To expand and consolidate their presence in the national and international markets, the company Ecom, a tile manufacturer based in the city of Maceió, capital of the northeastern state of Alagoas, will invest US$ 2.7 million.
The exporting factory wishes to increase in 130% their monthly production, jumping from 13,000 square meters to 30,000 square meters. “The investment will be made yet this month,” states the trade manager at Ecom, Daniel Diniz Ouro.
The factory develops a line of products that uses only typically Brazilian raw materials, which are not harmful to the environment. Among the most used materials are the shells of coconuts, dende palm nuts and babassu, as well as chestnuts.
“Our tiles are successful because, as well as pretty, they are ecologically correct as we use plant specimens that have already carried out their original function in nature,” explains the manager.
Currently 80% of the Ecom products are directed to the foreign market. Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, the United States, Portugal, Spain and Italy are amongst the importer countries.
According to Ouro, Ecom, which generates 100 direct jobs and another 100 indirect, was created nine years ago, focused mainly on the foreign market.
The factory elaborates and executes projects for internal spaces, floors, walls, furniture, naval industry and automobile industry. They cover many kinds of surfaces such as glass, metal, plastic, wood and masonry.
Spa in Riyadh
The first sales to Saudi Arabia happened in 2003. According to Diniz, about 200 square meters of coconut tiles were exported, to coat the floors and walls of a spa in Riyadh.
“We are very interested in the Arab market and are looking for partnerships in the region. We specially believe in the potential of the Middle Eastern countries,” assures the manager.
To advertise the products and conquer new clients abroad, Ecom is used to participating in international trade fairs in France, the United States and Spain.
On the following week, from 11th to 16th of April, they will participate at the Construmat 2005 – the International Construction Fair, in Barcelona.
The event gathers every two years professionals and companies in the construction sector to exhibit novelties in processes, materials, services and technologies.
The trade fair is directed at architects, engineers, constructors, promoters, interior designers, retailers and installers from the European Union, Central and South America, Eastern countries, North Africa and the Middle East.
“The Construmat will certainly help establish new contacts and close good deals, including some with Arab importers,” says the trade manager at Ecom.
Ecom Indústria, Comércio e Exportação
Website: www.ecombrasil.com.br
Translated by Silvia Lindsey
ANBA – Brazil-Arab News Agency
www.anba.com.br