Arctic banks on exports to boost turnover

Arctic Gaesti, the largest domestic home appliance manufacturer, derived turnover worth 194 million euros last year, up 30% compared with 2005. The 60% rise in exports, to 741,000 units, was the main growth factor for the company, according to Ugur Kayali, the general manager of Arctic. “The increase in exports was principally caused by the new markets we entered in 2006, namely Italy, Finland, Estonia as well as markets from the Middle East and Africa,” said Kayali. Over 65% of the exports operated by the company went to European markets. The company’s main export destinations last year were Turkey (14%), France (12%), Germany (11%), Poland, Serbia (9% each) and Great Britain (7%). The output reported by Arctic’s factory based in Gaesti in 2006 amounted to 1,075,000 units, compared with the 900,000 units manufactured in 2005. “We hope this year we will continue this positive trend, which will be supported mainly by our exports. We also hope to establish a two-digit growth rate. We intend to focus on the increase in productivity, while investments will be dedicated to the improvement of the business, IT and human resources infrastructure,” added Kayali. The company’s sales on the domestic market amounted to 106 million euros last year, resulting in the company reaching a 31,7% market share, compared with 2005 when it held only 28% of the market.