar
Befesa Desulfuración, S.A.
Va lu
e Ad
de d/
Em pl
oy ee
(T ho
us an
20021998
410.149
1995
534.829
804.497
410,149
534,829
804,497
250,430
326,590
346,863
578,871
697,973
845,567
Source: Industrial Survey, Eustat
Others
CAPV
Andalusia
Valencia
Madrid
Catalunya
Foreign Trade of the Basque Chemical Sector (Thousands €)
191,525
38
115
105
95
85
75
65
55
45
35
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Average size (employment) of companies carrying out R&D –Chemical 157 145 134 126 126 126 94 87 –Industry 174 176 188 184 173 170 168 164
Employment R&D/Total employment (%) –Chemical 4.6 4.3 4.4 4.7 5.9 6.5 8.9 6.8 –Industry 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.9 2.4 2.8 3.1 3.1
R&D Expenditure/Sales (%) –Chemical 1.0 0.9 0.8 0.8 1.1 1.0 1.0 1.0 –Industry 0.5 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6
R & D Activity. Industry and the Basque Chemical Sector. 1995-2002
Source: R&D Survey. Industrial Accounting Eustat.
Incidence of ISO certification in the Basque Chemical Sector (2004)
ISO 9000 Certificates
ISO 14001 Certificates
Source: Aenor and Ihobe.
In the financial history of the Basque Country, basic industry
is one of the keys to the wealth and well-being of the
population.
Closely linked to the industrial sectors it serves, the factories
of the Basque Chemical Industry, having survived the blows
from the industrial crises at the end of the 20th century,
have emerged stronger, more competitive and better
prepared technologically.
Diversity is the most outstanding quality of the sector. The
variety of activities and markets which the Basque Chemical
companies serve is broad and the niches of internal
competition are few. This allows for a high level of
cooperation and exchange of experiences and information
between the companies in the sector.
In the Chemical sector the technological demand is intense,
giving rise to a strong presence of multinational companies,
who invest considerable capital into R&D and innovation,
and of SMEs highly specialised in offering services to
specific sectors in the Basque economic activity.
The technological level of the Basque chemical companies
is very high. The production plants are becoming more
and more computerised, giving rise to progressively safer
processes and the need for higher and better trained
personnel. Research and development is one of the key
factors, as much given to product innovation, as to
improving the efficiency of processes and the safety of
the already traded products themselves, known as "Product
Stewardship”
is one of the most outstanding aspects: the gross value
added per employee, and the incidence of ISO-9001 and
ISO-14001 certificates, place it in a leading position in
Basque industry.
worldwide, with 28.6% of the global market, compared to
the 26.3% of the United States and 10.4% of Japan. Within
the EU-15, Spain occupies sixth position in chemical
production, with 7.1% of the production in business figures
and 8.4% of the 1,600,000 workers in the European
Chemical Industry.
sustainable development on a global level, and to the
initiative of continuous improvements to the environment
and safety, Compromiso de Progreso® (Commitment to
Progress) which the leading companies fol low.
One of the main problems facing the Basque Chemical
Sector is that of competition from emerging countries,
mostly in Asia.
in the world, help the Basque Chemical Industry to obtain
very high efficiency quotas in its processes. In contrast,
the emerging countries use far more permissive
regulations enabling them to save on costs and achieve
competit ive prices with a much more deficient
management system.
Basic Chemistry refers to the sector given to the manufacture
of more standardised chemical products, with very diverse
applications, and usually consumed by other chemical
companies.
It is a capital and technology intensive activity, where the
incidence of scale economies is most important as it
competes in global markets extremely marked by price
levels.
The activity is particularly influenced by the cost of raw
materials, working with tight margins and a constant
technological effort to improve products and the efficiency
of processes.
requires the adoption of transport and logistical
improvements.
The most important sub sectors in the Chemical Sector of
the Basque Autonomous Community are:
A.1.- Basic Organic Chemicals: notably the production of
coal-tar pitch and other products derived from the distillation
of tar.
acids, such as sulphuric or nitric acid, and the
electrochemical production of chlorine, soda and
hydrogen.
chloride or polystyrene.
nitrogen, carbon dioxide or noble gases, aimed at a
variety of sectors, with hundreds of different applications,
19
hospital medicine.
sector is made up of firms who provide active ingredients
for use in other industrial sectors, using products
formulated from raw materials coming from the Basic
Chemical sector.
The composition is vital for the end function, and on
occasions, the only factor families of products, making up
the supply of the companies, have in common is that they
are going to a specific industrial sector.
The products have a higher value added and are frequently
developed by a particular client with an influence over the
design and make-up. Technical service offered to the
customers, in product applications and handling, is a vital
part of the offer.
The presence of SMEs in the sub sector is higher than in
the Basic Chemical Sector, and they remain in the market
by offering a service closely adapted to the needs of the
particular cl ients, with very high loyalty rates.
They stand out in a non-exhaustive count for the product
destination:
supplying all types of chemical products used by the foundry
industry, such as resins for moulding sand cores, catalysers,
sleeves, refractive paints, etc.
plastics (e.g. packaging) or on metals. Both the inks and
the other special additives and hygienic lacquers for covering
the inside of cans are traded.
B.3 Chemicals for Construction and Civil Engineering: Firms
producing a wide range of decorative paints, Sealants,
bonding agents, etc. And particularly the production of
explosives for mining, quarries and civil engineering works.
B.4. Industrial Paints and Varnishes: The products are
destined at coating, protection and decoration for sectors
including the vehicle, domestic appliances or furniture
manufacturing sectors.
additives for potability or products for purifying waste
water, both to industrial customers and public sewage
plants.
Basque paper-making sector is a major user of chemical
products in production, from conditioning the water to the
finish on the paper.
of firms dedicated to the formulation of cleaning products
for industry and catering, as well as those dedicated to
biocides.
transformation industry using the following techniques:
moulding, extrusion, injection, etc.
cosmetic.
It is a major sub sector in the country’s chemical industry,
but with a relatively lower incidence in the Basque Country,
occupying only 3.4% of the 216 registered establishments
in the whole of the Basque Chemical Industry.
This chemical sub sector has the greatest advertising
costs, and considerable need for constant innovation to
attract the consumer.
and substances aimed at health care and its trade in
chemists and medical centres.
soaps, etc.
dishwasher soaps, air fresheners, oils and other car
products.
The Basque Chemical companies are aware of the great
prospects for the future, and are maintaining and increasing
their competitive capacity.
In this respect, the great majority of the company managers
agree that three main management plans mark the
competitiveness and ensure their survival and success in
the markets:
of a differentiated product with considerable technological
content. The development of R & D & i activities aimed at
improving the standard product in favour of a product with
higher value added.
terms of cost is limited when compared to countries with
emerging economies. Low labour costs with reduced safety
and environmental measures are not obtainable given the
social and environmental standards considered as basic in
the European Union.
with a tendency to increase the value added of products,
differentiating them from the standard products with a low
technological content. The chemical product customer
does not only base purchases on price, but also takes into
account variables including safety and the environmental
balance of the product handling at its own facilities, known
as Product Stewardship.
Secondly, the Basque Chemical Industry adopts the belief
that the safety of individuals and of the installations is the
basis for socially responsible production. Prevention, training
and investment in the materials involved in the processes,
material products and safety teams, in addition to the
internal and external diffusion of safety and risk minimisation
are included among their chief concerns.
A third point guiding the management of the companies
aims to improve the sustainability of the chemical production,
on a social, economic and environmental plane, incorporating
those action plans representing improved products together
with a reduction in the environmental impact. Therefore,
following a complex legislation relevant to the different
areas in the company (product, processes, energy...) is
vital.
The Basque Chemical Industry has for a long time assumed
the maxim, proven with evidence, that safer and cleaner
companies are also, without exception, the most competitive.
21
22
B.2 CHEMICALS FOR THE GRAPHIC ARTS
B.3 CHEMICALS FOR CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL
ENGINEERING
B.5 WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS
B.7 INDUSTRIAL DETERGENTS AND BIOCIDES
B.8 ADDITIVES AND AGENTS FOR TRANSFORMING
RUBBER AND PLASTIC
C) PRODUCT CHEMICALS
C.1 PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS
Subsectores de Actividad
Company search engine
ACIDEKA, S.A. • •
24
25
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PIROTECNIA ASTONDOA, S.A. •
PRAXAIR ESPAÑA, S.L. • •
PRODUCTOS LÁZARO, S.A. • •
27
UNION EXP. ENSIGN-BICKFORD SISTEMAS •
28
www.acideka.com+34 944231698
PADULETA, ESQUINA JUNDIZ PARQ IND. JUNDIZ 01015 VITORIA-GASTEIZ
atcliente@ab-laboratorios.com+34 945291616
www.ab-laboratorios.com+34 945292939
ADHESIVOS PLASTICOS REUNIDOS, S.A. (COLAS BAKAR)
Bº Txako, s/n - Crta. Bilbao- Burgos, Km. 11 bakar@bakar.es+34 946714080
www.bakar.es+34 94671401248480 ARRIGORRIAGA
Parque Tecnologico, parcela 224 airliquide@airliquide.com+34 944318050
www.airliquide.com+34 94452302748170 Zamudio
ALAVESA DE BARNICES S.A.
www.alaba.es+34 94562213601320 OION
www.arkemagroup.es+34 943552296
ASUA PRODUCTS, S.A.
Crta Sangróniz, 18-20
www.arkemagroup.es+34 94498218748080 BILBAO
+34 94480301248950 ERANDIO
AUXILIAR INDUSTRIAL, S.A.
www.ilarduya.com+34 94673345448340 AMOREBIETA
www.bakelite.es+34 944231698
BAKELITE IBÉRICA, S.A.
+34 94467025148950 ERANDIO
BECA GRAFIC, S.A.
www.becagrafic.com+34 94668131948990 BERANGO
www.befesa.es+34 94497024048903 BARAKALDO
www.auxiliarpapelera.com+34 94365149420260 ALEGRIA
www.bozzetto.it+34 945333335
BERNARDO ECENARRO, S.A.
www.bial.pt+34 94443801648008 BILBAO
BILBAINA DE ALQUITRANES, S.A.
www.bilbaina.com+34 94499972148903 LUCHANA
www.bostlan.com+34 94674424048100 MUNGIA
www..tq21.es+34 945465907
COLAS OTADUY, S.A.
PG.27 - PS.UBARBURU, 70
http://www.coquinesa.es+34 94433495448004 BILBAO
www.cromoduro.com+34 94423376148009 BILBAO
DIC COATING, S.L.
POL. IND. EL CAMPILLO II, Parcela 5 diccoatings @diccoatings.com+34 946361999
www.diccoatings.com+34 94636345148500 GALLARTA - ABANTO
CARBUROS METALICOS, S.A.
www.carburos.com+34 94671211548480 ARRIGORRIAGA
+34 943453965
48410 OROZKO
www.grupocegasa.com+34 94378019820560 OÑATI
www.estevid.com+34 94490379148903 BARACALDO
www.euroclor.es+34 94531201401200 SALVATIERRA
DOW CHEMICAL IBERICA, S.L.
RIBERA DE AXPE, S/N
+34 943199036
marbil@ctv.es+34 944573218
+34 94492305048510 TRAPAGARAN
FAES FARMA, S.A.
www.faes.es+34 94481830148940 LEIOA
www.lcarasa.com+34 94349298020180 OIARTZUN
www.eq-barnices.es+34 94460145401320 OION
www.fmcforet.com+34 944521146
EL JUNCAL, S/N EDIF. FUENTES, 2º - LOCAL 11 48510 TRAPAGARAN
access@monterofye.com+34 944180011
www.monterofye.com+34 944189183
www.foseco.es+34 94620377348213 IZURZA
www.fosroc.com+34 94681515048213 IZURZA
www.gequisa.es+34 94533288801214 ZUBILLAGA-LANTARON
www.icoa.es+34 945465659
www.pinturasega.com+34 94514052901006 VITORIA-GASTEIZ
www.juno.es+34 94467583248950 ERANDIO
INDUSTRIAS QUIMICAS EUROCOLOR, S.A.
+34 94671136248480 ARRIGORRIAGA
www.inquitex.com+34 943304084
www.inteman.com+34 94529033101015 VITORIA-GASTEIZ
JABONES EL ABRA, S.A.
48002 BILBAO
www.kcprofessional.com+34 94539810101474 ARTZINIEGA
INDUSTRIAS QUIMICAS IRURENA, S.A.
+34 943218130
KRAFFT, S.L.
CR.URNIETA, S/N
20140 ANDOAIN
www.bilper.es+34 94452132948170 ZAMUDIO
www.ximart.com+34 94671394348480 ARRIGORRIAGA
www.productoslea.com+34 94526767701013 VITORIA-GASTEIZ
www.autokliner.com+34 94529200901015 VITORIA-GASTEIZ
+34 943694032
LIXONE, S.L.
www.arlita.es+34 94674446648100 MUNGUIA
+34 94648232648498 ARRANKUDIAGA
NUBIOLA PIGMENTOS S.L.
www.nubiola.com+34 94672464601400 LLODIO
www.pemco-intl.com+34 945158040
+34 94636000548509 ABANTO-ZIERBENA
www.oropal.com+34 94333045220120 URNIETA
POLÍG. IND. AURRERÁ, 39 (2ª MANZANA) ursan@ursanpinturas.com+34 944721720
+34 94472174748510 TRAPAGARAN
OXINORTE OPERACIONES, S.A.
www.oxinorte.com+34 94499603448903 BARACALDO
www.productos-lazaro.com+34 945622229
PRAXAIR ESPAÑA, S.L.
BUEN PASTOR, S/N
www.quideva.com+34 94319900120820 DEBA
QUIMICA DE MUNGUIA, S.A.
www.quimunsa.com+34 94674482948100 MUNGUIA
QUIMICA INDUSTRIAL DISOL, S.A.
www.quidisol.com+34 94648025748498 ARRANKUDIAGA
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www.rhodia.com+34 94453383448150 SONDIKA
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www.degussa.com+34 94734711101213 LANTARÓN
www.quivacolor.com+34 94319935420820 DEBA
www.ueec.es+34 944566427
FABRICA DE ZUAZO +34 944577200
+34 94456642748960 GALDACANO
VALENTIN HERRAN, S.A.
+34 94486010348013 BILBAO
www.zorelor.es+34 94529003101015 VITORIA-GASTEIZ
SMC-FOSECO PRODUCTOS FUNDICIÓN, S.A.