Geovana Pagel*
São Paulo – The line of machinery and food processing equipment, made by Metalúrgica Siemsen, based in the city of Brusque, in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina, has been exported to the Arab market since 2001. So as to increase shipments to the region in 2006, the company is going to visit four Arab countries in the beginning of the month of February. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt are included in the trip.
"I will spend between two and three days in each country. The objective of our trips is always to improve relations with our customers, present novelties, keeping in mind, of course, an increase in our market share," stated Charles Padaratz, the Metalúrgica Siemsen trader.
"We are very happy with our performance in the Middle East in recent years, especially due to the opening of the market in Saudi Arabia last year. Another market that has been developing in a positive way is Egypt. We have got a good client there and are gaining space against our European and North American competitors," explained Padaratz.
According to him, Siemsen exports to the Arabs are direct, without local representatives. It is normally large importers who distribute products to local markets. The Arabs import mostly machinery and equipment for industrial kitchens and for the bakery sector.
Padaratz stated that the company, which has exported for 25 years, is prepared to answer to the high level of demand on the Arab market, which is used to buying produces from Europe and the United States. "They are so demanding that Chinese products are not very successful on that market. That is why I foresee a good future for our products, as we have similar quality to that of the Europeans and North Americans aligned to competitive prices and excellent services," he pointed out.
"What is lacking is tradition and branding, but through persistence, competence, seriousness and more constant visits to the market we may develop a good future in the medium term," explained Padaratz.
The company from Santa Catarina exports regularly to 30 countries. The main markets are the United States, Venezuela, Ecuador, South Africa, Canada, Chile and Australia. Of total company revenues, 25% come from exports.
The group includes three companies, the mother company, Metalúrgica Siemsen, which makes machinery for the processing of foods, Poli General Importadora e Exportadora, responsible for exports and imports of products for the mother company and other companies that operate in the area, and the recently established Skycut, which provides services cutting, folding and soldering steel plates.
Contact
Telephone: (+55 47) 3255 2000
Site: www.siemsen.com.br
*Translated by Mark Ament
