Closer than ever IDT strengthens its global reach with a new hub in Spain

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Think global, act local: IDT has been flying its flag on the Iberian Peninsula since mid-2023 with a newly founded subsidiary in Tarragona.

"Our Tarragona location is the central hub for IDT's full range of services and technical support in Spain and Portugal," says Frank Rafalski, Managing Director of IDT S.L., explaining the company's reach. In Spain, there is a trend towards higher quality products and solutions. Large-scale industry in one of Europe's fastest growing countries is increasingly pursuing the goal of reducing emissions. At the same time, the changing market situation in the plastics sector – including the PFAS restriction process and the closure of 3M's German subsidiary Dyneon – has created significant momentum for manufacturers.

In this interview, Frank Rafalski talks about the challenges and goals that IDT is facing on the Iberian Peninsula.

Can you describe the products and services that IDT S.L. offers in Tarragona?

The industry in Tarragona has access to the full portfolio of products and services that we at IDT have in our program. This includes the entire standard range of pipeline gaskets as well as solutions for hydrogen applications or special designs for customer-specific requirements. Whether it's on-site production, trainings, QA/QC services for TA projects or technical questions about design, material and product selection, we are the solution provider – not only in Germany, but also in Spain, Portugal and many other places around the world.

“The quality and know-how of IDT knows no boundaries. It has always been our goal to be closer to our customers' world and to provide reliable support in foreign markets.”

What were IDT's strategic goals in opening the office in Spain?

Spain is one of the fastest growing economies in the EU. The chemical park in Tarragona covers around 12,000 hectares and is the third largest in Europe. More than 100 different chemical companies operate on the site. The manufacturing industries represent the classic value chain and specialize in petrochemicals, polyolefins, plastics, organic chemicals and industrial products, as well as specialty and fine chemicals.

Although the country is developing at a dynamic pace, we still see a need for Spanish industrial companies to catch up in the technical areas. How can plant shutdowns be managed more efficiently? What sealing solutions can meet increasing environmental requirements?

This is where our Técnico Commercials are indispensable. They are experts and discussion partners. The quality and know-how of IDT knows no boundaries. It has always been our goal to be closer to our customers' world and to provide reliable support in foreign markets.

What challenges did you face in setting up the new site in Tarragona and how did you overcome them?

We're not completely new to the game. We've been connected to the industry and the market on the Iberian Peninsula for about 25 years thanks to our partnership with a local distributor. They successfully marketed our product portfolio, but in the long run, they just couldn't meet our high standards for technical service.

The chemical and petrochemical industries face a number of challenges. Tighter environmental regulations, increasing demand for low-emission and durable solutions, and the safe handling of demanding media are daily operational issues. In addition, the increasing complexity and interdependency of capital-intensive equipment requires specialized maintenance and repair skills, while stricter safety and labor regulations increase the pressure to continuously adapt and optimize processes. Without a trusted partner with deep technical knowledge and international experience in all these areas, these challenges are difficult to meet.

“We are a member of the Chemical Business Association of Tarragona (AEQT) because we want to provide reliable support to the local chemical industry as it faces challenges. This is our approach, and we will continue to follow this path.”

We are that trusted partner. This is a key strategic focus. That's why we took matters into our own hands in Spain. Within a few weeks in the summer of 2023, we established our own company, set up a warehouse and a service station, and entered into important partnerships in the other Spanish regions.

It has been almost two years since IDT S.L. was founded in Tarragona. What stands out for you?

For one thing, my Spanish is getting better every day. My team is also learning German, but most importantly, our people are quickly learning the specific applications of the local industry. The positive attitude and dynamic growth we are experiencing in Spain is a welcome change from the tense economic situation in Germany.

From day one, we have demonstrated our commitment to the values and goals of the region, a shared concern for safety, sustainability and emissions reduction. We are a member of the Chemical Business Association of Tarragona (AEQT) because we want to provide reliable support to the local chemical industry as it faces challenges. This is our approach, and we will continue to follow this path.

How does the subsidiary in Tarragona contribute to IDT's innovation?

Research and development has always been and will remain at our largest German production site in Saxony. However, as a technology partner to the local industry, we also gain direct insight into the site-specific requirements in Spain.

For example, we can witness firsthand the effects of sea air and salt water on system components. We work closely with our R&D department in Germany to find better answers to these challenges and to develop products that can withstand these extreme conditions – helping to prevent corrosion in the long term and offering plant operators maximum reliability.

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Article in Industrial Valves 1/2025 magazine
Details: Article | Last Changed 2025-05-23 | 2.12 MB

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