Interior supplier TECHO consolidates its position: sales this year expected to reach 1.2 billion Czech crowns

PRAGUE, 1st November 2011 –TECHO group a producer and supplier of office furniture and interior fit-outs for the private and public sector, has recorded first-half sales for 2011 of 468 million CZK, which is three per cent higher than last year. Excellent first-half figures were recorded in Slovakia, and the Eastern European and African export markets.

Almost half of the half-year sales were achieved in the Czech market. Slovakia contributed a quarter, Romania 10% and the Eastern European and African markets accounted for approx. 6%. The company has experienced a significant turnaround in Georgia where we expect further strong growth in the second half of the year. The production division of TECHO, a.s., which produces office furniture to order, has also seen year-on-year growth with output increasing by over 30%. The largest growth in production will be seen, according to Managing Director Jiri Kejval, in the fourth quarter in connection with planned orders for key accounts.

„Although the European office furniture market in recent years has fallen by 35%, we have managed to maintain the level of turnover achieved in 2007 and 2008 when the market was at its peak. Provided nothing unforeseen happens, sales of the TECHO group will this year exceed the planned level of 1.2 billion CZK,“ says Kejval, and adds: „Our aim for this year is to significantly strengthen the financial stability of the entire group, eliminate the loan burden and improve inventory efficiency. At the current time we are also completing a review of our product portfolio.“

A decisive contribution to the financial results has been provided by orders for key accounts, particularly from the banking and financial sector. „I see the greatest potential for the development of the company coming from large multinational companies that demand a comprehensive service,“ says Kejval.

For many years TECHO has been successful in export markets, and 75% of the furniture produced in the factory is exported. The largest export growth this year has been experienced in Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Press information:
TECHO is the leading company providing comprehensive services in the area of supplying commercial interiors in Central and Eastern Europe and is also a major producer of office furniture in the Czech Republic. Its clients include major banks, financial institutions, international companies and government organisations. Today it has branches in Great Britain, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Russia, Georgia and Ukraine. Since 2008 it has been part of the Dutch concern Royal Ahrend NV, which is one of the five largest producers of office furniture in Europe.

For further information please contact:

Stance Communications, s.r.o.
Jan Rybář
GSM: +420 602 141 313
E-mail: jan.rybar@stance.cz