Geovana Pagel
São Paulo – Amazonas, a maker of components for shoes (heels, soles, and rubber sheets) has a capacity for production of 5 million pairs/month and has been exporting to over 40 countries for approximately 30 yeas. In 2004, the company wants to grow increasing sales to markets such as the Middle East and North Africa.
"We have been exporting to Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates for ten years. We hope to grow at least 10% this year, mainly in sales to the Arab countries," stated Amazonas director Saulo Pucci Bueno.
Established in Franca, in the interior of the southeastern state of São Paulo, in 1947, the company has 14 production units, generates 3,000 direct jobs, and is the largest producer of shoe components in Latin America, and one of the largest in the world.
According to Bueno, the strategy to reach the forecasted growth is participation in fairs, and international trade missions, promoted by organizations such as the Brazilian Export Promotion Agency (Apex).
In the month of April this year, the company will be participating in two fairs. From April 15 to 18, they will be participating in FIMEC, the International Exhibition for the Leather, Chemicals, Components, and Machinery for Footwear & Tanneries, in Novo Hamburgo, in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. From April 27 to 29, they will be participating in Lineapelle, in Bologna, Italy.
Fimec is the most important event for the sector. Bringing together professionals from over 17 countries, the event attracts importers and Latin American professionals, as well as worldwide buyers.
Lineapelle, also in the international point of view, is considered by specialists the most important sector fair in Europe turned to leather, accessories, components, synthetic material, and shoe, handbag, clothing, and upholstery stylists.
Rubber heels
In 1947, a group of businessmen decided to produce a novel US item in the city of Franca, rubber heels. It was then, on March 14, 1947, that "Manufatureira de Borracha Amazonas" was born. In a short period of time, heels "Tamoyo" and "Aymoré" were well known not only in Franca, but also in the surrounding cities.
In December 1970 there were two significant changes: the company changed its name to Amazonas Produtos Para Calçados S/A, and installations were transferred to a group of buildings on Rio Branco avenue, in Franca. At that time, Amazonas started conquering markets on the foreign market.
In 1978 the company felt the need to subdivide into autonomous companies, putting specific products, such as adhesives, polyurethane injection, thermoplastic rubber, synthetic products, thermoplastic resins, transport, and mechanical industry in different locations. This was when Componam, one of the companies controlled by Holding Pucci Comércio e Participações Ltda, was created. The intention was to supply to the various company customers in the country and abroad with greater efficiency and speed.
The company currently includes a group of autonomous companies, producing a large range of products for shoes. The sole brand is the best known among Brazilian consumers and the second best known in the United States. Amazonas is the brand of products made by the company and also the name of the shoe industry and of the rubber sheet industry in Franca.
Main products
Amazonas produces vulcanised rubber soles (SBR), polyurethane (PU) soles, Thermoplastic Rubber (TR) soles, EVA compounds, TR compounds, rubber sheets, and adhesives for the shoe, furniture, printing, packaging, and auto industries.
Contact
www.amazonas.com.br
