Europe will stagnate partly due to escalating regulations, so FENIX Jeseník is penetrating new markets

The topic of the meeting was the evaluation of the last year 2012 and the current economic results. There was also a presentation of upcoming innovations, but the main topic was the presentation of solutions to the impacts of legislative changes regulating technical requirements for heating systems. Ing. Svozil informed the present media about other European directives that are currently in effect or being prepared, which may influence domestic construction and its heating segment. After the official part, the participants were introduced to the heating of a unique building – the wooden Wigwam, the centerpiece of the whole area - using high-temperature radiant panels ECOSUN. 


Revenue of the entire FENIX Group in 2012 reached 1,009 million CZK and fell by 10.7% compared to the results of 2011.  The decline in revenue was the result of developments in the 25 main markets of the holding. Sales increased in only nine countries, while in 16 states, sales decreased compared to 2012. The largest markets for FENIX are France, the Czech Republic, Great Britain, Russia, Slovakia, Sweden, Austria, and Germany. “Globally, our ECOSUN radiant panels performed well, our expectations were also met by the sale of ECOFILM foil and GR (glass) and MR (marble) radiant panels. We recorded a significant decline in heating cables and mats ECOFLOOR, which account for 50% of our overall results,” stated Cyril Svozil, director and owner of FENIX Group.

Market developments in the EU are significantly influenced by new EU regulations in the area of energy efficiency of buildings. “The time when we operated in a relatively free market has ended. Success in our industry in EU member countries will no longer be decided by the customer, but by the office and the official!”, says Cyril Svozil, adding: “The way out is a significant strengthening of sales in markets outside the EU and the creation of a new sales strategy in EU countries.” The results from the first half of this year already indicate that the focus on new markets is paying off for the company. Revenue increased by 2% year-on-year, profit by up to 41%, matching the record results from 2011.

The company is also analyzing the current conditions for roof solar systems in the Czech Republic, including proposals for further progress on how to make the combination of solar and electric systems the leading motivation for corporate marketing. Here, however, it also encounters extreme positions in Europe and domestically – from nonsensical subsidies for photovoltaics “in fields”, which disrupt the energy market, to minimal support for solar systems where they make sense - namely on the roofs of family houses and other suitable buildings.

Ing. Cyril Svozil and Miroslav Petr then provided detailed information on the current situation in European and domestic legislation, its impact on electric heating of new family houses, and the ways to address it that will allow for the continued full use of this well-established and popular method of heating among customers across Europe. “Our current nonsensical value of the total non-renewable primary energy coefficient NPE for electricity (3, which is the absolute highest value of all EU countries!!) is certainly not final; after the implementation of the steps initiated by us, this coefficient could realistically be lowered for electricity. The amendment should occur by the end of 2013,” said Ing. Cyril Svozil.

In the final part of the press conference, Miroslav Petr presented news for the 2013/2014 season. The radiant panel Ecosun S+ Anticor is a true top-notch product in the world of high demands and will find application outdoors. Thanks to its properties - anti-corrosion treatment, greater protection against galvanic corrosion, construction from compatible materials, and higher resistance against demanding outdoor conditions (high humidity, salinity) - it can withstand even direct weather influences.

Another interesting product is the radiant panel Ecosun Terrace Heater, providing comfortable radiant heating for covered terraces, balconies, loggias, and gardens for cool days and nights. This innovation can also be installed on umbrellas and is lightweight, elegant, and effective. Optional accessories include a comfortable remote control Watts V20
with the receiver Watts V23, allowing the radiant panel to be comfortably controlled from a distance.

Fans of underfloor heating will appreciate the new AL MAT, an aluminum heating foil for bathrooms and wet environments under floating laminate or wooden floors - everywhere where ECOFILM heating foil cannot be used.

A practical helper, especially for entrepreneurs, will be the electric mat SNOW MAT, designed for heating ramps, entrances to stores, warehouses, businesses, and family houses. Its advantages include maintenance-free snow and ice removal from the desired areas, simple installation, and handling.

This year’s novelty is the WATTS wireless control presented in spring 2013 for remote control of radiant heating panels, heated floors, or ceilings.