Sortilemn`s officials, an important supplier for IKEA, predict a reduction in sales for this year, as a result of the losses recorded by their international partners.
This year, the estimated business numbers are estimated at 29 million euro, 20% smaller than the one recorded in 2008.
In both 2007 and 2008, Sortilem`s total sales reached the value of 39 million euro.
Last year, Sortilemn`s management predicted a total sale value of 40 million euro, for 2009, but, due to the ongoing financial crisis, the company has recalculated its predictions.
„Our company`s sales are directly influenced by the drop in demand from our traditional clients. We estimate that sales will drop in the next year and a half” stated Michael Brandhuber, Sortilemn`s general manager.
In the first quarter of 2009, the company recorded sales of 8 million euro, 16% smaller than the figures recorded in the same period of 2009.
In 2008, exports accounted for 99% of Sortilemn`s total sales, the company being a traditional supplier for the Swedish group – Ikea.
Last year, over 70% of the total production was contracted by Ikea. Other major clients being Stokke from Norway, Brio and Elfa from Sweden.
According to Sortilemn officials, furniture markets from Germany, France and the UK have been regressing since 2008, the best markets for furniture business being Holland and other Scandinavian countries.
„At this time, we are negociating with 5 new international clients in order to develop a collaboration in production and sale of children`s furniture”. Contarcting new clients is very important to us”, stated the general manager.
Accounding to Sortilemn`s officials, the company has norival in the moulded elements national market. The main international competitors come from Ukraine.
„for the future, we are planning a large investment in a power plant which will use wooden waste as fuel. In 2009, we will invest in modernising the technological flow”, declared Michael Brandhuber.
Sortilemn SA was established in 1961, the main activity being production of boards, veneer, PAL and chairs. In 1999, the majority of stocks (65%) were bought by Michael Brandhuber.
Source: www.universulpadurii.ro |
