São Paulo – Egyptian company Kapci, a maker of paints for the automotive industry, has just opened an office in Brazil. The idea is to sell paint all around the country and, in future, to export to countries in South America. "The automotive industry in Brazil is very attractive," stated the development manager at Kapci, Waleed Helmy, who is in São Paulo for the release of the brand in the country.
To promote the Egyptian products and release them on the market, Kapci is exhibiting at the Feitintas, a paint and varnish industry fair that began yesterday (17) at Imigrantes Exhibition Centre, and ends on Saturday (20). According to Helmy, the choice for opening an office in Brazil is due, mainly, to three reasons: the large population, a large volume of vehicles in the streets and a growing economy. "It is a country with great advantages," he added.
According to the general manager at Kapci Brazil, Paul Edward Platt, the company also has plans to outsource production in Brazil to offer clients more competitive prices on the domestic market. Initially, the idea is to test the market and see acceptance of the product and later to think of local production.
The company targets are bodywork shops and dealers. The products offered by Kapci in Brazil range from degreaser, additives, topcoats, putty, paint for repainting and varnish.
Profile
Kapci is a 100% Egyptian company that was established in 1985 under name Kantara Paints. In 2002, the company inaugurated a new factory in Port Said, in Egypt, and changed its name to Kapci Coantings. The group currently employs 1,500 people and has a production capacity of 150,000 tonnes a year. In 2007, revenues totalled US$ 96 million, and exports answered to 24% this year.
Apart from automotive paint, the company also produces paint for wood and decorative paints. The Egyptian products are exported to 40 countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. Part of the raw material is imported from several countries, including Rhodia Brazil.
Fair
Feitintas, which has been taking place every two years since 1998, is one of the main sector fairs in Latin America. With around 100 exhibitors, including paint factories geared at the real estate, industrial, vehicle repainting and painting equipment and accessory sectors, the event organizers hope to receive 30,000 visitors.
Contact
Kapci Brazil
Tel: (+55 11) 3816-1105
E-mail: kapci@kapci.com.br
Site: www.kapci.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
