By comparison, the market had reached EUR250 million in the boom period of 2007-2008.
The factors behind last year’s market decline included the delayed or even cancelled launch of new projects by the government, the low investment volumes generated by the private sector, as well as the delayed implementation of programs with European subsidies through which machines can be acquired, according to Bergerat Monnoyeur.
The company is the distributor in Romania of Caterpillar, one of the world’s largest producers of construction machines. In 2012, Bergerat Monnoyeur posted revenue of around EUR28.7 million, according to Finance Ministry data.
Marcom, the exclusive distributor in Romania of Komatsu Japanese machines, also estimates the market declined by around 20% last year.
Marcom, a company owned by Constantin and Monica Marcu, reached revenue of EUR15.7 million in 2012.
The biggest challenges the market is facing now include finding resources or ways to co-fund infrastructure projects, the canceling of debts the state holds to companies, as well as identifying a solution for builders to no longer pay the road excise in the price of fuel, according to market information.
In this context, the domestic construction machines sector is likely to stall or possibly grow by 5% this year against 2013, according to the latest forecasts by Bergerat Monnoyeur.
On the other hand, Marcom recently noted 2014 would bring a 30% expansion of the domestic construction machines market.
The market is still dominated by backhoe loaders, accounting for 50% of sales on the market.
The domestic construction machines distribution market includes other players such as Terra Romania, the distributor of JCB brand.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)