The ACC (autoclaved cellular concrete) market will grow this year by some 15% against 2005, according to estimates by players in the field.
The ACC producers' profit rates stand at 30-40%, making it one of the most attractive businesses at the moment.
"The ACC production will reach 1.9 million cubic metres this year, up 10% against last year, to which a 4.5% price increase will be added," Florin Ispas, sales manager of Prefabricate Vest, told Ziarul Financiar.
The imports, mainly developed by German producer Xella, account for some 7% of the ACC market. The German group has extensively explored the local ACC market over recent years, looking for an acquisition, but also considering imports and greenfield projects as an alternative.
The average price of ACC per cubic metre may reach some 71 euros including VAT.
"To a great extent, the price of ACC depends on cement and lime production costs, which are used to produce the autoclaved cellular concrete," states Ispas. The total volume of ACC sold last year amounted to some 1.7 million cubic metres.
The growth witnessed by this field this year was felt by ACC producers over the first nine months. For instance, Celco Constanta, one of the major players on the market, posted turnover worth 18 million euros, up 11% from the corresponding period of last year. Moreover, Celco operates at a constant profit margin of some 35% beyond the market average.
Celco Constanta is one of the most profitable companies on the construction market. The ACC producer launched a greenfield investment worth 10 million euros last year, which will include a lime plant, incorporating the production process into the company's business.
Celco was set up in 1971, subsequently passing into private ownership in 1997. The producer of concrete parts for construction is controlled by Niculae and Ion Dusu, who took over the company in 2003 and currently hold over 75% of its shares, as well as the Condor hotel complex in Mamaia.
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