São Paulo – Furniture producer Lopas, installed in Rodeiro, a city in Ubá furniture hub, in the state of Minas Gerais, is negotiating with importers from the United Arab Emirates. "We are investing in this market, with trips and samples, among other actions that are included in our planning," stated the export manager at, Sabrina Leitão.
According to her, the company is greatly interested in closing agreements with the Middle East and North Africa, considering a potential market for exports by Lopas. "We have already made contact with several importers from Lebanon, Kuwait and Qatar. In fact, we were recently visited by some clients in Dubai and noticed that it is a very interesting market for our products," pointed out the manager. According to her, the first shipments to the emirate should take place next April.
According to Sabrina, foreign sales by Lopas started in 2003. Today the company exports to countries in Africa, Latin America and Europe. Shipments to the foreign market include a complete line of furniture with bedrooms, dining rooms and kitchens. Sales are direct and also through local representatives. Of total company revenues, exports are currently responsible for 26%.
Despite the crisis, the company is optimistic with regard to 2009. "We are sure that this year promises growth in Lopas exports, as we are not only negotiating with the Arab market, but also with other potential markets," he said.
Lopas started its activities on October 7th, 1985, and from then on has been in a prominent position among the main furniture industries in Brazil. The Lopas factory covers an area of 65,000 square meters, being 45,000 square metres of built area. The group generates 1,000 direct jobs and has monthly production of around 60,000 items. In the domestic market the company is present in practically all markets.
Despite worrying with the quality of its products, the company is investing in expansion of its fleet of lorries and of the new Distribution Centre, which covers an area of 7,600 square metres.
Contact
Site: www.grupolopas.com.br
Telephone: (+55 32) 3577 1224
*Translated by Mark Ament
