Several employees left the company, specifically to work abroad, the company’s General Manager, Dumitru Petcu, told Business Standard. Furthermore, exports were lower compared to previous years. “Sales were quite good domestically. Furniture is sold when houses are built,” Petcu said.
The local furniture market is increasing by some 8 percent annually, due to significant growth of the residential segment. Thus, idle sales means lower market share. “Competition has not taken us by surprise, because Romania has a developing furniture market,” Petcu added.
He said furniture sales are to improve in the second half of 2008, especially as of September, when several residential projects are finalized.
Last year, Alprom posted €16 mln in turnover, 33 percent lower year-on-year.
