Kober, the Piatra-Neamt-based varnish and paint producer, one of the top players on the domestic market, in the first quarter of this year posted a 31% sales increase against the same period of last year, thanks to the fine weather at the beginning of the year.
"The sales increase we registered in the first quarter of 2007 was mainly triggered by constructions sector growth and the mild winter, which allowed for construction works to be carried out at 'summer levels'," stated Stefan Barna, strategy manager with Kober.
The company early this year estimated turnover would rise by 25%, to some 48m euros, but given the first quarter sales dynamics, the forecast may be beaten.
The company at the beginning of this year launched two new product ranges as the market has matured. One of these, Kober Professional, is aimed at construction firms and teams of professionals, including the entire range of varnish and paint needed for the construction or renovation of a building.
"Our surveys show we've witnessed a high demand for the entire range of varnish and paint Kober manufactures. All our products and ranges posted considerable increases this year," states Barna.
K?ber last year paid some 580,000 euros for the Melana 5 unit of Savinesti chemical platform, located near Piatra Neamt, in which it will invest some 12-15m euros this year to develop one of the biggest production capacities in the Romanian varnish and paint industry, with annual production of more than 120,000 tonnes per annum.
"We hope the new plant of Savinesti will become operational by yearend," says Barna.
The plant located on Savinesti platform has an area of 16,000 square metres, with Kober to manufacture resin, decorative products and powder paint here.
Kober currently owns a research and production unit specialised in varnish and paint in Turturesti (near Piatra Neamt), a production facility for household heating units (close to Piatra Neamt) and an electronic part production facility in Iasi.
The varnish and paint market last year generated sales worth some 170-180m euros, up around 15% against 2005, with the same growth pace being expected to be registered in the next five years. The market's potential is given by the massive investments in housing projects and in the thermal rehabilitation of buildings.
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