The Greek market for architectural systems and aluminum frames is characterized by companies that are models for the country, as they combine years of tradition, innovation, and a strong international presence. It is no exaggeration to say that the aluminum sector in Greece is among the world’s leaders (!!!) and constitutes the country’s 2nd export product. Companies such as Europa Profil, Alumil, Exalco, Elvial, and ETEM are at the forefront. In this article, we will provide a brief presentation of these companies, their strengths, as well as a comparison of the leading companies (Europa or Alumil) in the field of aluminum frames and beyond.
Europa Profil Aluminum: The Traditional Powerhouse
- Profile & Housing Infrastructure
Founded in 1974 by Lymparett T. Tzirakian and Krikor Tzirakian, it is headquartered in Oinofyta, Boeotia (56th km of the Athens-Lamia National Road).
- Human Resources
Its Corporate Presentation states that it employs over 400 people.
- Prospects / Strategy
The company systematically invests in innovation and “green transition,” places great emphasis on the training and control of its certified manufacturers, and has recently completed investments of approximately €27 million for new production lines and products.
Alumil Aluminum Industry the international presence
- Profile & Market Position
ALUMIL Aluminium Industry S.A. was founded by George Mylonas in 1988 and is one of the largest Greek aluminum systems groups with an international presence.
- Human Resources
Data shows that Alumil employs approximately 2,500 people across all countries.
- Strategy
Alumil prioritizes exports, product diversity, technology (automation, warehouses), energy efficiency, and sustainable architectural solutions.
Exalco S.A.
- Profile & Headquarters
Founded in 1973, it belongs to the BIOKARPET group and is headquartered in Larissa.
Exalco also has subsidiaries abroad (Romania, Bulgaria).
- Human Resources
There are no official, clearly posted employee numbers for 2024.
- Strategy
Exalco aims to stabilize its profitability through technological investments, production optimization, and a strong export presence (almost 52% of sales are exports).
Elvial: The Rising Star
- Profile & Staffing
Elvial was founded in 1990 by Dimitris Tzikas and is a subsidiary of ElvalHalcor, a large metallurgy group.
ElvalHalcor is listed and covers both aluminum and copper products, with a significant percentage from its aluminum activities.
- Human Resources
There are no clear, publicly recorded data specifically for Elvial regarding the exact number of employees as an independent company – its data pertains to the ElvalHalcor group as a whole.
- Strategy
Elvial, through ElvalHalcor, focuses on aluminum architectural solutions, sustainable products, and high-quality systems, leveraging the group’s strength for research and international expansion.
ETEM
- Profile & Headquarters
ETEM was founded in 1971 and belongs to ELVALHALCOR and the Viohalco group of the Stasinopoulos family. Its headquarters are in Athens, but production takes place at the plant in Magoula, Attica.
In 2023, its merger with Cosmos Aluminum was completed, creating a strong new corporate entity.
- Human Resources
According to publications about ETEM / Cosmos, the new entity has a very strong export profile, but there is no exact, publicly reported number of employees for ETEM alone after the merger.
- Strategy
The new structure (ETEM + Cosmos) aims for further international expansion, vertical integration of production, and leveraging the ETEM brand in architectural systems. The merger offers economies of scale and opportunities for developing an aggressive export strategy.
EUROPA or ALUMIL: The two major forces in aluminum frames
The Greek aluminum frame industry has created two names that have been leading the aluminum frame sector for decades: EUROPA and ALUMIL. Although they operate in the same field (aluminum frames – aluminum), their operating methods, development philosophy, technical processes, and product profiles differ significantly. Let’s see where each company focuses, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each (Europa or Alumil) (What are the best aluminum frames).
The identity and size of the two companies Europa Vs Alumil
EUROPA: Traditional strength with a Greek orientation
EUROPA began its journey during the decades when Greek construction was booming. Headquartered in Oinofyta and armed with its experience, it has developed a stable and distinctly Greek production model, with centralized facilities, hundreds of employees, and one of the densest and most trained bases of certified manufacturers nationwide.
ALUMIL: The group operating internationally
ALUMIL, founded in the late 1980s, quickly evolved into one of the most extensive European groups in the sector. With numerous factories and thousands of employees in Greece and abroad, it has developed an operating model reminiscent of a multinational company with high technological expertise.
Products – Series – Equipment
EUROPA: Focus on residential & long-term durability
EUROPA’s systems are designed to serve private residences and frame replacement needs: casement, sliding, thermal-break, and “cold” profiles. It does not focus on overly complex architectural solutions, but on products that combine reliability, functionality with consistent quality, and durability over time. EUROPA’s most well-known thermal-break casement profiles are the Eos 60 Hybrid, and its thermal-break sliding profiles are the Ess34 Hybrid. It also offers one of the most thermally insulated aluminum frames with the highest thermal insulation coefficient worldwide (Eos – 90)! See a comparison of all Europa aluminum frames.
ALUMIL: Advanced technology series
ALUMIL has developed a large number of specialized systems: minimal sliding systems for new buildings, solutions for skyscrapers, commercial buildings, and hotels. Its technology often appeals to designers and architects seeking specific performance and constructions. ALUMIL’s most well-known thermal-break casement profiles are the Smartia S67 Hybrid, and its thermal-break sliding profiles are the Smartia S560 Hybrid.
Where Europa Vs Alumil differ significantly
EUROPA: Product Control + Installation Control
EUROPA is not limited to the quality of the profiles it produces. Its philosophy is based on four pillars:
- Certified production with regular in-factory checks
- Certification & training of frame manufacturers, ensuring production and installation are carried out correctly and according to EUROPA’s technical specifications.
- Inspection of products delivered to private consumers
- Durable and long-lasting products
The final result largely depends on the manufacturer who will construct and install the aluminum frame, and EUROPA knows this. That’s why it systematically invests in the proper training of its collaborators. EUROPA conducts technical inspections on projects delivered by certified manufacturers to customers, and requires manufacturers to correct any errors and omissions found during the technical frame inspections. The technical inspection by EUROPA costs approximately 70 euros. Additionally, Europa has a testing chamber at its facilities where it tests and certifies its aluminum frames. See everything (series comparison, colors, certifications, etc.) related to Europa aluminum frames.
ALUMIL: High-scale industrial quality control
ALUMIL’s technical processes resemble those of larger European industries:
- Outward orientation
- Laboratory testing of thermal insulation, sealing, and durability
- Certifications from foreign organizations
- Quality monitoring from raw material stage to final production
The company operates with standards required in foreign countries, consequently, the level of testing is particularly high. Alumil’s development could be characterized as a model for the country, as its outward orientation leads it to undertake demanding projects abroad, and it is rightly considered the “Ambassador” of Greek aluminum frames abroad. The company offers the largest range of products (frame series) in Greece, making it particularly attractive to architects and civil engineers.
Technical inspections of aluminum frames
The big difference in the technical inspections – on-site surveys carried out by these two major companies (Europa Vs Alumil) lies in the fact that EUROPA obliges its certified manufacturers to correct any error arising from the technical inspection, unlike ALUMIL which has a purely advisory role and does not oblige the manufacturer to undertake corrective interventions in case of error. Finally, ALUMIL’s technical inspection costs approximately 200-250 euros, while Europa’s costs approximately 70€.
Frame coatings
EUROPA, in order to perfect the product it provides to its customers, has further tightened internally (internal directive) the specifications for the profiles it delivers to its customers. Thus, while the international QUALICOAT standard defines as acceptable marks – scratches that are not visible to the naked eye from 3 meters away indoors, at a 60-degree angle, EUROPA has reduced this distance to 2 meters.
Advantages and disadvantages Europa vs Alumil
(What are the best aluminum frames)
EUROPA Advantages
- Strong presence in the Greek market
- Very large network of collaborating manufacturers, playing a decisive role in product distribution. Over 2000 manufacturers nationwide purchase aluminum profiles from EUROPA. Approximately 600 are certified and adequately qualified and trained by EUROPA, while about 60 certified manufacturers belong to the EUROPA CLUB and have a showroom where one can exclusively view the company’s architectural systems up close.
- Smaller product range with greater control over them
- Control of its certified manufacturers
- After the technical inspection of the frames, it obliges the certified manufacturer to rectify any imperfections.
- The technical inspection of frames costs 70€
- Excellent technical support
- Suitable for residences & renovations
- Internal tightening of Qualicoat
Possible disadvantages of EUROPA
- Less international activity
- Smaller product range
ALUMIL Advantages
- Large production capacity
- Multinational presence
- High-tech series
- Many factories & vertical integration
- Ideal for large, demanding projects (hotels, skyscrapers, curtain walls, etc.)
- Many series of aluminum frame products – wide range
Possible disadvantages of ALUMIL
- After the technical inspection of the frames, it does not oblige the manufacturer to rectify any imperfections, and the inspection is advisory in nature.
- The technical inspection of frames costs 200€ – 250€.
- Less “personal” contact in small private projects.
* The opinions and assessments expressed in this article are the personal and subjective views of the undersigned, based on their professional experience and knowledge of the subject.
The article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a position or recommendation on behalf of the companies mentioned.
For reasons of full transparency, it is noted that the author professionally collaborates with EUROPA.
