Carpatcement Holding, part of HeidelbergCement, plans to invest around EUR15m this year in energy efficiency, environmental projects and staff development.

"Regardless of difficulties on the Romanian market, which we have considered, we have always pursued developing our presence in Romania in the long run. Although at times we have had to reduce activity, investments have remained a priority in terms of business growth and sustainable development," company general manager Florian Aldea said in a statement.

Aldea said Carpatcement invested around EUR100m in 2008-2009, during the crisis to expand its production capacity, which is now at 7.15Mta.

Carpatcement is Romania's largest cement producers with three cement facilities, two of which are integrated plants and the other a dedicated grinding centre.