Estimated this year at EUR 35 million, stoneware industry skyrocketed in the past 4-5 years, the growth pace being stirred by the development of residential market, according to Andrei Arghirescu, Managing Director at Venus Stones, company that targets for 2009 EUR 10 million turnover.

Founded seven years ago under motto “Just respect stone”, Venus Stones is focused on import, production and distribution of stone, with 20% market share.

“The cornerstone of the company was seven years ago when the first logistic office in Otopeni was opened by Valer Rusu, which covered 3,000 sqm. Afterwards, the logistic storage room was relocated in Chitila which now covers 10,000 and that we plan to expand by another 10.000,” Andrei Anghelescu added.

Venus Stones’ clients’ portfolio includes developers or general entrepreneurs that carry out major construction projects.

“Materials are usually imported, because the range of stones is wider, the quality is higher and the costs of materials are lower. According to the type of stone, they are imported from different regions of the world, mainly from China, Turkey, India, Egypt, Brazil and Spain,” Venus Stones representative mentioned.

The delivery of the stone is made within 45/60 days, given its home country.

“If an entrepreneur wants custom-made plywood, then we order it from our provider, which frames it in a certain production line, and the delivery deadline may be postponed by 30-40 days, given the quantity and type of the product. The transportation is made by sea, which last between 25 and 35 days,” Arghirescu added.

As in 2008, the residential market backed down compared to 2007, the stoneware industry didn’t.

“Certainly, 2008 was a more profitable year than 2007, as the slowdown does not affect us immediately. The finishing works are the final phases of a construction, and for