Camera de Comert Elvetia - Romania / Chamber of Commerce Switzerland - Romania

Cement sales in Romania by Swiss Holcim group advanced 34 percent in the first three months of 2008, the highest rhythm of growth in Europe, albeit lower than those in the same period in 2007, when sales on the local market increased 117 percent.

“Growth was due to the continuing intensive rhythm of construction in Romania, and the discrepancy compared to last year’s advance can be explained by the fact that many more projects were initiated in 2007 than in 2006, and weather conditions were less favourable in the first half of this year,” according to a statement for Business Standard by representatives of Holcim Romania.

Furthermore, the company also reported its best concrete sales.

The Holcim group reported net revenue in Q1 2008 of €3.44 billion, down 2.6 percent, while net profit, excepting minority interests, advanced 5 percent, to €231 mln.

The company’s main competitors in Romania in terms of all of its activities, cement, concrete and aggregates, are Lafarge (France) and HeidelbergCement (Germany). (Business Standard, May 7, 208)