Comceh, a Calarasi-based paper producer and one of the leading players in the paper industry, has estimated a turnover worth 40m euros for this year, a 15% increase on 2006.
In the first four months of 2007, the company derived a turnover worth 11.8m euros, 44% higher against the same period last year, when it generated 8.2m euros.
"The figures we posted in the first four months are 2-3% higher than the projected budget for 2007. This year, we expect to reach a turnover worth 40m euros," stated Antonio Romagnolo, general manager of Comceh.
He specified that these figures were registered amid the introduction of new products on the market and the rising presence of Comceh products in modern retail.
Bringing the domestic production facilities up to the standards of the EU countries will require massive investments, and players' survival on the market will depend on their capacity to operate such investments.
"Some companies will be forced out of the market or in any case will see sales fall due to the lack of investments in equipment for high quality products, which are in rising demand from Romanian consumers. The capability to invest in new products will have a significant impact on the development of producers," Antonio Romagnolo told ZF.
As early as of 2005, several companies were forced to operate permanent or temporary shutdowns in production.
In 2006, companies including Ambro Suceava, Celhart Donaris Braila and Celrom Drobeta-Turnu Severin experienced such situations, according to the data released by the representatives of the Cellulose and Paper Industry Employers' Association (ROMPAP). However, Romania continues to be attractive to international players.
"Romania is one of the most attractive markets for cellulose and paper producers, owing to the fact that consumption per capita, is soon expected to match the
