Carel acquires Polish distributor

ITALY: Controls and humification equipment manufacturer Carel has strengthened its position in eastern Europe with the acquisition of its Polish distributor.

Alfaco Polska, based in Wrocław, has represented Carel in Poland for over 20 years. In 2016 it registered sales of €11m, an increase of 18% on the previous year. In addition to domestic sales, around 10% was derived from markets in the Ukraine and the Baltic region.

“Alfaco is a very important, long-term partner for us in Poland,” commented Carel Group managing director Francesco Nalini. “With this acquisition we are continuing our strategy to establish a direct presence in all major international markets, meaning we can can be close to our customers and support them in terms of technology, logistics and service.”

Carel says its investment is aimed at consolidating the recent growth it has recorded in the Polish, Ukrainian and Baltic markets, where double-digit growth in the refrigeration and air conditioning markets is expected over the next few years.

The Carel Polish office currently employs 38 people. The company’s board members will be Jarek Baranczenko (CEO), Luigi Rossi Luciani (Carel Group president) and Mirco Cauz (managing director Carel Central and Southern Europe).

“Our organisational structure with six different locations across Poland allows us to reach a large number of customers, providing technical support and logistical efficiency. This acquisition by the Carel Group will help us better serve the needs of domestic and foreign markets,” said Alfaco Carel CEO Jarek Baranczenko.