European parquet flooring production grew by 13% to a record of more than 74,000m2 in 2004, according to the European Federation of the Parquet Industry (FEP).
The 49th FEP general assembly and European parquet congress, held in Budapest in June, heard the favourable trend is set to continue though the sector is expected to face stronger competition.
Production output – including newer FEP members the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Poland – totalled 91,000m2.
The commissioning of new production facilities in Sweden, Poland, Spain and Austria helped contribute to the overall rise.
Multi-layer products made up 79% of the European parquet market, while solid wood improved to take a 15% share. Oak strengthened its position as the most popular species, adding another 3% to give it a 50.5% usage rate.
Results of a FEP market study released at the congress show there is a “sound potential for increasing the parquet cake in Europe” by all levels of the industry working together.
