Vranje-based Alfa Plam increases export value by 41% in 2011 - Stove and kitchen range manufacturer turns profit of EUR 1.5 million

Alfa Plam, the largest manufacturer of stoves and kitchen ranges powered by solid fuel in Serbia and one of five top manufacturers in Europe, increased the value of exports by 41% in the first half of the year. The Vranje-based company invested about EUR 1 million in 2011 in the development of new products, primarily pellet-powered stoves and kitchen ranges and underfloor heating appliances.

- Our aim is to export 60% of products, most of which to southeast Europe, and to sell the rest of products in Serbia where our sales dropped by 12.8% this year. We find the constantly growing markets of Germany and Italy very significant – Zoran Kostic, member of the Managing Board of Alfa Plam, explains for eKapija.

He stresses that the company is going to invest another EUR 1 million until the year's end, most of which will be spent on the product development. The aim is to achieve the highest energy class (A+), which will make stoves and kitchen ranges from the Vranje-based company more competitive in the market of Western Europe.

- The company finances all investments from its own sources, and it is not burdened with any loans - says Kostic.

The embargo imposed by Pristina and the ban on import of goods from central Serbia to Kosovo harmed Alfa Plam, but people at this company believe that the losses will be smaller than projected EUR 2 million.