In 1993, an entrepreneur named David Catalán founded TECNOPOL 96, S.L., a company dedicated to importing polyurethane projection equipment, a new material that burst onto the construction scene in the 1990s as a solution to the growing concern for thermal insulation in buildings. With tenacity and determination, David established a company that quickly became known for its commitment to quality. In the run-up to the construction boom that was to come between 1998 and 2007, the Catalán family demonstrated an exceptional ability to strategically position the company and take advantage of the construction boom of the time.
David's foresight was based not only on the growth of the construction industry, but also on the company's ability to adapt to crucial legislative changes. In March 2006, the new Technical Building Code was approved by the Ministry of Housing, which specified new essential thermal insulation standards for residential buildings. This regulation further validated David Catalán's business vision and reinforced the market relevance of TECNOPOL 96, S.L..
With this vision in mind, Jordi transformed TECNOPOL from a simple equipment trading company into a chemical company dedicated to the development and manufacture of advanced products for waterproofing and thermal insulation. Thus TECNOPOL SISTEMAS, S.L. was born, an entity that diversified the company's offer and marked the beginning of an era of transformation and exponential growth.
Jordi identified a unique opportunity in the market: liquid polyurethane and polyurea waterproofing membranes. At the time, these products were unknown and little used in the construction sector. However, Jordi saw enormous disruptive potential in them. Liquid membranes offered significant advantages in terms of application and performance, outperforming traditional solutions.
The introduction of these liquid membranes not only revolutionised the construction sector, but also positioned TECNOPOL as a leader in innovation. The company did not only manufacture these products, but also invested in research and development to continuously improve their characteristics and adapt them to the needs of the market.
Under the new leadership, TECNOPOL SISTEMAS, S.L. began to grow exponentially. The company established strategic alliances with distributors and builders, which allowed it to expand its reach and consolidate its presence in the market. In addition, the company began to participate in international trade fairs and events, which increased its visibility and global reputation.
This transformation diversified TECNOPOL's offer and also reaffirmed the legacy of the Catalán family as pioneers and leaders in the sector. Jordi's vision and determination allowed the company to adapt to market changes and anticipate the needs of the industry, consolidating its position as a benchmark in waterproofing and thermal insulation products.
TECNOPOL's history is a testament to the power of transformation and strategic vision. From its founding by David Catalán to its transformation under Jordi's leadership, the company has demonstrated a unique ability to adapt and evolve, always at the forefront of industry trends. Today, TECNOPOL remains an example of excellence and leadership in the construction industry.
TECNOPOL's national growth was just the beginning. In 2007, the company began to explore international markets, starting its expansion into Europe and South America. This strategic decision allowed TECNOPOL to bring its expertise and innovative products to a global audience, consolidating its international presence.
Tecnopol currently exports its products to more than 70 countries across 5 continents.
ECNOPOL's dedication and effort were soon recognised. In 2010, barely a year after the creation of its waterproofing division, DESMOPOL obtained its first ETA certification (25 years of useful life). This approval is based on the European Technical Approval Guide which approves the suitability of the system as a "Liquid applied roof waterproofing system".this significant achievement was followed by the same certification for TECNOCOAT in 2011 and EN 1504-2 certification in 2013 for CE marking.
Growth continued with the creation of TECNOPOL FRANCE in 2012, a subsidiary dedicated to the distribution of products in the French market. This strategic move strengthened TECNOPOL's position in Europe and facilitated the achievement of important certifications, such as the AVIS TECHNIQUE certification in 2014.
At TECNOPOL, innovation has been the cornerstone of our growth and success. The first product family to appear was TECNOFOAM, a range of polyurethane foams designed for thermal insulation in residential and industrial buildings. This launch marked the beginning of a trajectory of constant development and adaptation to market needs.
Subsequently, we formulated our first polyurea under the name TECNOCOAT P-2049, introducing a completely new product family to the market. This milestone expanded our offer and laid the foundation for future innovations in the field of waterproofing.
Just one year later, in 2009, we presented the first polyurethane membrane with unique characteristics and properties, giving rise to the first version of DESMOPOL. This revolutionary product quickly became the worldwide reference for manual waterproofing, applied in projects all over the world due to its efficiency and reliability.
Constant demand from our customers and internal synergies drove TECNOPOL to further diversify its offer. In 2015, we created a division dedicated to industrial flooring, giving life to TECNOFLOOR. This new product line allowed us to meet the growing needs of the industrial sector, offering robust and durable solutions for a variety of applications.
Finally, in 2016, we launched a new brand of spray spraying machinery, thus consolidating our latest division. Highlights in this line include the TC-2049 hydraulic equipment and the PROMIX-I spray gun, tools that have set new standards of quality and performance in the market.
2016 was a period of great change for TECNOPOL. The company modernised its corporate image to reflect its global identity and commitment to creativity, a change that significantly contributed to the projection and consolidation of the brand both nationally and internationally.
This new image was implemented in the modern facilities in Las Franquesas del Vallès, to which the company moved that same year. This new location made it possible to house all TECNOPOL's production lines and also considerably increased its storage capacity. An essential change that allowed the company to adapt perfectly to the needs of its growing size.
These modern facilities allowed the creation of new departments, essential for the expansion and evolution of TECNOPOL. The company was able to establish areas dedicated to research and development, quality control, logistics and customer service, among others, thus strengthening its organisational and operational structure. Production capacity was also increased, making it possible to manufacture on a larger scale and with greater efficiency.
In addition, the facility provided significantly more storage capacity for both finished products and raw materials. This not only improved inventory management, but also allowed TECNOPOL to respond more quickly and flexibly to market demands.
The modernisation of the facilities also included the implementation of advanced technologies and automated systems that optimised production and storage processes. These technological improvements increased efficiency while reinforcing TECNOPOL's commitment to quality and evolution
The move to Las Franquesas del Vallès therefore represented a decisive step in the consolidation of TECNOPOL as a leader in the sector. The new facilities not only reflect the evolution and growth of the company, but also prepare it to face future challenges and continue its track record of success and innovation in the waterproofing and thermal insulation products market.
The following years saw numerous recognitions and certifications for TECNOPOL, consolidating its prestige in the sector. In 2016, both TECNOCOAT and DESMOPOL obtained BBA approval (Anglo-Saxon market certification indicating that the waterproofing system has been tested and is expected to perform effectively for at least 25 years), a highly respected seal of quality. In 2017, TECNOPOL received WRAS approval for applications in contact with drinking water, a crucial certification to demonstrate the quality and safety of our products. In addition, DESMOPOL obtained the Avis Technique in Algeria and TECNOCOAT P-2049 achieved ETAG 033 for bridge decks (waterproofing under asphalt), demonstrating its effectiveness and compliance with the strictest international regulations.
In 2018, the multinational Mapei Spa recognised the strategic potential of TECNOPOL and decided to acquire it. This strategic move ensured that Jordi Catalán would continue to lead the company and the global liquid waterproofing line for the entire multinational group. Mapei's backing allowed TECNOPOL to continue to expand and improve its facilities, strengthening its modernisation and production capacity.
An important milestone in this new phase was the creation of TECNOPOL ACADEMY in 2019. This training and demonstration centre was designed to empower its customers by providing a space where they could learn and experiment with the latest TECNOPOL technologies and products. The academy quickly became a benchmark for specialised training in waterproofing, flooring and thermal insulation.
TECNOPOL's history is a testament to the power of vision, innovation and constant commitment to quality. From its humble beginnings in 1993 to its current status as an international leader in waterproofing and insulation, TECNOPOL has proven time and again its ability to adapt, grow and lead in a competitive market.
The achievement of ISO 9001 certification in 2023 and the constant development of innovative new formulations reflect TECNOPOL's continued commitment to excellence. Each of these achievements has strengthened its market position and set new industry standards. With a clear vision for the future, TECNOPOL continues to explore new possibilities and achieve new successes, always committed to quality and innovation.
Throughout its history, the company has demonstrated that, with vision, dedication and an unwavering focus on quality, there are no limits to what can be achieved. TECNOPOL continues to look to a future full of possibilities, ready to face new challenges and consolidate its leadership in the global market.
All this would not have been possible without the incredible work and dedication of the entire TECNOPOL team. It is fortunate to have such involved professionals in all departments, who make TECNOPOL a big family. Thanks to their effort and daily work, we have achieved this extraordinary growth and success.
Efficiency and professionalism in development, manufacturing, management, communication, distribution and customer service have allowed us to adapt quickly to market demands and offer an exceptional service. Enthusiasm and creativity have been crucial in increasing our visibility and attracting new customers both nationally and internationally.
Thank you all for your commitment, dedication and constant effort. Without you, none of this would be possible. It is exciting to see all that we have achieved together and to know that we have many more successes to look forward to in the future.