ELYSEE

Exporting to

65 countries

Elysee was founded in 1969 by Antonis Protopapas. It has always been export oriented and this has not changed to this day, with Elysee Irrigation evolving into a modern industry of piping systems and components production for potable water and irrigation, as well as cabling, exporting to more than 65 years.

Innovation of international standards

Elysee was established in 1969 by Antonis Protopapas as a family growing flowers business.

With a life time experience in agriculture and a degree in Physics, the founder’s vision was to focus on cultivating the best flowers in the Middle East.

But that vision soon grew into an international industry of producing agricultural and water equipment; and beyond.

More than half a century later, the company enjoys a leading position as one of the biggest units in the production of piping systems and equipment for potable water, irrigation and cabling throughout Cyprus.

It’s also become a major exporting force, taking quality professional products to more than 65 countries.

Early steps

Antonis Protopapas was a man of the earth. In a sense, growing and trading in flowers was a natural progression of his life experiences.

After all, originating from an agricultural family, from Mousoulita in Mesaoria valley, the most fertile land in Cyprus.

Antonis Protopapas knew only too well from an early age what labour and effort it took from dusk till dawn to earn a living out of the land, in the unforgiving social setting of the time. That’s how he grew up.

Elysee was initially established as a family company in 1969 by Antonis Protopapas. The idea was simple enough. Grow flowers for the local and international market.

With agriculture always being part of his life, he had a first hand view and knowledge of the difficulties, complications and shortages of irrigation in Cyprus, both due to poor levels of ground water, as well as the primitive and simplistic systems of the time.

Protopapas chose not to follow his agricultural roots following the homecoming from his studies-instead of traditional agriculture, he went into floriculture.

Initially his parents were against it, as their more traditional view, based on their life experience, did not allow them to realise the prospects of the field and their son’s ambitions.

His business acumen knew better and he persisted on this new and tough journey. From the outset and early obstacles, he soon faced the truth of this difficult task, recognising the floriculture requires both know how and a solid infrastructure.

With that in mind, he set out to organise and chart his course, which aimed at growing flowers both for the local and international market. And if you’re serious about exports, you need quality flowers.

‘You don’t eat flowers, get a good taste out of it and are done with it. Flowers have to be beautiful and on time’, according to the floriculture experts, and Antonis Protopapas knew that very well. So he sought reliable know how, particularly from Israel, a country with which he had developed close cooperation.

Elysee expanded fast and by the mid 70s was the leader in the flower production across the Middle East, supplying Cyprus and a number of other countries with top quality flowers.

Elysee founder Antonis Protopapas.

Floriculture brought to the fore the need for modern irrigation methods, setting the foundation of the company’s evolution into a modern industry of producing advanced irrigation equipment.

Antonis Protopapas is later joined in this effort by his uncle Andreas, who passed in 1999.

Elysee Irrigation

Irrigation methods expanded internationally in the 1970s and new scientific know how is introduced in plant production and cultivation. Antonis Protopapas quickly responded to this development, adopting new water supply and irrigation knowledge and methods.

Antonis and Panos Protopapas at the Elysee Irrigation facilities, Ergates industrial area.

This led to the trading of advanced irrigation systems and equipment as well as piping equipment; gradually the company began producing this equipment and that’s how Elysee Irrigation was launched on April 19th, 1979.

Early on, since 1980, the company began exporting its plastic irrigation and water supply systems and equipment to the wider Middle East markets.

The first production installation was housed in the same Psimolofou area, where flowers were prepared for international markets.

The factory

The company is successful in its new endeavor and that creates the need for more space and additional production in an industrial factory setting. In 1989, the company’s production unit was launched at the Ergates industrial area.

initially, its range of products was made up of a series of drip and sprinkler systems, compression and threaded fittings, gradually expanding to include all piping equipment.

Part of the company’s facilities at the Ergates industrial area.

1991 saw the launching of the polyethylene pipes production unit, completing a full range of water supply products.

Later in the same decade it expanded in PVC pipes production, providing more solutions in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

The first ISO

As a natural progression of its wide range of products, the company officially establishes a Quality Control department in 1998 and becomes certified with ISO9001.

The 2nd generation

Just before the millennium, the family’s 2nd generation joins the company. Following the sudden illness and death of his uncle Andreas, Panos Protopapas returns to Cyprus after concluding his studies and becomes involved in the business. He takes on significant responsibility from an early stage, becoming assistant director general.

Six years later, in 2005, as CEO he is now at the helm of Elysee Irrigation and begins to make his own mark in the company, with the support of his father Antonis.

Visionary Antonis Protopapas, a man way ahead of his time, launched the company in 1969. His son Panos Protopapas heads up the organisation today.

New offices, new targets

2001 saw the construction of new facilities at the Ergates industrial area, hosting the company’s central offices in a move from the centre of the capital Nicosia. Εlysee optimised its operations, as it set up for further expansion.

That same year, it launched the Research and Development department aimed at keeping pace with technological advancements and expanding its range of products.

Elysee grew into a modern organisation, offering a complete range of products and boasting a significant presence on the international market.

Over the next decade there was major expansion in global reach and market coverage, with Elysee products exported to five continents, along with a steadily increasing number, as well as range of countries.

The company exports to 65 countries.

The international network of Elysee select associates now boasts 65 markets across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, Japan, Australia and New Zealand in its four fields of expertise: Water Supply Systems, Irrigation, Infrastructures and Energy.

With the purpose of providing an immediate response to the fast-changing needs of the global market, Elysee created three distribution centres in Austria, Russia and Lebanon.

The first recognition of the company’s successful international course was the Special Export Award of 2002, followed by another four in 2003, 2008, 2012 and 2016, just rewards for its efforts.

Performance and quality

Elysee’s flexible organisational structure guarantees immediate response to client requests, orders and cooperation opportunities. Every year sees the further development and upgrade of existing products and the addition of new ones, further enriching the company’s range.

But growing on performance and productivity never sacrifice quality.

Elysee has received five exports awards, starting in 2002 with the Special Exports Award.

‘We have realised that from the customer’s point of view, ‘quality’ refers to both product and quality. Yes, our list of associates is increasing, but that only strengthens our resolve not to compromise with anything less than the best quality’.

Developed with the highest of standards, the Elysee products are patented and designed by the company’s own Research and Development Department.

The company provides environmentally friendly solutions, easily installed at affordable prices, resulting in a high level client satisfaction.

‘Quality has been a fundamental principle since our establishment. Today, Elysee Irrigation proudly holds certifications from international bodies, such as DVGW, WRAS, KIWA, OVGW, ISO and a number of others, the culmination of our tireless efforts’.

Green products are the primary goal of Elysee Irrigation. The vision here is a contribution against the climate crisis.

THE GREEN LEADERS

‘Our vision is to be a green leader worldwide through Innovative, Smart, Easy-to-use Piping Systems’

Our mission is to develop W.I.S.E. Products to preserve water resources for future generations (Worldwide, Innovative, Smart, Easy-to-use)

-Provide our Customers and Partners with a competitive edge

-Lead our people to meet their full potential

-Achieve sustainable and profitable company growth

-Contribute to Society and the Environment making   Earth a better place to live

International awards-certifications

The company employs a full team of over 200 professionals, including engineers, experienced technicians, sales professionals, labourers, drivers and other staff. Its people are the most valuable assets.

Adopting a people centered philosophy, personnel is always the top priority, investing in the latest models of strategic training and evaluation.

The company employs more than 190 specialist professionals in the field.

‘Our priority has always been the safety of our employees, always upgrading procedures and working conditions, to secure both physical and psychological well being, in a vision of sustainable development’.

This effort has won the company three major international certifications: ISO45001 on employee safety and protection, as well as ISO-14001 AND EMAS (a European Parliament certification), on its environmental management system.

The Production Department

The production department is divided on three categories:

  • Fittings Production: It produces more than a thousand piping and irrigation components of various sizes and different uses.
  • Piping Production: The PVC and PE pipes, 5-315 mm in diameter are used for a wide range of applications.
  • Quality Assurance: Implementation, maintenance and upgrading quality across the production range, from raw materials until the final product is marketed.

Products

The Elysee Irrigation Products:

-Compression fittings

-Hydraulic fittings

-Saddles

-Light weight fittings

-Valves

-Filters and dosers

-Micro-irrigation and sprinklers

-Garden components

-Polyethylene Pipes

-Compression Fittings and PVC Pressure Pipes and Fittings

-Network Drainage

-Cable Applications

-Building Sewerage

Exporting to 65 countries

Elysee was founded in 1969 by Antonis Protopapas. It has always been export oriented and this has not changed to this day, with Elysee Irrigation evolving into a modern industry of piping systems and components production for potable water and irrigation, as well as cabling, exporting to more than 65 years. CEO Panos Protopapas gave us an outlook of the company’s history, present realities and future prospects.

Elysee founder Antonis Protopapas.

What’s it like heading up such a historic group with an innovative founder?

A huge responsibility. When someone takes over such a weight on their shoulders, they have to move forward in the successful path that their predecessors have forged, along with taking things a step forward. At the same time, they feel that being entrusted such an important position is a recognition of their abilities and knowledge; of course this actually needs to be seen in action. And that makes the feeling of responsibility an even greater proposition.

Visionary Antonis Protopapas, a man way ahead of his time, launched the company in 1969. His son Panos Protopapas heads up the organisation today.

When it comes to me, things were even tougher, as my first experience as CEO coincided with the death of my uncle, my father’s brother and a partner in the company.

These are the first emotions you go through. As you grow into the position, you obviously set out your own strategy, look into your capabilities and weaknesses, weigh them both and build ahead based on your strong points, while you keep improving whatever is necessary. You always need to exchange ideas with your associates in a team effort that sets the targets, designs and strategies.

The company over time

What does the history carry to the present and future?

The fundamental principles will never change, for a start. I will keep running with them; that’s an unbreakable bond.

We want to treat society and our people properly, adding value to what to do; and above all, always be fair. To our personnel who spend most of their daily lives with us and our associates, maintaining their trust. These principles are a beacon that will never shine elsewhere.

The company exports to 65 countries.

On the commercial aspect, the company has been export-oriented right from the outset, when the flower growing business was created in 1967. We have obviously kept and developed that, clearly showing that Elysee Irrigation is not restricted inward, confined to an island, but looks outward, to the international market, being a part of it. With that philosophy in mind, we want to stay a step ahead, be innovative in what we do, always oriented towards a global reach.

Long term planning

The most important decision of the recent past, with an impact on the Group?

I can’t say it’s just one decision or one project.

Throughout our course, as well as after I took over, we have been progressing and developing in various fields. What is different now, is strategic planning and a layout of implementation.

In 2010 we set out with a 10-year plan and at the achievement year of this, in 2020, Vision50 was finalised running through to 2029 when Elysee Irrigation will have turned 50.

Strategy defines direction and your ceiling. When you know what you’re aiming for it becomes easier to build a target oriented strategy.

Green products are the primary goal of Elysee Irrigation. The vision here is a contribution against the climate crisis.

Such a strategy however, needs to be clearly comprehensible by all, including personnel, associates and clients. It’s imperative to achieve this, as everyone has to push forward in their own field, contributing to strategy implementation. What’s most important is for the team to realise that this planning concerns and includes everyone. Its way bigger than just coming in to work, doing my bit and going home.

The financial aspect is a major part of the planning. You can only implement what you have -or can acquire- capital for. It’s no good just planning on paper, without the money to realise it.

So in other words a company cannot develop without strategic planning

We have learned throughout this time that we need to plan for the medium and long term and keep to this planning to the greatest possible degree. That of course does not mean we can’t be flexible, if anything unexpected should rise.

Investments continued in spite of the pandemic.

Unfortunately both our ten-year planning regimes have been met with serious issues. The first one was the 2012-2013 financial crisis and the 2nd was the pandemic. In both cases, what saved us is the fact that we had direction, we knew what our path was and how we were getting there. We adapted to the new realities, but what really made the difference that we actually had goals and knew how to realise them.

Starting young

What was your first experience from the company?

Well, we actually grew up in the company, needless to say. My father wanted me to work in the production units every summer. Initially in the flower nurseries and gradually the rest of the production units.

Anything memorable through all this time?

Plenty to remember, but what I’ll never forget is that my father wanted me working in the company through the summer, when school was out, with no preferential treatment because I was the owner’s son. The same job everyone else did, no exceptions, and that always annoyed me, because I was either too young to manage certain things or others were much better than me, but my father insisted on that. On hindsight, he gave me a unique education, because I know everything there is to know about our production. That’s a valuable asset to have as a CEO.

Elysee was initially established as a family company in 1969 by Antonis Protopapas. The idea was simple enough. Grow flowers for the local and international market.

Honesty is the best policy

Any advice or principle passed on by your father?

Never mislead anyone. ‘We have to be honest in our relations and payments. Never leave any room for doubt’. These are fundamental aspects of a successful company, they established a reputation, that is built over time and effort, but can actually be destroyed in a single moment.

Global exports

Your products reach 65 countries. How difficult is it for a Cypriot company to compete internationally with much larger firms? Is there a secret to that?

Well, it’s difficult by definition, as we are a very small market with limited capabilities and cut off from many areas. But I will reiterate this, getting ahead requires planning and ambition, yet realistic targets.

What’s it like competing with giants in the field? After all we are very restricted in raw material.

Not easy. But it’s clear that we are an export-oriented company and that requires different type of investments than the local market, which restricts the boundaries of your products and development. We’re clearly not playing that scenario.

The company strives to become the most environmentally friendly in its field. This goal is under implementation.

We offer a full range of thousands of certified products at an international level, with enough quantities to be absorbed by bigger markets. They enjoy the top certifications for every country we export in, combining innovative characteristics that very few other producers can provide. Our steady upward trend is clear indication of our competitive package.

A family business

You persist on your family structure. Is that advantageous?

It’s a choice we cherish. We believe that our values can better be served and maintained through our family corporate shape. Whenever we toyed with the idea of getting out of the family business philosophy as we’re missing out on business opportunities, we decided against changing.

We’re serious professionals, always innovative in our field and the family model is not an obstacle to that. On the contrary, we have more flexibility.

A new Nicosia store

Any new projects on the way?

We’re building a big new store near the old Orphanides supermarket, at the GSP stadium lights. It will become our central store in Nicosia. We’re also investing in the international market through our companies in Lebanon, Austria, Russia and England. Through this network both at home and our associates-sellers abroad, we aim to become established at the top of our field.

The ‘greenest’ in its field

How does corporate social responsibility turn to action?

We’ve been traditionally close to our social setting and helped in any way we can, where we can and that includes green development.

Over the past few years we have focused on environmental protection.

The very nature of our business provides know how on environmental issues and particularly plastics and we want to develop this knowhow even further.

Our new development strategy has set a target of becoming an even more environmentally friendly company, the greenest in our field!

We will run ahead of the rest by implementing policies that will facilitate the protection of the environment, and that improvement will be carried through to society no matter how small our imprint.

Most importantly, we are upgrading our production technologies along with the necessary certifications. In the near future, a ‘green’ option will be available for every product line. We are channeling this through six pillars, one of them being Green Elysee.

Τhe Elysee products are patented and designed at the company’s Research and Development Department.

We believe that very few companies in our specialized field can actually manage that on a global level, but we can and will be one of the first to do so. We have a responsibility in handing over a better environment to the next generations than what we received. We will add our own brick to making Earth a better place to live.

Investing in a crisis

Covid came during the financial crisis, before the economy even had the chance to recover, gather strength and look forward.

This did nothing to stop the company’s comprehensive investment planning in its tracks. It is now prepared for the post-pandemic realities.

Elysee Irrigation CEO Panos Protopapas had this to say:

‘We are in the midst of an unprecedented situation, with a crisis that bears very little resemblance to our previous experience. We put all the lessons of 2013 to good use, but they’re not really a solution, or an answer to everything. At Elysee Irrigation, we saw the crisis as an opportunity, not a stumbling block so against all odds, we expanded our fields of activity.

Our own issues are basically opposite to what they might have been, we need to secure raw material in time, along with knowledgeable and adequate personnel, in order for our clients to receive their shipments on time.

Green products are the primary goal of Elysee Irrigation. The vision here is a contribution against the climate crisis.

We can’t really give you a market prediction post-pandemic as we can’t possibly know when covid will no longer be an issue. We just hope that we’re mere months away.

The optimistic scenario is one discussed in our personnel presentations internally, we believe that the market will start recovering in the next few months, and that has sparked a period of preparation for us; we need to be two steps ahead when it comes to our products and processes. We believe this is the way to remain innovative.

Our aim is to emerge as an even stronger force in our post-pandemic field.

ReCyFilm, a ‘green’ tape

Research development and the need to raise ‘green’ production to the maximum possible degree, is leading Elysee Irrigation on the road to innovation, creating new products and solutions towards this end.  

The company has recently designed and manufactured a new film out of low density polyethylene (LPDE) for the construction sector, through the use of recycled agricultural public waste (APW).

Τhe Elysee products are patented and designed at the company’s Research and Development Department.

The innovative environmental aspect of the proposed aspect is the actual raw material, the APW, providing a green building material that can be used in Green Public Procurement (GPP).

TRecy-Film will essentially replace the existing LPDE film product, with a production line that uses virgin materials (natural resources extracted in their raw form), based on fossil fuels.

LPDE membranes are installed in buildings as insulation above ground level, without hydrostatic water pressure. It is widely used to protect foundations against radon gas, aggressive ground, penetrating water and weeds. LPDE membrane also protects against chemical, radon and aggressive ground water.

Green products are the primary goal of Elysee Irrigation. The vision here is a contribution against the climate crisis.

In order to create the Recy-Film a pilot recycling unit will be installed in the Elysee industrial facilities and will be able to handle up to six tons of APW on a daily basis.

The work will also look into the APW supply chain from the source to the recycling facilities, with the purpose of it being to design a complete collection system that will be adopted by Elysee.

Alternatively, it will also be utilized for irrigation systems plastic waste.

Address.

Pentadaktylou, 5, 2643
Industrial area, Ergates

Telephone.

77777455