McDonald's expands in Ukraine; Penetron technology helps protect concrete

McDonald's has opened two new restaurants in Ukraine, located in the capital city of Kyiv and in Lviv, according to the company. The openings took place in 2025 amid ongoing conflict in the region. Kyiv, which is situated along the Dnieper River, has a population of 2.9 million and more than 5 million in its metropolitan area, making it a significant industrial and educational center in Eastern Europe. Lviv, with a population of 717,500, is recognized as a key cultural center and is experiencing growth as a business hub due to companies relocating from eastern Ukraine.

The new below-ground concrete structures of these restaurants are protected against water damage by PENETRON ADMIX SB, a crystalline waterproofing admixture. This technology not only prevents water ingress but also has self-healing capabilities that can seal any new hairline cracks that may develop.

"The latest openings in Kyiv and Lviv bring the total of new McDonald's restaurants throughout Ukraine to more than 20 over the past three years, despite Russia's invasion," stated Olha Vorona, Director of Penetron Ukraine. This expansion reflects McDonald's prewar plans and indicates a long-term commitment to the Ukrainian market.

Yuliya Badritdinova, managing director for McDonald's in Ukraine, noted that there is significant potential for further growth, estimating that the market could expand to be four to five times larger. To address the challenges posed by high groundwater levels in the region, Penetron Ukraine collaborated with local concrete supplier Poryatun Beton to implement effective waterproofing solutions for both restaurant projects.

PENETRON ADMIX SB was integrated into the concrete mix for the foundation slabs, basement perimeter walls, and elevator pits. Additionally, PENECRETE MORTAR was employed to fill and waterproof tie holes in the concrete walls, thereby completing the waterproofing system. Vorona emphasized that PENETRON ADMIX is designed to provide consistent performance for the lifetime of the treated concrete, requiring virtually no maintenance or additional waterproofing interventions.