Construction materials market to reach EU level in five – ten years

In 2006, as compared to 2005, the renovation and modernization works increased with some 27 percent, followed by new constructions, which saw a growth of some 18 percent. Another indicator for the construction materials market is the cement consumption per capita of some 430 kg annually- an estimation for 2007, which is still below the European average. We estimate that infrastructure development and real estate activities will continue and increase in volume. The construction materials market in Romania will most probably reach within the next five to ten years a level similar to the one in other regions of Europe. The main companies producing construction materials are diversifying products. In mature markets, niche products are popular as they satisfy the particular needs of the construction companies. Environmentally-friendly products will become the first option both for the end-users and for all the parties involved in the construction building activities. Sustainable constructions will become not just a mindset, but also a largely used practice. People are more and more aware of the impact their activities have on the environment and they have already started to take actions for reducing their influence.

Markus Wirth, country manager Holcim