Siceram expects to triple market share

Sighisoara-based Siceram, a producer of ceramic construction materials based in Sighisoara, expects to increase its market share to 7%, against 2% at present, after it completes its the new tile plant in March next year. “This year, we have completed around 75% of the investments in retooling our ceramic roofing tiles plant, estimated at around 14 million euros. After the plant is completed, we aim to gain a 7% market share,” said Nicolae Neag, Siceram’s commercial manager. According to Siceram data, the share held by exports in turnover has gradually declined over the last few years, from around 15-18% in 1995 to around 7.5% at present. The company’s management estimates exports will continue to decline in the coming period, to 3-5% due to the increased demand on the Romanian market. The main foreign market where the company operates is Italy, with around 75-80% of the total exports. The products manufactured by the company are also exported to France, Germany, Hungary and the UK. Siceram products are retailed through specialised warehouses, whilst company representatives forecast an approximately 5% market share for masonry materials and a 2% market share for the roofing segment (tiles).