French Lafarge group, one of the local competitors on the cement market, announced a 28 percent increase in sales for the entire group. Operations in Central and Eastern Europe advanced by 35 percent, while the other competitor, Holcim Romania, estimated a 20 percent increase in cement sales in H1 2008.
Carpatcement Holding reached its maximum production capacity last year. According to company representatives, increases posted by its two competitors are due to the fact that they finalized investments to expand their production capacities. Carpatcement Holding scheduled investments worth €100 million to increase cement production by 2010, but the results will be visible only as of the second half of 2009.
Heidelberg Cement is present in Romania through cement, concrete and aggregate divisions, and owns three cement factories. The group estimates that turnover and profit will stagnate this year, at some €363 million.
