Georgian construction materials manufacturer Poladis Sakhli is calling on the government to protect local producers from growing import pressure and unfair competition. According to the company's founder, Zezva Saltkhutsishvili, existing production capacity is currently operating at only around 30%, despite the company's investments in infrastructure and manufacturing.
Saltkhutsishvili identified subsidized Turkish manufacturers, import competition and differences in product quality standards as the main challenges facing the sector. He said that the EU, the US and Canada have introduced protective measures, including quotas and restrictions, to support domestic industries, and believes Georgia should consider similar measures.
Poladis Sakhli currently employs more than 300 people and processes up to 5,000 tonnes of products per month. The company exports some of its production to Armenia and Azerbaijan and says it is ready to enter European markets, provided local manufacturers have fair competitive conditions.
The company operates in four main production areas: roofing materials, square metal pipes, reinforcing steel mesh and metal products. While three production facilities are fully operational and two more are being launched, Saltkhutsishvili says stronger government support is essential to fully utilize domestic capacity, expand production and increase exports.
