Russia's R&P Polyplastic, which supplies polymer materials mainly to local automakers, said it booked a "considerable increase" in sales volume in the first quarter of 2019 though revenue targets were not reached.
The supplier claims to be the "absolute leader in the industry", supplying "33% of all compounds for the auto industry".
In the first quarter, the company focused on development of low halogen materials for fibre-optic and power cables and was also completing tests of materials for oil-submersible cables. It has now agreed deals to test and commission such materials at cable producers' factories.
R&P Polyplastic general director Alexander Pavlov said output in the quarter rose 102.9%. A lean manufacturing programme increased productivity and contributed to a 1.5% fall in energy consumption.
But, despite significant efforts to increase turnover, including export shipments, revenue targets were not be achieved due to the higher cost of raw materials and rising transport and staff cost.
The company expects to return to plan in the first half "after stabilising negative factors".

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