In a market dominated by tough competition, Alba Iulia-based porcelain producer Apulum relies on exports to drive its growth. In the last few years, the company has seen a sizeable increase in exports and most of its output is now sold on foreign markets. “Our international sales have seen a steep growth starting 2010. Today 85 per cent of our production is exported, while domestic sales account for 15 per cent of the total,” Apulum owner Rodica Vasin told Business Arena.

Growing demand on foreign markets has prompted the need for expansion, the owner added. “European and overall international demand has exceeded our current production capacity by a wide margin and consequently we have launched an expansion program. Currently, we are working on a project to re-launch production at Section 2, which will involve an investment of around six million Euro and will create 150 new jobs. The investment will allow us to increase our production capacity by 25 per cent,” said Rodica Vasin.