The MAPEI logo reflects the company’s commitment to advanced technology. It produces innovative sealants, varnishes, adhesives, primers, paints, plaster mixes, and other construction materials. The emblem’s modern design suggests the reliability and stability associated with the brand’s products.
MAPEI: Brand overview
In 1937, MAPEI was founded in Milan, Italy. Rodolfo Squinzi established the company, beginning with a modest workshop that produced building supplies for the construction sector. The term MAPEI stands for “Materiali Ausiliari Per l’Edilizia e l’Industria,” which means “Auxiliary Materials for Construction and Industry.”
The company’s first focus was on making paints and flooring supplies. Directly supervising the creation of new items, Rodolfo Squinzi aimed to generate inventive solutions for the building industry.
Due to World War II, the business and many other European enterprises faced difficult times in the 1940s. The company persevered and developed despite the challenges, adjusting to the challenging economic climate.
In the 1950s, the enterprise started growing its product line. The company took a big stride in its development by introducing new flooring adhesive varieties. These cutting-edge goods were well-known in the Italian market quite rapidly.
Substantial expansion occurred in the 1960s. The business aggressively expanded its Italian distribution network. The firm began exporting its goods to other European nations during this time, which signaled the start of its global expansion.
A calculated risk was taken in the 1970s when the company began manufacturing adhesives for ceramic tiles. This new market niche swiftly became one of the business’s main focus areas. The enterprise began its global expansion when it launched its first abroad factory in Canada in 1978.
Significant international expansion took place during the 1980s. The business increased its footprint in Europe, started to enter Asian markets, and built new production facilities in the United States. The firm also strengthened its focus on innovation and creating new goods by greatly expanding its research center in Milan.
The global expansion strategy continued throughout the 1990s. The business established new facilities in Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe. In 1994, it acquired the American business Vinavil, considerably improving its standing in the adhesives and sealants industry.
Operations continued to expand and diversify in the 2000s. The business started working on concrete and construction mortar additives. One of the industry’s leading global research centers, the firm constructed a new facility in Milan in 2000.
Under the Squinzi family’s direction, the company celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2010 and is still a family business. During this time, the corporation invested in eco-friendly goods and technologies in response to the rising demand for sustainable building materials.
During the 2010s, the company made several significant purchases. Purchasing specialized businesses in several nations increased its footprint in several building chemicals market categories.
Marking its 80th anniversary in 2017, the enterprise continued to be a leader in producing construction chemicals. The corporation opened additional manufacturing and research facilities worldwide as part of its global expansion strategy.
In 2021, the company reaffirmed its innovative and global business plans by opening a new manufacturing plant in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. This facility was a step towards strengthening the company’s position in the fast-growing Indian building materials sector. To meet the demand for the plant’s products in the region, the plant was equipped with advanced machinery and focused on producing adhesives and other ceramic tile-laying products.
The same year, a brand-new range of green products called “ECO” was unveiled. This range featured additives, sealants, and adhesives from renewable and recycled resources. The program demonstrated the business’s growing dedication to ethical production practices and environmental growth.
The 85th anniversary was commemorated in 2022 by announcing a global campaign named “85 Years of Excellence.” As part of this campaign, the company planned several exhibitions and events to highlight its innovative past and contributions to the construction sector. A unique scholarship program was created for engineering and chemistry students to assist aspiring business leaders further.
The same year, a calculated move was made by acquiring Thermal-Chem Corporation, an American business specializing in premium polymer coatings for industrial flooring.
By building a new research and development facility in Milan in 2023, the firm expanded its capacity for innovation and research. With state-of-the-art equipment, this center concentrated on creating novel materials and technologies for the building sector, focusing on nanotechnology and “smart” materials.
A brand-new digital platform, “MAPEI Digital Solutions,” was unveiled. This platform provides all-inclusive options for planning and overseeing building projects. Thanks to this platform, industry professionals found it much easier to choose and use the company’s products, which include tools for 3D modeling, material calculations, and technical support.
A bold strategy to become carbon neutral by 2040 was unveiled at the start of 2024.
The corporation also increased its footprint in Africa by establishing a new production facility in Kenya.
Meaning and History
What is MAPEI?
It is an Italian multinational company that produces adhesives, sealants, and chemical products for the construction industry. Known for its quality products, it offers solutions for various construction and renovation projects, including tile installation, flooring, waterproofing, and concrete restoration. The company offers products that provide durability, efficiency, and sustainability for construction projects.
1979 – today
The MAPEI company began using this logo after opening its first factory in Canada. Successful international expansion prompted the creation of a universal visual identity that would reflect the new growth strategy and be easily understood by clients from any country.
In 1979, a conceptual emblem appeared, resembling a container with a short, sharp spout. Some might think it represents a scoop or jug, but that’s false. In reality, the designers depicted a laboratory flask as a symbol of the brand’s direct connection to the chemical industry. The Italian company produces a variety of waterproof coatings, concrete-enhancing additives, adhesives, and sealants. The development of new materials takes place in MAPEI’s research laboratories, so using the flask image hints at strict control over all stages of production.
Inside the flask is a complex construction of geometric shapes. These can be seen as six cubes (in three-dimensional space) or multiple polygons (in two-dimensional space). This abstract element holds several meanings related to MAPEI’s field of work.
- The multifaceted pattern resembles a stylized molecular crystal lattice. This refers to the products created in laboratories, as the company actively utilizes various chemical compounds.
- The emblem looks as if it’s built from several blocks. Each block represents one aspect of the brand’s work, and the entire structure symbolizes their close interconnection.
- The design of six cubes metaphorically represents the scientific processes MAPEI engages in. The complex geometric design is associated with innovation and high technology.
- The abstract pattern resembles an “impossible figure,” a type of optical illusion. It looks like the projection of a 3D object that cannot exist in three-dimensional space. This highlights the uniqueness and originality of the solutions offered by the Italian company.
To the right of the laboratory flask is the word “MAPEI” — an abbreviation for *Materiali Autarchici per l’Edilizia e l’Industria*. The bold font exudes strength, solidity, and confidence, emphasizing the brand’s high professionalism. The slight slant of the letters gives the inscription a sense of dynamism, reflecting growth and innovation. Using sharp, clear lines symbolizes reliability and durability, which are especially crucial for a manufacturer of construction chemicals.
The MAPEI logo’s color is rich blue. It evokes a sense of trust and accessibility, helping the brand build close relationships with clients. The blue palette also suggests stability, precision, and progress, making it a perfect fit for a company striving for cutting-edge technology. White is used for contrast to enhance the clarity of the key elements. It creates visual balance, making the emblem elegant and easy to read.