Saint-Gobain seems to be unrelated to the deceleration in the construction material industry. With a planned contribution of $ 550 million for 2015, in Brazil, the company must invest as much in production as in retail.
"The Brazil always has adapted quickly to crisis scenarios. Let's keep growing in the Brazilian market, "says the global CEO of Saint-Gobain, Pierre-André de Chalendar.
For this year, the French conglomerate plans to inaugurate three factories in the country and can open between three or four units of Telhanorte.
"For 2015, we designed a growth between 7% and 8%", declares the Chairman of Saint-Gobain to Brazil, Argentina and Chile, Thierry Fournier. Despite the optimism, the Executive admits that the scenery is challenging.
"Inflation is rising and the high-dollar impacts the little raw material import. This year will be more difficult ", he comments.
According to the CEO of the group, Brazil has not always been a "peaceful River". "This is not the first difficulty we find here. But we continue with good results, "says Chalendar.
In 2014, the Group obtained revenues of R $ 10 billion in Brazil in the various segments in which it operates, since mortar (under the Weber) to infrastructure projects (Saint-Gobain Canalisation). "We have achieved growth and good profitability in the country," assures Chalendar.
In addition to the investments in production and retail, Saint-Gobain also invests in its eighth research and Development Center, the first on domestic soil.
"The Brazil has specific problems and raw materials only. We will develop and research new products linked to the country, "explains Chalendar.
And before the backdrop of economic downturn and high inflation, the Saint-Gobain bet on diversification of its portfolio to grow. "We have a very strong presence in the country," says Chalendar.
In the case of my house my life program that the company participates by providing various products.
"This is a very important program for the country and who has sued the industry," explains Fournier.
Another business that goes well is the packaging glass (Verallia). This year, the group must usher in another factory in the northeast of eye on the growth potential of the beverage market. "Our goal is always organic growth", says the Executive.
In 2015 the Group celebrates 78 years of Brazil and 350 years of existence. "The formula to grow in a sustainable way is always renewing their products. So much so that every five years we renew totally our portfolio, "says Fournier.
Despite keeping constantly optimistic, the Chairman of Saint-Gobain Brazil claims that inflation worries. "We are not able to absorb the costs," says.
He emphasizes, however, that the company works to improve productivity. "Thus, we pass on the increased costs in its entirety to consumer", reveals.
Chalendar reinforces that, despite the economic scenario, the Brazil has a prominent position in the array. "We are following closely the evolution of housing in the region and the Country has a very large growth potential", he ponders. "The Brazil manages to have a good adaptability," says
DCI
News Item translated automatically
Click HERE to see original
