Investment & Fund Management

Carbochim, a manufacturing company specializing in abrasive products, faced challenges in expanding its international market presence while maintaining high product quality and efficiency. Established in 1949, Carbochim had grown to become Romania's largest manufacturer of abrasive wheels, serving industries such as automotive, metallurgy, and textiles. However, the company recognized the need to enhance its production capabilities to compete effectively on a global scale, particularly as it began trading with countries like Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, and Poland.

To address these challenges, Carbochim secured an EU-guaranteed loan from Raiffeisen, backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF). This financial support enabled the company to purchase a 1200-tonne press, significantly improving its production efficiency and allowing it to enter a niche market with a specialized product. As a result of this investment, Carbochim was able to hire two additional employees, despite the difficulties in finding qualified workers due to a significant brain drain in Romania.

Carbochim's strategic goal was to increase its export share from 5% to 10% by the end of 2018, with plans to expand into the UK market. Additionally, the company was preparing to relocate from Cluj Napoca's city center to the suburbs, where it could accommodate its new heavy machinery and scale up production. This move was essential for Carbochim to enhance its operational capacity and support its ambitions for international growth.