Kategorie: Pressemitteilungen

BILKA, leader of the roofing market, ended 2018 with a turnover of RON 501 million (EUR 108 million), 27% higher compared to RON 394 million in 2017.

The business grew by 27% in 2018, as the roofing market grew slightly below 10%, according to company data.

“Last year’s growth is above the market growth, which means that Bilka roof continues to capture from the market share of other brands present on the Romanian market and of those in the vicinity. The registered growth comes in the context of the high consumption, the company’s investments in recent years, the development of the brand on a premium position and, last but not least, the export growth. These are the fundamental elements of our business strategy, and the performance indicators we constantly check”, said Horațiu Țepeș, Bilka’s CEO.

Investments and exports ‒ growth factors in 2019

This year, the company’s goal is a turnover of over RON 600 million, meaning an increase by 20% compared to the level reported last year. Estimates are mainly based on expansion and investment.

This year, the company continues its growth strategy through continuous investment at all business levels. At present, an investment plan is in place for the development of the industrial product division. It amounts to EUR 20 million and its deadline is 2020.

“This year we stick to the investment plan for the development of the industrial division, a plan that amounts to 20 million Euros and runs between 2017- and 2020. We are currently in full renovation of the production areas purchased at the end of 2017 and we simultaneously go on with the procedures to acquire the necessary production equipment and to increase the team that will manage this division. At the same time, we continue to invest in increasing the production capacity and the range of products for the residential division. In 2019, for this division, we have an investment budget of 5 million Euros that will be used to purchase new production equipment, to extend the production and storage areas, and also to increase the vehicle fleet. Our growth strategy will go on with investments, however, we made an analysis and this year we also consider a possible purchase of companies in the fields related to our field of activity”, said Horațiu Țepeș.

Exports up 50%

Exports are another important growth direction for the company. Last year Bilka exported full roofing systems amounting to EUR 11 million, a 50% increase compared to last year.

There are markets in Europe where we can become a market leader in the next 5 years. The growth potential we see in export and the fact that the investments made in the last years allow us to be competitive all over Europe, make us approach more and more markets and consider expanding to other continents. This year, also, the development of new sales markets remains one of our main goals, along with brand consolidation in the countries we are already present. Our goal for the year-end is to maintain the growth by 50% of export business”, stated Țepeș.

BILKA, leader of the roofing market and the largest consumer of pre-painted steel in Romania, ended the year 2018 with a turnover of RON 501 million. In 12 years of activity, BILKA covered over 250,000 houses and made investments exceeding EUR 40 million. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide.

In 2018, BILKA sold its products all over the country and abroad via more than 500 stable dealers. BILKA products are exported in several countries, among which Bulgaria, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, The Netherlands, Austria, Ireland or Ukraine.

BILKA’s business has exceeded the threshold of EUR 100 million

BILKA, leader of the roofing market, reached the threshold of EUR 100 million earlier this month, 30% more compared to the same period of the last year. The company’s goal is to maintain its business growth of 30% until the end of the year, mainly based on expansion and investments which have reached a total of EUR 40 million in the past 11 years.

“The EUR 100 million turnover threshold is an important step in the company’s evolution.  This outcome resulted from the significant growth on all of the business lines, the residential division, the industrial division, domestic sales or exports. Investments have been, this year also, the main growth driver. The continuous process of investing in developing and improving the range of services and products, in increasing the production capacity, in team building, in identifying new markets or business divisions, is the key element that characterizes the company’s daily activity, which is also reflected in its financial results”, stated Horațiu Țepeș, Bilka’s CEO.

Investments remain the main focus

The company continues its growth strategy through continuous investment on all business levels. At present, an investment plan is in place for the development of the industrial product division.  It amounts to EUR 20 million and its deadline is 2020.

“Our strategy since the first years of our activity has been to constantly seek new opportunities for development and investment and to create such opportunities where none are to be found. Thus, in addition to the business development this year, which is in line with our business strategy, the more important is the perspective that we have for the next few years in the current context of development and investment. We currently focus on the EUR 20 million investment project taking place between 2017 and 2020. In this respect, this year we started purchasing machinery for industrial sector production, for equipping the platform acquired last year with the equipment necessary for the production of high-profile corrugated sheet metal, insulated panels, and profiles for buildings and structures. We aim at covering the entire spectrum of the industrial segment so that we can offer our customers turnkey industrial halls”, said Horațiu Țepeș.

Exports up 50%

After having consolidated its top position on the national roofing market in the last years, the company accessed the neighboring countries, as well. In the first 9 months of the year, Bilka exported complete roofing systems amounting to EUR 10 million, up 50% compared to the same period of the last year.

“According to sales in the first 9 months of the year, when we recorded 50% more on export, we estimate we will keep this growth for the end of the year. We see great potential in foreign markets. There are markets like Bulgaria or Hungary where we can become a market leader in the next 5 years. This being one of our long-term goals also. This is also due to the fact that more and more neighboring countries are looking at the Romanian products, but also because we currently have the largest roofing systems factory in Eastern Europe”, said Horațiu Țepeș.

INFO

BILKA, a leader on the roofing market and the largest consumer of pre-painted steel in Romania, ended the year 2017 with a turnover of RON 394 million. In 11 years of activity, BILKA covered over 200,000 houses and made investments exceeding EUR 40 million. Its production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide.

In 2018, BILKA sold its products all over the country and abroad via more than 500 established dealers. BILKA products are exported in several countries, among which Bulgaria, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, Germany, Poland, Slovakia or Ukraine.

Forbes Magazine has brought together the top 100 business figures with outstanding outcome in the Romanian economy as part of the “Forbes Romania Business Hall of Fame” project. The magazine’s distinction was awarded to those who built, developed and had a vision about changing the business rules. Horațiu Țepeș, Bilka is one of these personalities, awarded with the “100 Business Hall of Fame” diploma.

BILKA, the leader on the roofing market, ended 2017 with a turnover of EUR 86 million, which was 45% higher compared to EUR 60 million in 2016. Residential products remain a top-selling category, accounting for 90% of the total sale volumes. The remaining 10% is represented by the category of industrial products.

The sustainable growth of the company is mainly due to its expansion and investments, which reached EUR 30 million over the past 11 years; the most recent investment amounting to EUR 5.56 million was made last year with the acquisition of the Hidromecanica 2 Brasov industrial platform, where the company started a new development project.

„This year’s results confirm that our strategy is well shaped and appropriate. However, apart from last year’s EUR 86 million turnover, we also take into consideration other two performance indicators. The first one is the number of covered houses and in this respect, we manufactured and sold 57,000 complete roofing systems last year; the second indicator reflecting the performance of a company in this field of activity is the consumption of pre-painted steel, which is the raw material used in 95% of the products that we sell. In 2017, Bilka used 80,000 tons of pre-painted steel, being the largest consumer of such material in Eastern Europe“, declared Horațiu Țepeș.

In 2018, the company continues the investment plan started last year with the acquisition of the Hidromecanica 2 Brasov industrial platform; this investment amounting to EUR 20 million is due for completion in 2020.

„Our focus in the forthcoming period is on the investment plan initiated last year and on the development of our industrial division. We will start renovating the platform and, at the same time, we have already commenced the procedures for the acquisition of the required production equipment and raw materials and for the expansion of the team in charge of this division. Investments will be completed in 2020, but their first outcomes will be noticed by the beginning of 2019, when we estimate that the production of insulated panels will be ready for launch“, stated Horațiu Țepeș.

The roofing market, a new record in 2017

Last year, the roofing market grew on average by 10%, up to approximately 38 million sqm. According to the company’s estimates, metal roofing accounts for 70% of the overall roofing market and this share is expected to increase on the short and medium term.

„We expect the trend of the past years to maintain also in 2018. There are premises for growth in this industry, at least in the following 10 years. On the one hand, there is a need to expand not only the residential but also the industrial and agricultural construction sector in Romania. On the other hand, the last years‘ investments in production capacities and product range diversification were made specifically to meet the new construction needs. We expect a 10% increase in the total roofing market this year, and a 25% advancement for Bilka“, mentioned Horațiu Țepeș.

INFO

BILKA, the leader on the roofing market and the largest consumer of pre-painted steel in Romania, ended the year 2017 with a turnover of EUR 86 million. In 11 years of activity, BILKA covered over 200,000 houses and made investments exceeding EUR 30 million. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide. In 2017, BILKA sold its products all over the country and abroad via more than 500 stable dealers. BILKA products are exported in several countries, among which Bulgaria, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, Germany, Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine.

BILKA, the leader on the roofing market, has acquired Hidromecanica 2 platform and started an investment plan in amount of EUR 20 million to be implemented between 2017-2020. The budgeted amount will be allocated mostly to the development of the products dedicated to the industrial sector.

Bilka restores Hidromecanica 2 platform

After the acquisition and integration of the Romlag platform (a part of Rulmentul Brasov) in the production flow in 2014, following a EUR 10 million investment, the company undergoes a new development stage focusing on the industrial division.

The first step of the industrial development process was completed at the beginning of September when Bilka concluded the proceedings and signed the documents for the acquisition of the platform Hidromecanica 2 Brașov. The transaction was valued at EUR 5.5 million. The platform newly incorporated in the infrastructure of Bilka is located near the halls already owned by the company and it spreads over 9.5 hectares. By adding the new area to the 4.5 hectares of the current production halls owned by Bilka, the total resulting area is of 14 hectares.

„As a result of the last years‘ investments in the residential division, we reached this year a 100% occupancy rate of the available space. This is in connection with a turnover of RON 400 million estimated for the end of the year. Therefore, it would have been impossible for us to develop our residential division in the existing area; in this context, growing our industrial division would have been out of the question. The acquired platform will allow us to maintain comparable growth rates in the following years, but also to develop our industrial division. Out of the 9.5 ha area, 20% will serve the residential division as a warehousing facility for the raw materials; the remaining space will be allocated to the industrial division for production halls, warehousing, and necessary logistic facilities“, declared Horațiu Țepeș, the owner of Bilka.

The second stage of the project will consist in the refurbishment of the platform and the acquisition of the necessary production equipment. The EUR 20 million investments are supported by the company’s profit and a bank loan.

„Now that we acquired the platform, we will start the renovation works which will last a year. The previous experience with the refurbishment and integration in the production flow of the Romlag platform will help us properly manage this new project. At the same time, we will work on the acquisition of the required production equipment and raw materials and on the expansion of the team in charge of this division. The investment will be implemented in three years and may be completed in 2020, once the new platform is refurbished and fully equipped. The first outcomes of these investments will be noticed by the beginning of 2019 when we estimate that the production of insulated panels will be ready for launch“, stated Horațiu Țepeș.

Future plans: expanding the market of insulated panels and the consumption of pre-painted steel

The market of insulated panels reached about EUR 100 million in 2016, being 8% higher versus 2015. The company’s assumptions for this year point to a 5% growth.

The market of pre-painted steel reached 256,000 tons in 2016, from 213,000 tons in 2015. The company estimates a volume of 270,000 tons in 2017.

At present, the manufacturing of industrial products accounts for 10% of the company’s turnover, while the remaining 90% is represented by residential products.

„Through the investment project that we have initiated, our plan is similar to that implemented on the roofing market, notably to come with a new approach, with new products and services leading to the growth and improvement of the market dedicated to panels and corrugated metal sheets and implicitly to a higher consumption of pre-painted steel. In our industry, one performance indicator is represented by the consumption of pre-painted steel and in this respect, we estimate that the Romanian market may exceed the 400,000 tons threshold in 5-7 years. Our assumptions are based on the growing need for metal roofs in Romania, on the development of the industrial construction sector, but also on the investments that we have initiated this year which will sustain the market evolution. In 2016, the consumption of pre-painted steel by Bilka reached 63,000 tons and this year we estimate consumption of 80,000 tons. In the following 5 years, after the implementation of the investment plan, the launch into the production of insulated panels and corrugated steel sheet profiles, and after the consolidation of these investments, the company’s demand may exceed 100,000 tons of pre-painted steel“, declared Horațiu Țepeș.

INFO

BILKA, a leader on the roofing market and the largest consumer of pre-painted steel in Romania, ended the year 2016 with a turnover of RON 270 million. In 10 years of activity, BILKA covered over 150,000 houses. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide. In 2016, BILKA sold its products all over the country and abroad via more than 500 stable dealers. BILKA products are exported in several countries, among which Bulgaria, Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, Germany, Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine.

In the first semester of 2017 BILKA, leader of the roofing market, maintained its ascending trend of the previous years, reaching a turnover of RON 147 million, i.e. 54% higher compared to the same period of the previous year. This is mainly a consequence of the increase in demand and of the investment project amounting to EUR 10 million started by the company in 2014 and completed in 2016.

“The 54% increase was determined, on the one hand, by the increasing demand for roofing, which is normal if we are to consider the surveys on the construction market evolution, showing that the market is mainly driven by residential buildings, followed by office buildings and commercial areas. Moreover, there is an increase in the number of construction permits for residential buildings, and a decrease in renovation works. Following these permits, new constructions will appear and we will have to cover them. On the other hand, Bilka’s growth is due to investments from previous years, for the development and diversification of our range of products. This year’s figures also reflect the production lines started last year, that were mandatory so that we can comply with the demand. We estimate that this growth will last till the year-end”, stated Horațiu Țepeș.

Following the EUR 20 million investments made during its 10 years of activity, Bilka continues to grow its business, while also relying on exports.

Exports up by 33%

Having consolidated its top position on the national roofing market in the last years, the company accessed the neighboring countries, as well. In 2016, Bilka exported complete roof systems in the amount of RON 27 million. Export sales went up by 33% in the first half of 2017 compared to the same period of the previous year.

“Given the sales in the first part of the year, when we recorded 33% more on export, we estimate we will keep this growth for the end of the year. We see great potential in the foreign markets and an increased interest in our products. This is also due to the fact that we currently have the largest roof systems factory in Eastern Europe. Given the investments made, we now have the necessary production means and logistics to become a player on the foreign markets”, declared Horațiu Țepeș.

Foreign companies choose the roofs manufactured in Brașov, not only for the quality and competitiveness of the company’s products and services but also for the fact that they come along with the know-how provided by the manufacturer.

“In Romania, we have gone beyond bulk selling, as we have also focused on market development and education, and on the development of our partners. Not all our partners have a well-defined business strategy, a clear vision of their business objectives or of their development possibilities. This is where we come in and suggest new business directions. This has brought added value and we follow the same strategy abroad as well, where we already see the desired outcome. We do this because we want a sound business and we know that this requires a sound market and strong partners”, said the entrepreneur.

2017 ‒ premium products on the increase

Official studies in different fields show that Romanians have gone in favor of higher-value products in the past two years, which has determined growth in the consumption of premium products. This has been noticed with respect to current goods, but it equally applies to consumer durables, such as roofs. During the past 6 months, Bilka has sold 25% more premium products, as compared to the same period last year.

“The increase in premium product sales is mainly generated by the growing weight of such products in our portfolio. We identified this market need two years ago when we met clients that would rather have thicker products and special-finishing products, which they could not find on the market. This was an underdeveloped segment on the roofing market. In 2014, our portfolio included a special finishing, with technical specifications superior to those existing on the market at that time. The demand has constantly increased since then, and a new finishing, GrandeMat, was launched this year. This is a Bilka product available in 8 different color shades. We are glad to see a growing interest in top products and we will continue to support this trend”, stated Horațiu Țepeș.

INFO

BILKA’s turnover in 2016 amounted to RON 270 million. At present, the BILKA factory covers an area of 45,000 sqm, divided into production halls, warehouses, and offices. In 10 years of activity, BILKA covered over 150,000 houses. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide. In 2016, BILKA sold its products all over the country via more than 500 stable dealers. The company’s distribution network covers the entire Romanian territory.

BILKA, the leader on the roofing market, ended 2016 with a turnover of more than EUR 60 million, which was 41% higher compared to EUR 43 million in 2015. In 2016, the company was considered for the third consecutive year as the largest consumer of pre-painted steel sheets in Romania, purchasing over 63,000 tons.

„Last year’s results are the immediate outcome of the 10 million euro investment plan launched in 2014 and completed in 2016. Following this project, we purchased and integrated a new platform of 27,000 sqm in our production flow, we installed 25 new production lines, we launched 3 new models of metal tile and thus we completed our investments related to the residential division. All these improvements are reflected in the 2016 turnover, which grew by 41%“, stated Horațiu Țepeș, the owner of BILKA.

2017 – consolidation and optimization

After the completion last year of the development process with respect to the residential sector, the main objectives for 2017 are: making use of the EUR 13 million investments executed throughout the company’s 10 years of activity in order to increase the production capacity and the range of products, rendering the factory’s activity more efficient and increasing the weight of exports in total business volumes.

„Our focus this year is to make our investments profitable; we have new production lines and products below one year of functioning and their impact on sales will start to be noticed only this year. At the same time, exports continue to be an important matter for us. In 2015, they represented 7.3% of the company’s turnover, reaching 10% in 2016. We see great potential in the foreign markets; therefore we plan to encourage exports this year. Given the investments made, we now have the necessary production and logistic means to become a player on the foreign markets“, declared Horațiu Țepeș.

Another relevant aspect of our strategy for 2017 is the support and expansion of the network of 500 dealers with whom the company cooperates at present.

„BILKA helps other 500 businesses grow. We are responsible for the development of more than 500 partners that represent us, and our growth is positively reflected in their business as well. This year, we will continue to offer know-how support to our partner dealers, but also services and products that help them evolve“, stated Horațiu Țepeș.

A new investment program is pending, dedicated to the industrial sector – the production of corrugated metal sheets, insulated panels, industrial profiles, structural liner trays, and turnkey halls. But the deployment of this project depends on the acquisition of new production spaces.

„Now, that we have ended the development stage of the residential division, it is the right moment to make new investments for the industrial sector. We have the necessary financial resources for this project, but the available property near the Bilka factory, notably the former Rulmentul platform, now in ruins, is owned by the state and we depend on the local authorities. If we succeed with the rental of the requested property, we will commence the investments; otherwise, we will have to put this project on hold. We go on with the proceedings in order to expand our activity on the neighboring lands, but in the future, we do not exclude the option of purchasing properties outside the city“, mentioned Țepeș.

The roofing market in 2016 – the highest level ever recorded in Romania

The roofing market increased by 5-10% over the previous years, exceeding last year the threshold of 32 million square meters, for the first time since 2008. In 2016, the market reached the highest level ever recorded in Romania, notably 35 million square meters. This result is due to the higher consumption and the need for new residential estates or refurbishments on the one hand, and to the investments in this sector during the last years on the other hand. „We expect a 10% market increase during this year, as well. First of all, we count on the contribution of our company to market growth. A market cannot develop unless its main players invest in innovation, technology, and new products. If the market growth recorded in 2016 was mainly fuelled by that of BILKA, things will most probably follow the same trend this year, as well. Secondly, we rely on the market trend in the recent years, on the official surveys pointing to the increase up to 5% of the construction market in 2017, with a 10% increase in the residential sector; the number of building permits increased by 5% last year only in the urban area. The statistics encourage us to be optimistic and to see 2017 as a year of considerable growth on the roofing market“, mentioned Horațiu Țepeș.

INFO

BILKA’s turnover in 2016 amounted to RON 270 million. At present, the BILKA factory covers an area of 45,000 sqm, divided into production halls, warehouses, and offices. In 10 years of activity, BILKA covered over 150,000 houses. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide. In 2016, BILKA sold its products all over the country via more than 500 stable dealers. The company’s distribution network covers entire Romania.

BILKA, the leader on the roofing market, recorded a turnover of EUR 45 million in the first 9 months of 2016, that is 44% higher versus the same period last year.

These results are mainly due to the EUR 10 million investment plan launched in 2014 and completed in 2016. Based on this project, BILKA installed 15 new production lines for the manufacture of complete roofing systems. It now counts 250 employees, versus 150 last year.

„We managed to maintain a constant growth pace of 40% over the last years, and this was mainly due to the development and investment plan implemented between 2014-2016. Following this project, we purchased and integrated a new platform of 27,000 sqm in our production flow, we installed 15 new production lines, we launched 3 new models of metal tile and thus we completed our investments related to the residential division. The outcomes of this project are reflected in the company’s turnover which almost doubled, from EUR 23 million at the end of 2013 to EUR 45 million by the end of the 3rd quarter of 2016. For the year-end, we expect the same growth as in the first 9 months, which will place our company among the top 100 Romanian companies“, declared Horațiu Țepeș, the owner of BILKA.

2018 – EUR 100 million potential

This year, after completing the expansion for the residential sector, the company targets new investment and development initiatives that may lift its business up to EUR 100 million in the next 2 years. „Starting with 2017, we plan to launch a new investment plan for the industrial sector – the production of corrugated metal sheets, insulated panels, industrial profiles, structural liner trays, and turnkey halls. At present, the industrial sector stands for 12% of the total production volumes and we intend to raise it to 40% in the forthcoming years. With respect to this project, we budgeted and planned investments of EUR 12 million, but we also need new production spaces.

The available areas near the plant belong to the state and we have already filed a rental request with the authorities. If we succeed with the rental of the requested property, we will commence the investments so that in two years we reach a turnover of EUR 100 million; otherwise, we will have to put this project on hold. We face certain difficulties regarding this matter, but we hope that the authorities will see the opportunities instead of obstructing a 12 million euro investment“, stated Horațiu Țepeș.

The roofing market in 2016 – the greatest ascension in the last 8 years

The official surveys reveal that the total roofing market of 2015 represented 31 million sqm, of which 65% (20 million sqm) metal tiles, 8% concrete tiles and 13% ceramic tiles; the remaining percentage is represented by other types of roofing.

„The residential and industrial projects initiated during the past two years are also reflected in the roofing market development. Considering that the new houses and apartments, built after 1990, represent only 11% of the residential estate in Romania, the development of this sector is necessary and likely to continue in the following years“, declared Horațiu Țepeș. For the end of 2016, the company foresees a 10% increase in the roofing market. 70% of the sold roofing systems are metallic, and they are expected to exceed this figure within three years.

INFO

BILKA’s turnover in 2015 amounted to EUR 43.1 million. At present, the BILKA factory covers an area of 45,000 sqm, divided into production halls, warehouses, and offices. The factory released only last year more than 5.5 million square meters of metal tiles and more than 18.2 million square meters during its 9 years of activity, which means 100,000 roofs. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide. In 2015, BILKA sold its products all over the country and abroad via more than 500 stable dealers. The company’s distribution network covers entire Romania.

BILKA, leader of the roofing market, recorded a turnover of EUR 140 million in the first 9 months of 2015, that is 40% higher compared to the same period of last year. Over 4.3 million square meters of metallic roof tiles were manufactured and marketed during this period by BILKA. In the first 9 months of this year, the company succeeded in exceeding in volume and value the performance registered during 2014 when its turnover was of RON 134 million.

Horațiu Țepeș, the owner of BILKA, stated: “There are three main factors that contributed to the growth of BILKA during this period of the year. Firstly, the investments made by the company, secondly the increase in the volume of constructions and implicitly the demand for roofs and the change in consumer behavior of customers. This year it was interesting to find that we had considerable demands throughout the year so that the seasonality period extends from one year to the next. With over 50% of our roof sales, the renovation works remain our main sales driver. However, there is a revival in both new residential works and industrial works, that will be constantly mirrored by the roofing market. If this trend continues, we will most likely end the year with more than 5 million square meters of manufactured roofing and 40,000 tons of pre-painted processed steel”.

Investment plan amounting to EUR 10 million

BILKA has started last year an investment plan with deadline in 2016 amounting to about EUR 7 million. In the second half of this year, the company increased the budget to EUR 10 million.

During 2014 and 2015, total investments reached over EUR 7 million. After this investment, our portfolio was enriched with 13 new production lines for metal tiles, rainwater systems, and roof accessories, and with an area of over 27,000 sqm of land for storage, production lines and office spaces. In 2016, budgeted investments are up to EUR 3 million and mainly refer to the purchase of new production lines necessary to close the series of investments for residential products.

“The unexpected rise in sales, the opportunities identified on the market this year and the positive forecasts for the coming years are the factors that have made us rethink our strategy, accelerate the pace of the investment process and raise the investment plan to EUR 10 million. The immediate adaptability of the company to the market conditions and the total investments of over EUR 13 million made in the 8 years of activity were the main factors that led us to the top of the roof manufacturers. In our field, an average annual growth of 30-40% can be maintained only with constant investments”, added Țepeș.

The roofing market in 2015 at the level of 2008

According to official studies, in 2008, the total roofing market amounted to more than 32 million sqm, but in 2009 it collapsed to 27 million sqm. In recent years, the market has seen small but steady increases. The company estimates that in 2015, the market may reach a volume close to the level of 2008.

“Our forecasts are mainly based on market developments in the first 9 months of the year when the demand for roofs had increased unexpectedly. I believe that an important contribution to this growth was the lasting optimism since the beginning of the year, and of course, the economic growth which has a positive effect on consumption. The business environment and especially the construction industry have been dominated by new investments, new projects, and massive employment. Also, there were periods during the year when banks granted loans to individuals, 50% above historical levels and with historical minimum interest, which gave consumers the financial resources needed to carry out postponed renovation works. Based on all these premises we estimate an increase in the market for the end of 2015 by about 10 percent”, said Horațiu Țepeș.

INFO

BILKA, manufacturer of roof systems, was established in 2007. BILKA’s turnover in 2014 amounted to RON 134 million. At present, the BILKA factory covers an area of 45,000 sqm, divided into production halls, warehouses, and offices. The factory released last year more than 4 million square meters of metal roofing sheets. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide. BILKA sells its products all over the country via more than 500 stable dealers. The company’s distribution network covers the entire Romanian territory.

BILKA, leader of the roofing market, recorded a turnover of RON 69 million in the first 6 months of 2015, that is 55% higher than the same period of last year. According to the company estimates, 1 of 4 metal roofs sold in the first half of the year was bought from BILKA.

“Our business in the first 6 months of 2015 was equivalent to the cumulated business during the first four years (2007-2010). This result comes as a consequence of the maturity of investments of over EUR 9 million made in the 8 years of business. However, an important contribution to business growth was the company’s internal infrastructure, and the management system which efficiently managed the existing resources and capitalized the investments made. I believe that without this, the production capacity, the investments and the range of products and services are not enough on one competitive market”, says Horațiu Țepeș, owner of BILKA.

New production lines and metal roofing tile models

At the end of June, the company set up a new production line, doubling the production capacity for the BALCANIC metal roofing tile. This investment is part of the investment program started at the beginning of last year, amounting to about EUR 7 million and will be completed in 2016.

“We plan to process any order in just 24 hours. Therefore, in order to hold on to this commitment, as demand grows, we need to increase our production capacity. In the second half of the year, we will install another 7 new production lines and we will launch 3 new models of metal roofing tiles. The diversification of the product range will lead to the growth of the BILKA business as well as to the growth of the whole roofing market. The investments are supported by our own funds and by bank loans and over 3 million RON from European funds”, says Horațiu Țepeș. After a 55% increase in turnover and investments made to expand production, the company aims to acquire new land.

“In our field, an increase of 55% brings, in addition to the need to increase the production capacity, the need to increase the storage capacity for the raw material. In this regard, we aim at acquiring new land. This year, the concession or purchase of the 13,000 sqm land in the immediate proximity of the factory, on the public domain, becomes mandatory for the proper functioning of the production flow”, states Horațiu Țepeș.

The roofing market in 2015: potential growth by 15%

According to internal studies, the metal roofing market recorded an average increase of 10% in the first half of the year. In 2015, roof sales are driven mainly by renovation works, but there is a revival in both new residential and industrial works.

“Our forecasts are mainly based on the market trend in the first half of the year when demands for roofing have increased unexpectedly. The demand for new homes, the state aid in purchasing new housing facilities, the willingness of banks to support builders and individuals at the same time, together with the producers‘ efforts to increase the market, are some of the elements that add a boost to the roofing market. Also, this year we will also feel the positive effects of the projects completed in the field of agriculture under European funding programs between 2007 and 2014. Once these investments mature, they generate new opportunities and the financial resources necessary for the development of this industry. They are the reasons for a significant increase in the roofing market and, implicitly, in BILKA business”, says Horațiu Țepeș.

INFO

BILKA, the manufacturer of roof systems, was established in 2007. BILKA’s turnover in 2014 amounted to RON 134 million. At present, the BILKA factory covers an area of 45,000 sqm, divided into production halls, warehouses, and offices. The factory released last year more than 4 million square meters of metal roofing sheets. The production lines are fully automated, relying on the latest technologies available worldwide. In 2014, BILKA sold its products all over the country and abroad via more than 500 stable dealers. The company’s distribution network covers the entire Romanian territory.