Large-Scale Refurbishment Projects, Infrastructure Works Were The Main Factors

Large-scale refurbishment projects, infrastructure works and investments made in wind farms were the main factors behind the 5 percent increase in volume of the Romanian cement market in 2011, said Florian Aldea, country manager of Carpatcement Holding. He added that judging from poor results so far this year, it would be good news if the market stagnated in 2012 but a 2 to 3 percent increase could still be possible if large scale construction projects are begun. Overall, the Romanian constructions market grew by 2.8 percent last year, reaching EUR 9.3 billion but remaining well below the EUR 15.3 billion level reported in 2008. "If we look at the market's segments, this 2.8 percent increase came mainly from non-residential projects, " explained Aldea Asked about Carpatcement's turnover last year, he said it grew by single digit and the actual figure will be made public after the company's general shareholders' meeting. He added that despite the fact that 2011 was a challenging year the company managed to increase sold volumes for all of its three divisions and retain its clients, albeit this came with the cost of lower profits. In 2010 the company reported a combined turnover of EUR 219 million for all of its three divisions – cement, concrete and aggregates. Carpatcement Holding is part of German HeidelbergCement. Source: business-review.ro