The rustic-style facades of buildings in the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany are becoming a fashionable feature with both the owners and builders of Romanian houses, a fact that is reflected in the above 500,000-euro turnovers registered by the producers and distributors of flexible face brick and stone.

"At the Budapest construction materials fair we saw flexible face brick and stone products and met the products inventor. We liked what was on offer and were impressed by the product's characteristics and uniqueness. After several discussions, we decided to secure the necessary know-how," explains Horea Bunta, a partner in the Cluj-based Delap Invest firm, a Romanian-held company.

Despite the tight domestic competition, especially with major international competitors, 2001 saw the two associates establish their company as the sole producer of flexible face brick and stone. Now, six years on, the company has expanded its product range. Horea Bunta says the company developed by expanding its sales area and by manufacturing products that were in high demand. The company's customers range from everyday DIY consumers and construction firms to investors.

When first launched in 2001, the company started out by employing 5 people, and is now employing a staff of 14. Originally, the main problem faced by Delap was the lack of raw materials, which had to be imported.

According to data published by the Finance Ministry, the business is currently thriving. "In 2006, we registered a 80% growth rate, year-on-year, due to rising investments. This year, we expect our turnover to double owing to a higher recognition of product quality and continuing market developments," says Bunta. A stronger domestic position and forays into foreign markets are part of the company's medium and long-term plans.

Dan Fizedean, a partner in the Arad-based Kromston firm wa