Sortilemn budgets 35m-euro turnover

Sortilemn, based in Gherla, one of the main furniture manufacturers on the local market, has announced plans to invest 2 million euros in retooling and automation this year. “We intend to remain competitive on our market segment, and we do not plan to expand our business into other sectors or production branches,” Michael Brandhuber, general manager of Sortilemn, told ZF Transilvania. The manufacturer estimates turnover worth 35 million euros this year, a level similar to the one reported in 2007. Sortilemn closed 2007 with overall sales worth around 35 million euros, a 30% increase on the previous year, when the company’s turnover amounted to 27 million euros. Exports currently account for 99% of Sortilemn’s overall turnover, with the company being one of the traditional suppliers of Ikea. “The furniture market is currently stable, but, according to our estimates, will see a slight decline in the second half of the year, therefore we expect the same turnover in 2008,” said Michael Brandhuber.