Backed by innovation and heritage, Sika shapes a smarter, more sustainable tomorrow
Specialist provider of construction and industrial solutions, Sika, creates an industry-leading range of products and services that help build the modern world. General Manager, Tom Forsyth, joins Construction & Civil Engineering to discuss current operations and developments. He starts with some history: “The Sika Group was formed in 1910. Our first product, Sika 1, was used to waterproof Swiss tunnels prior to electrification and, since then, the group and its products have expanded throughout the world. We now operate in more than 100 countries, with over 35,000 employees.
“Sika Limited, the UK subsidiary of the worldwide Sika Group, was established in 1927. It produces and markets a wide range of state-of-the-art systems, covering construction products, industrial manufacturing, automotive manufacturing, and distribution products for both trade and retail. 
“We currently have manufacturing sites at Wishaw, Preston, Leeds, Whittley Bridge, Redditch, and Welwyn Garden City. Our central distribution warehouses are in Sherburn and Dunstable – and our headquarters is in Hertfordshire, at Welwyn Garden City.”
Thanks to a diverse product portfolio, Sika can ensure its customers’ needs are covered, whatever their requirements: “For the construction sector, we offer concrete admixtures, cement additives, grouting, rigid bonding, additives for dry mortar and gypsum, and off-site services. We also have a range of protective products, including firestop systems, roofing systems, building envelope systems, waterproofing, concrete protection, and insulation.
“For home finishings, we have flooring systems, walls and facades, tile setting systems, construction adhesives, joint sealant, and construction foams. Our extended product line covers home repairs, with products such as roof repair kits, injections, anchoring, and structural strengthening.
“We work with project managers to deliver a range of vital resources – these include rail and road bridges, data centres, factories and warehouses, residential housing, and offshore services. Finally, we have a selection of digital products, such as concrete corrosion monitoring, roof scans, and aggregate analysis,” Tom details.
Versatile solutions
By investing in its core product range, Sika has strengthened its success. Tom highlights one product that stands out for its innovation: “Known as ‘The World’s Toughest Floor’, Sika Ucrete has been trusted by our customer base since 1969. Manufactured at our site in Redditch, Ucrete uses a unique polyurethane resin technology that gives floors exceptional resistance to aggressive chemicals, as well as extreme mechanical and thermal shock, providing a long-term, durable flooring solution.
“We distribute Ucrete to several key industries, including food and drinks processing, dairy, pharmaceutical and personal care, chemical industries, electronics and engineering, munitions manufacturing, and transportation.”
He notes that Sika prioritises investment to ensure the product range addresses clients’ applications and challenges. “We’ve invested heavily in automation and press mixers to produce Sika’s range of sealants. Available in both silicone and hybrid forms, these products deliver long-lasting protection, superior adhesion, and unmatched durability.
“Our goal is to provide versatile solutions that are suited to a wide range of trade applications, from bathrooms to building exteriors. We’ve worked hard to earn the trust of professionals across the construction industry. Continuing to invest in our products, keeping them reliable and high quality, has ensured that Sika is now the go-to name for tradespeople who demand dependable results on every project.”
Outstanding service
Alongside its tried-and-true selection of construction essentials, Sika delivers industry-leading innovations. As Tom discusses: “Sika’s long history of innovation keeps us ahead of the curve. Over the years, we’ve succeeded in becoming a recognized global technology leader in many markets. Our focus is on creating value for customers and continually pushing the boundaries of product development.
“With ongoing investment in Sika Technology Centres around the world, the company nurtures and develops an international network of scientists, partners, suppliers, and customers. To demonstrate our commitment to ongoing innovation, we invest three per cent of our annual turnover in research and development.”
Supporting its customer base in more ways than one, Sika also ensures quick and easy delivery from its all-new northern hub: “We have recently invested in a new, state-of-the-art warehouse in Sherburn, Leeds, which will become our new logistics and customer experience centre. With 34 docking bays and the capacity to expand for the next ten years, this new facility is designed to provide our customer base with an outstanding level of service.
“The site is specially engineered to improve deliveries, maximize efficiency, and support customers in their sustainability missions. We also have plans to begin offering next day delivery services in early 2026.”
These logistical innovations are central to Sika’s goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050, as Tom reveals: “Sustainability is an essential driver for us, and we’re dedicated to developing competitive solutions for demanding markets and emerging customer needs.
“Sika focuses its research and development activities on generating long-term customer benefits, in line with sustainability principles. It is our strategic mission to develop sustainable construction and transportation solutions that directly contribute to lowering our environmental footprint along the value chain.
“Sustainability has become an even bigger focus for us in recent years. It encompasses the quest for alternative, renewable materials, low carbon solutions, new recycling concepts, more efficient production methods, resource efficiency, enhanced flexibility in product development and production, and digitally enhanced product applications. Through this, we aim to become carbon neutral within the next 25 years.”
Partner of choice
From eco-innovation to customer support, Sika has been recognized as an industry forerunner. As Tom enthuses: “Sika UK is over the moon to announce that we have been crowned ‘Medium to Large Business of the Year’ at the 2025 Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards. This incredible achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment, innovation, and teamwork that permeates every corner of our business.
“This accomplishment also reflects the dedication of our people and our relentless focus on delivering excellence for our customers, partners, and communities. The event, held at the vibrant Tewinbury Farm, was a night to remember – as we celebrated alongside the very best of the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce.”
Backed by recent successes, a long legacy of excellence, and its dedicated team of experts, Sika looks forward to an exciting future. As Tom concludes: “In the coming months and years, we must continue to drive innovation and adapt our footprint to meet our future needs. We are working closely with our customers to build long-standing partnerships that are key to achieving our strategy.
“In five years’ time, I see the business even bigger and stronger than it is today. We are continually striving to raise the bar in terms of service and product quality, to effectively meet the needs of our customer base. As long as we stay true to our values and core mission, Sika will continue to be recognised as the partner of choice for reliability, quality, and service.”