Romcarbon steps into the black

Plastics maker Romcarbon Buzau announced a net profit of approximately 250,000 euros (9.26bn ROL), in the first quarter of this year. It had posted loses of 84,000 euros (3.4bn ROL) in the same time in 2004. Total sales of the company progressed by more than 40% in the period considered, reaching some 2.3 million euros (82bn ROL). Romcarbona??s officials could not be reached for comment. Romcarbona??s operating revenues rose from 1.85 million euros throughout January-March 2004 to 3 million euros (108bn ROL) in the same period this year. Total spending did not progress at the same pace as the revenues, reaching approximately 2.7 million euros. The plastics market is now faced with an overall rise in the raw materials price, following the recent increase in the petroleum price worldwide. Romcarbon makes car filters, gas masks, polyethylene bags, PVC piping and polypropylene bags. It is also one of the leading makers of polystyrene food containers in Romania. ZF