Geovana Pagel
São Paulo – Wood Industry Butzke, located in Timbó, 220 kilometres away from Florianópolis, capital of the southern state of Santa Catarina, is betting on international certification of the eucalyptus they use to sell on the foreign market. Currently, around 80% of production is exported to countries in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East. For 2004, perspectives are to sell to Jordan, Ireland, England, Mexico, and Canada, totalling over 20 countries to which they export.
"Butzke was the first Brazilian company with end products made out of FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) green label certified wood," stated Michel Otte, company administrative manager. According to him, the green label guarantees product quality in three points: "environmentally correct, socially beneficial, and economically viable." Currently, 80% of the garden furniture – main Butzke product – is made out of certified wood.
The company, which started producing practical furniture (for everyday use, such as tables, chairs, and cupboards), now has a complete line of benches, lounge chairs, deck chairs, and flower vases, among others. They have also recently released a line of garden furniture, signed by landscape architect Ana Holzer.
Arab countries
The furniture factory from Santa Catarina has been exporting to Libya for two years and intends to start sales to Jordan in 2004. "We are in negotiation," explained the executive. According to Otte, the first shipping to Libya, in 2002 and 2003, was little expressive but should rise within the next few months.
Last year Butzke participated in the Index furniture fair in Dubai. "We participated indirectly, represented by a Brazilian agent who lives in the Middle East. The fair was important to establish various contacts," explained Otte.
According to the manager, it is this agent that should continue prospecting new markets in other countries in the region. "We are very interested in selling to the Arab market," he guaranteed.
Social responsibility
Butzke employs 450 people and had revenues of around US$ 7.1 million in 2003, 35% over the volume registered in the previous year, informed Otte. Of this volume, 74% came from export. According to him, for this year, a 25% revenue increase is forecasted, to around US$ 8.8 million.
According to the executive, the company "differentials" are what make its customers trust it. Despite the worry with the environment, he pointed out company socially responsible activities with regard to employees, for example. Starting in 2004, apart from the training courses, Butzke is going to promote literacy courses for employees, even for those who work in operations where reading and writing is not necessary.
The company intends to make around 50 students literate within the next year, in partnership with the Timbó Education Secretariat. Apart from that, the company is already collaborating for various employees to become specialized through graduate and post-graduate courses. The investment is going to be R$ 125,000 in the first year, stated Otte.
Contact
Indústria de Madeiras Butzke
Tel.: (+5547) 382-4000
E-mail: butzke@butzke.com.br
www.butzke.com.br
