Euroroc Warns Against “War”

JUUKA, Finland – The incoming president of the European and International Federation of Natural Stone Industries – EuroRoc – cautioned fellow members about cutting prices at the group’s annual general meeting here in August.
“You cannot respond to the increase in imports by lowering prices and compromising profitability, as you would eventually reach an impasse,” said Reijo Vauhkonen, founder and vice-chairman of Tulikivi Plc. on Aug. 6.
Vauhkonen received the nod of the federation of Europe’s stone associations to head the group for the next two years. He took over the presidency earlier this month from Joachim Grüter of the German Natural Stone Association.
“The stone industry is at a critical stage in Europe,” Vauhkonen said. “The demand for natural stone is increasing, but an increase in imports from outside Europe and aggressive marketing will force European companies to redefine their business strategies.
“European stone-product manufacturers must invest in research and development; product-oriented development of stone products; refining stone-delivery processes in cooperation with the constructing industry; testing stone material and stone products as well as training both the professionals the industry needs and customers, such as architects; and increasing the general awareness of stone.”
Vauhkonen cited the example of the stone industry in Finland, where companies invested jointly in research and development, as well as the creation of the Finnish Stone Centre in Juuka.