Geovana Pagel
São Paulo – Multimax, located in the city of Campinas, in the state of São Paulo, which has a population of over 37 million inhabitants and is responsible for 33.6% of the Brazilian Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is a pioneer in the development of hydro massage and hydrotherapy bathtubs, and has over 20 years experience in the market. Last week, the company closed deals totaling approximately US$ 1.5 million, with sales to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. The company participated in the Brazilian Week & Trade Exhibition in Dubai, between December 7 and 9, in the United Arab Emirates.
Multimax executive export manager Khalil Fraig explains that business with the Arab countries started two years ago, but the largest part of the sales volume was closed at the fair. "The Week had very good return. Much greater than we expected," he states. According to Fraig, previous contracts with businessmen in the region assisted in the signing of new deals at the fair.
According to the manager, despite the small stand at the fair, where it was only possible to exhibit three of the company 19 Multimax models, sales of the Itaparica, Genova and Nuova models were more than satisfactory. "We clearly managed to show that catalogues are not enough to guarantee sales. The clients insist on seeing the product personally," he explains.
"I believe they liked our bathtubs because of the high quality and good prices," he guarantees. As the bathtubs are designed according to international standards, the importers made no specific demands.
Since the beginning of this year, Multimax has been intensifying hydro massage bathtub and shower tray export to South Africa, the Caribbean, and countries in Central America. On average, monthly sales on the foreign market total 150 hydro massage bathtubs in acrylic with fiberglass strengthening.
In 2004, Multimax intends to increase the export volume by at least 50%. "We are in a process of expansion on the foreign market. The moment is favorable. Our products are being well accepted abroad due to their price and quality, which is close to European standards, and the raw material and machinery is imported," states Fraig.
According to him, the company is on the right route for growth. "So as to maintain stability and productivity, we must export between 30% and 50% of our products," he guarantees.
One of the company strategies is participation in international trade fairs. "We also want to increase the size of our stand," he comments. Fraig states that the first half of 2004 should include the signing of other agreements and should also include visits by Arab businessmen.
Quality standards
Multimax products are of international excellence, and are present throughout Latin and Central America, South Africa, and the Middle East.
Company experience and quality are recognized through a series of awards, among which: 9 awards by magazine Anamco (specialized in the sector), an award by the Brazilian Association of Incentive to Quality (Abiqua) and two Ruy Othake Trophies.
Contact
Multimax
Phone: 55 19 3779.7111
Site: www.multimax.com.br
