New investment and current business expansion: ROCA Industry in Moldova

ROCA Industry , Romania’s first industrial holding specializing in construction materials, has announced a strategic expansion into the Republic of Moldova, marking a significant chapter in its growth. The company is owned by ROCA Investments, a private equity firm focused on consolidating and modernising production capacities to enhance the competitiveness of the national industry.

ROCA Industry has expanded its presence in Moldova’s construction materials sector through the acquisition of Terra Impex, a leading fibreglass mesh producer based in Vulc?ne?ti, and increased its stake in Europlas Lux, strengthening its position in both the Moldovan market and the broader region. These acquisitions facilitated through BICO Industries—ROCA Industry’s foremost fibreglass mesh producer and a dominant market player in the region—demonstrate ROCA’s strategic intent to bolster its production capabilities.?

Leveraging the success of its two existing factories, ROCA Industry is expanding operations with a third facility, announcing a strategic €1.5 million investment to establish a new paint production facility in Moldova. The holding is already present on the market through its company, EVOLOR, which commercializes two key product lines: Sticky and Coral. In addition, the company is set to double the fibreglass mesh production at Terra Impex over the next two years, targeting an annual output of 30 million square meters. This significant expansion will not only address increasing domestic demand but also align with regional reconstruction efforts, namely in Ukraine.

ROCA Industry entered the Moldovan market in 2022, navigating a complex regional landscape marked by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, particularly due to the conflict in Ukraine, which had just begun. Initial challenges included adapting to local economic conditions, infrastructure limitations, and resource availability. However, ROCA advanced to establish strong partnerships with local suppliers and stakeholders, facilitating successful market integration. The company's expansion in Moldova created approximately 210 jobs, increasing local production capacities. Ionu? B?ndea, CEO of ROCA Industry, stated:

“We have been in Moldova for two and a half years, since the beginning of 2022, and we are here for the long term. We have very big plans for the Republic of Moldova, particularly in the area where we are already present, namely fiberglass mesh, where we have invested over 6.5 million euros so far. We intend to at least double this investment and transform the Vulc?ne?ti factory into the largest fiberglass mesh producer in Eastern Europe. We want to enter new fields and are aiming to open a factory in the area of paints and plasters, a factory that will initially serve the Republic of Moldova. But this factory will need to have scalability, and the possibility to export to the Regional Markets.”

ROCA Industry’s experience in Moldova provides valuable insights for other investors considering the market, despite the ongoing conflict in the region. The construction materials sector is expected to grow significantly in the next 2-3 years, creating valuable opportunities not only for strategic investors interested in exploring the Moldovan market but also the regional market.

ROCA Industry Holding owns, directly and indirectly, a number of 9 players with a significant presence on the construction market: BICO Industries, EVOLOR, ECO EURO DOORS, WORKSHOP DOORS, DIAL, ELECTROPLAST, as well as fiberglass manufacturers Terra, Europlas and Iranga, through BICO Industries.