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.