Expertise from France

In the drywall segment, this company from Lorraine not only offers the chemical products needed for such work, but has also added bought-in merchandise to its range. And so the programme is now complemented by rounded plaster corner mouldings, aluminium corner guards, screws, fabric/paper tape and glass-fibre. The products for painters and decorators include filling compounds and smoothing mortar, in paste form as well, which are also suitable for wood or tiling. A highlight of the current programme is "Sem-Light", a ready-to-use and extremely economic light filler for indoor and outdoor use. It is suitable for application on a variety of substrates, will not shrink and can be painted over.The company's "Dekor Putz" offers a full system consisting of white plaster that can be given an individual texture by the use of sponging or rag rolling techniques. That is followed by applying colour with a décor wax, which is available in a choice of seven shades. Should the wall require special protection, or if you want it to be wipe-clean, the application of a special glaze is recommended. This also applies to rooms where moisture is a problem.The company's third line is the adhesives segment. The broad spectrum here stretches from wallpaper paste, including ready-mixed lines, through to fabric, wall and flooring adhesives, as well as adhesive mortar for tiling and the appropriate grouting material. In addition there are knifing fillers, some even self-levelling, and some specially developed for wooden floors.Semin is a family-run business that is nowadays managed by Philippe Semin, who represents the sixth generation of the family. Production is carried out at two plants in France: one at company headquarters in Kedange-sur-Canner, and the other at Espira de l'Agly, near Perpignan in the south of the country. A third plant is currently at the planning stage.Semin has a presence in more than 40 countries, where its products are sold to professional users. The company has around 100 employees and records annual sales that come to approximately ? 40 mio, about ? 10 mio of which can be attributed to consumer business. Some years ago this led to the company developing its special "Facilis" brand for the French market. What is more, Semin's products can also be found on the shelves of DIY stores and hypermarkets as trading brands.Download: