A Review of 2024 and our Progress in Textile Ducting

As we enter 2025, we at KE Fibertec UK extend our sincere gratitude to all clients, suppliers, and supporters for their continued trust in our company and our textile-based ventilation (TBV) solutions. Looking back on 2024, while we experienced some early challenges with a quieter first quarter, the year ultimately proved successful thanks to several key developments and achievements.

Our parent company's performance in the US market stands as a particular highlight, where KE Fibertec supplied TBV systems to multiple electric vehicle battery manufacturing facilities. This success validates the 2021 acquisition of a US competitor, with the American market now representing the largest revenue stream within the KE Group. The Wisconsin production facility continues to strengthen our global position, with ongoing implementation of a common ERP system and strategic advantages given recent US-European trade considerations.

The year marked several significant milestones for KE Fibertec globally. Our Danish headquarters made substantial progress toward their goal of carbon-neutral factories by 2030, celebrated the 25th anniversary of their weaving mill, and recognized several long-serving employees who collectively represent 175 years of experience with the company.

In their domestic market, our Danish colleagues have seen remarkable growth in service operations. Their internal washing and service centre achieved more than double its previous year's washing volume through optimized workflows. They processed over 10 tons of washing with antibac treatment, providing environmentally friendly solutions for hygiene-sensitive environments. This expansion reflects growing customer awareness of maintenance benefits for extending system lifetime and ensuring optimal indoor climate performance.

Early 2024 saw our Danish operation strengthen their service capabilities through the acquisition of installation company KE Techmon. This addition enables comprehensive installation services while maintaining collaborative relationships with installer customers. Our focus remains on optimizing system function and longevity while ensuring superior indoor climate solutions.

Sustainability documentation took a significant step forward with the release of new third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These demonstrate that our TBV solutions achieve a 4-5 times lower carbon footprint than traditional metal ducts, even before considering additional components like diffusers and fittings. Our comprehensive CO2 documentation now covers everything from materials to packaging, supported by ready-made documentation packages for DGNB and BREEAM certified buildings.

Renovation projects emerged as a key growth area, particularly in the sports and leisure sector. Across Europe, including here in the UK, we've seen increasing demand for renovation of existing buildings. Our Danish colleagues completed notable projects including multiple swimming pool installations for Aarhus Municipality, the Lalandia Rødby facility upgrade, and a comprehensive solution for Design School Kolding. These projects demonstrate our ability to replace conventional systems with more efficient and environmentally friendly TBV solutions.

Despite our successes, we continue to face challenges in a conservative industry. Construction remains one of the highest-emitting sectors across Europe, and we often encounter resistance where immediate price takes precedence over lifetime costs and environmental impact. However, we maintain our commitment to documented sustainability and long-term value, advocating for broader industry adoption of these principles.

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain optimistic despite market uncertainties. Our integrated capabilities - supported by our Danish headquarters' weaving mill, service centre, production units, and three decades of technical expertise - position us well to meet growing demand for sustainable ventilation solutions in the UK market. We see particular opportunity in renovation projects, where our flexible TBV systems offer compelling advantages over conventional alternatives.

We enter the new year confident in our ability to support both renovation and new construction projects with innovative, sustainable solutions. Our commitment to environmental responsibility, technical excellence, and customer service remains unwavering as we continue to advance the field of textile-based ventilation in the UK market.

KE Fibertec UK wishes everyone in the ventilation industry a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.