The Czech Republic“s Bohemia Crystalex Trading (BCT) exported Kcs 4.5 billion worth of glass in 1999 – a 40 % increase over 1998“s sales of Kcs 3.2 billion. BCT chief financial officer Jiri Klima said the company expects to export Kcs 5.2 billion worth of glass products. BCT was established in 1996 as the export arm of the Crystalex Novy Bor glass company. Four years later, BCT became the exclusive exporter for products from Sklo Bohemia Svetla nad Sazavou, Sklarny Kavalier, and Sklarny Bohemia Podebrady, in addition to those of Crystalex. During that time, Klima said BCT has increased sales tenfold. The company exports to 80 countries including to Germany, the US, Japan, Great Britain, Australia, Canada, and Russia. BCT produces 70 % of its output by machine, while the remaining 30% is handmade. The firm is 100% owned by Porcela Plus – the majority owner of Crystalex. BCT employs 200 people and hiked share capital by Kcs 230 million to Kcs 293 million at the end of 1999.