Photo: freepik.comFor the third year in a row, the activity of manufacturing metal doors and windows recorded an increase in profit, which in 2021 amounted to 27.86 billion dinars or close to 237 million euros. This represents a jump of four billion dinars compared to the pandemic 2020, while the profit is six billion dinars higher than in 2019.
1,125 companies and 807 entrepreneurs operate in this sector, but not all of them produce carpentry. Thus, at the top of the table of the 20 most successful in the "Manufacturing of metal doors and windows", according to the data of the rating agency CompanyWall, is the company "Antić Kosta" from Stalac, which has been producing metal accessories for the construction industry since 1959, and in 2021 achieved a net profit of 187.5 million dinars.
That company is an exception among the most successful in the industry whose code is 2512, because it is dominated by manufacturers of metal profiles such as the second-placed Intraprofil from Smederevo, as well as facade systems and aluminum and PVC joinery, such as Euro Bravo or Prior Project from Belgrade.
In fifth place on our list is "Gremet stolarija" from Valjevo, specialized in the production of aluminum windows, a combination of aluminum and wood, and PVC.
Last year, companies and entrepreneurs from this activity were faced with the rise in the prices of raw materials - steel, aluminum and PVC, as well as with problems in the supply chains, so that this year the rise in the prices of energy products and the consequent inflation were "grafted" on top of that.
"The company managed to maintain operations by increasing its inventory before the announcement of the price increase", they told Biznis.rs from "Gremet Stolarija", but also added that the number of inquiries for export is currently reduced, which is probably due to recessionary expectations in European markets, which are key foreign markets for all domestic companies.
In the company Berak Inženjering, which deals with the production and assembly of aluminum and PVC joinery, they indicate that this year was similar to the previous year in terms of the volume of work.
"At the beginning of the year there were some problems with the material, because the supply chains were a little bit slower, but it was not significant. The demand is at a similar level as in previous years, taking into account our capacity," the co-owner of the Novo Berak company tells Biznis.rs.
One of the key raw materials for this activity is aluminum, the price of which on world markets has risen significantly with the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Currently, a ton of that metal costs $2,448, which is 5.74 percent less than a year ago.
When asked how the fluctuating price of materials, especially aluminum, affected the company's operations, Berak replied that they adapted to the market.
"We raised the prices by a few percent, so that all of this could follow the increase in the wages of our workers." It has been stabilized for now, and we will see how it will go on," assesses Novo Berak.
Last year, by the way, the Ministry of Mining and Energy launched the National Program for Energy Rehabilitation of Residential Buildings, Family Houses and Apartments, with subsidies for around 25,000 households through a pilot project. For the new year, 2023, it was announced that citizens will be able to count on a total of 70 million euros for subsidies for energy efficiency measures and the use of renewable energy sources in households.
That is why the interlocutors were asked whether producers of energy-efficient carpentry notice a growth in demand supported by such a state policy.
"The demand for energy-efficient carpentry is currently at the same level as in previous years, but growth is expected in the coming period," they said from "Gremet" from Valjevo.
Considering the numerous uncertainties with which the domestic and world economy enters the new year, "Berak Inženjering" expects a similar turnover and volume of production as this year.
"If it really happens, we will be satisfied." But even if it is a few percent lower, it won't be anything dramatic," concluded Novo Berak.
Source: biznis.rs
