Kober estimates 25% turnover increase

Piatra-Neamt-based producer of varnish and paint, Kober, one of the top two players on the market, estimates a 25% increase in turnover against last year, to some 48 million euros. Increases in turnover will be generated by an intensification of private investments on the construction market. “The increase in civil engineering work, mainly in the private sector, prompted a 34% increase in varnish and paint sales last year. Consequently, we are anticipating a 25% rise in turnover this year. The decorative plaster, washable paint and wood varnish segment proved to be the most dynamic in terms of growth,” said Stefan Barna, Kober’s strategy manager. Turnover registered by the company in 2006 stood at approximately 38 million euros, up 34% against the previous year. In addition to this, Kober acquired the Melana 5 section on the Savinesti chemical platform located near Piatra-Neamt for some 580,000 euros, which the company will use to develop its new production facility. According to the latest available data, local demand amounts to 150,000 tonnes a year. In terms of structure, the local production levels of varnish and paint approach those of the European Union.