Rulmenti Suedia, one of the main distributors of the SKF ball bearings brand and of industrial solutions in Romania, estimates a 20% growth pace for its business, comparable with growth seen in the last few years.

"We estimate the company's turnover will this year reach 2.8 million euros. In 2005, we posted turnover worth 2.4 million euros. Rises in turnover are not usually very spectacular in this business. It is a constantly growing business," says Eugen Kaptalan, the company's general manager. According to data provided by the Ministry of Finance, Rulmenti Suedia posted turnover worth over 1.8 million euros in 2004.

Eugen Kaptalan says the company will this year invest in constructing new headquarters and a new hall, scheduled for completion in December.
  
"The investment revolves around one million euros. We have taken out bank loans that we will pay from our profit, in order to cover the investment. Our company has grown on its own, originating from an idea imported from Hungary," Kaptalan added.

The Cluj-based company offers expert solutions to large industrial companies in Romania. Customers of Rulmenti Suedia include companies such as Kronospan, Tenaris, Silcotub, Carpatcement, Holcim, Somes Dej, Azomures, European Drinks, the Hunedoara-based Mittal Steel and Ductil Steel. The Swedish solutions are distributed by the Cluj-based company throughout Transylvania by local distributors they work with.

"The fact that we offer services and training assistance makes it essential to have our quarters as close to our clients as possible. If us or our distributors have to travel more than 150 kilometres to reach a client, we have not maximised profitability," explained Kaptalan.

"In addition to the new products and services that SKF is bringing to the Romanian market, we are thinking about starting collaborations with other companies and brands as well, broadening our range of services. We have two Dutch companies in mind, Dutchi and Bahco," Kaptalan added.

The main competitors of Rulmenti Suedia on the Romanian market are companies such as Fag, Ina and Timken. Rulmenti Suedia was established in 1998 and is owned by two Hungarian businessmen, Czegladi Sandor and Dohanjos Marika. The company presently has 16 employees.

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