Geovana Pagel
São Paulo – Brazilian company Helios Carbex, a leader in the office supply, computer, and school material sector, started exporting to the Arab world three years ago. Nowadays, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, pioneers in the import of carbon paper and staplers in the region, have tripled their orders and represent 20% of company export.
In 2002, Helios Carbex total revenues were around US$ 34 million. "The general export percentage is 10% of revenues," explains Anthony Seadon, who is responsible for international trade development.
Company products are also now present on the shelves of stationery stores in neighboring South American countries such as Argentina, Chile and Ecuador.
"Negotiation with Middle Eastern countries always take place by means of sending catalogues to international fair organizers, and via phone and e-mail contact. We also have some international consultants who assist us in our relations with possible buyers," explains Seadon.
The last fair to receive company catalogues was in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, during the month of August. Seadon explains that up to now, no specific technical demands for the Helios Carbex products have come up, and the products are exported under the company brand name.
Tradition and technology
Although the company has incorporated new technology and released products that are up to the new market demands, it has not abandoned its most conservative customers.
Company factories produce equipment ranging from highly technological, turned to the information technology sector, to products similar to the first ones imported by the company in 1922. "These products still have a market in many countries and in some Brazilian regions," says Seadon.
With its eye on new opportunities, the company has started negotiations with Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, and Syria. "It is possible that some orders may still be closed this year," explains Seadon.
"The Arab countries have significant buying power, need the products we export and, therefore, are great potential customers," evaluates the executive.
The company
Specialized in the production and sale of products in the office, school, and computer supply sectors, Helios Carbex is completing its 81st year of operation in 2003.
Italian immigrant Eugênio Sacchi started the company in São Paulo in 1922, importing and selling typewriter reels. He started his own production in Brazil a few years later.
In 1930, the company released its first Brazilian carbon paper. This initiative was of great impulse to industrial expansion in the country, and was reflected in growing company market participation and in the expansion of its product lines.
In 1994, Helios incorporated Carbex, established in 1948, at the time its main competitor in Brazil. With the merger, the Helios Carbex S.A. Industria e Comércio group was born.
With a line of over 400 products, Helios Carbex is present in over 4,000 points of sale throughout the country, including wholesalers, distributors, supermarkets, stationery stores, book stores, computer supply stores, and convenience stores.
The company is also turned to the international market exporting to countries in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, as well as the United States. This ample scope has made the company double its size in the last four yeas, increasing its revenues from around US$ 17 million in 1998 to around US$ 34 million in 2002.
Contact
Helios Carbex S/A Indústria e Comércio
Av. Henrique Gonçalvez Baptista, 2245, Jd. Itaquiti – CEP: 06420-130 – Barueri (SP) – Brazil
Phone: (+5511) 4198.2044 extension 2158
www.helios-carbex.com.br
