A year and a half ago, the shampoo plant of US giant Procter & Gamble in Romanian Urlati operated only at 60% of capacity.
Currently nine out of ten products made in Urlati are exported to Europe and Asia.
“90% of what we make in Urlati is exported. Our production of laundry, dishwashing detergent and bleach in Timisoara is 50% exported, mainly to countries in the Balkan area and Turkey,” says Hans Dewaele, who was appointed to run P&G operations in Romania and the Balkan area a few months ago.
The Belgian, who came to Romania for his second mandate after 15 years, says the group could even extend the production capacity of the Urlati plant this year if demand rises, especially on external markets.
“This year will be a little better than the preceding one both for Romania and for the European economy that the Romanian market is dependent on. In the coming period we will see gradual rises from year to year.”
The Urlati plant was inaugurated in the autumn of 2010 following an around $100 million greenfield investment. The company makes hair care products, such as Pantene, Head & Shoulders and Wash & Go in Urlati.
P&G has two plants in Romania, one in Urlati and one in Timisoara.
(English version by Daniela Stoican)