At a general meeting on 24 June, it was announced that Czech glass maker Crystalex saw its total sales rise by nearly 10% to CZK 1.72BN in 2007, but posted a loss of CZK 11M, Karel Samec, spokesman for Bohemia Crystalex Trading (BCT). The loss was caused mainly by the strong crown & expenditure on the launch of a new product line for hotels & restaurants, Mr. Samec said. The group launched production of glass & china under the brand Thun 1794 Hotel & Restaurant in 2007 in a joint project of Czech glassmakers from the BCP group & porcelain producers from Porcela Plus. Investments in the project exceeded CZK 30M. "Further money was invested in new technologies," Mr. Samec said. The group also invested in the development of a crystal material called Sparkle, developed in cooperation with scientists. Return on investments is expected within 3y, Mr. Samec said. adding that "the reaction of customers is bigger than we have expected". Crystalex is part of BCT, which ranks among the world's ten largest glassmakers, employing nearly 5,400. Crystalex's plants, the largest of them being Crystalex Novy Bor, employ 1,920. The BCT group also comprises Sklarny Kavalier, Sklo Bohemia and Sklarny Bohemia.
