Vitrablok, the world“s largest manufacturer of glass bricks, is raising output thanks to growing demand for glass bricks in the Czech Republic and worldwide, as designers have started to use them to …
Vitrablok, the world“s largest manufacturer of glass bricks, is raising output thanks to growing demand for glass bricks in the Czech Republic and worldwide, as designers have started to use them to for halls, bathrooms and living rooms in family homes. Vitrablok made 24.75 million units in 2004, against 14 million bricks five years ago, said director Petr Kralik. Exports account for 97% of production and are destined mainly for the USA, Spain, Poland, France and Mexico. In July 2005, Vitrablok bought its German competitor Solaris from the glass group Saint-Gobain Oberland. Production in Germany will be maintained, said Kralik. Annual turnover of the firm is EUR 25 million (CZK 750 million). Vitrablok, owned by Italys Seves, employs 250. In 2005, the company showed sales of over CZK 1 billion and made after-tax profit of CZK 140 million.