Socioeconomic status:
Although Poland and Hungary depend on the European situation, they have grown only slightly in 2013, a trend seen to be even stronger in 2014, thanks to the recovery of domestic demand. The growing middle class has also driven the Romanian and Bulgarian economies, whereas the Czech Republic has slipped into recession because of its dependence on exports, although a speedy recovery is expected.
Business developments and prospects:
Growth in the Czech Republic is mainly based on exports and the Znojmo logistics hub, which has offset the domestic market decline. Znojmo is also a key strategic center for faucets, which has begun developing new series in 2013. In addition, we have observed a downward trend in the Polish market, although kept afloat by good performance in the project area and the launch of new Solid Surface solutions developed at the Gryfice plant.
In the Balkans we have begun to restructure the business plan at all levels and to set up a single management office for the entire region. This plan includes greater integration of industrial activity, leveraging opportunities in faucets and furniture based on market research undertaken by the Corporate Marketing unit, and further deployment of the Roca brand.
Relevant facts:
• Poland: Consolidation of the custom Solid Surface business growth, a very useful material for boosting the success rate in the luxury project specification process