Lafarge sees stagnant sales in euro

French construction materials group Lafarge last year derived 150 million euro turnover from the Romanian market, with this year’s estimates showing a similar value in euros, stated Philippe Questiaux, chairman of Lafarge Romcim. Turnover announced by Lafarge includes operations developed on the Romanian market by Lafarge Romcim (in the domain of cement), Lafarge Agregate Betoane (in the domain of concrete and aggregates), Lafarge Arcom Gips SA (the only producer of plasterboard), as well as by companies in which Lafarge holds stakes, namely Schidel Sisteme de Cosuri and Bramac Sisteme de Invelitori. Lafarge Romcim, the second largest player on the domestic market, registered Q1 sales worth about 16 million euros (against an average price of 50-52 euros/tonne), 30% lower as compared to the previous year. Quantitatively, sales came to about 320,000 tonnes over the above-mentioned period. “The trend witnessed in the first three months of this year was triggered by the appreciation of the European currency against the dollar and by the long winter,” stated Philippe Questiaux at the end of last week, hoping in this context to see turnover reach about the same level as last year. The European currency at the end of last week exceeded the 1.5 dollars/unit threshold, and the group operates its financial reports in dollars for its units in Romania. Euro-denominated reports are scheduled for next year, according to the French group’s representatives. The group’s rivals on the segment of cement, concrete and aggregates are Holcim (Switzerland) and HeidelbergCement Group (Germany). ZF