Mapei Considers Building EUR20M Plant In Romania

05.25.2011 By Andrei Cîrchelan

Italian group Mapei on Wednesday said it may build its first Romanian plant next year, with an investment of some EUR20 million, and it is considering acquiring a local player.

The group bought a plot in central Romanian city Brasov two years ago, in view of building a plant there. However, the investment was postponed when the group bought a production unit in Ruse, Bulgaria, which covers 60% of deliveries to the Romanian market.

The investment might be partly financed with European funds, according to Mapei export manager Luigi de Martin.

The company official added the group is looking to acquire a local player, without providing details, and plant construction will start in 2012 if no such acquisition is made by the end of this year.

Mapei Romania expects sales to increase 23% this year, to EUR11 million, helped by promotional campaigns and the launch of new products. In addition, the company expects to reach EUR20 million in import sales by 2016, and it expects annual turnover to double once production starts at the upcoming plant.

The Italian group posted sales of EUR1.9 billion in 2010. It has 68 branches, in 44 states, which operate 58 plants.