Between FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games
The Concrete Show 2014 took place in Brazil just a few weeks after the final whistle ended the FIFA World Cup, and nearly two years before the Olympic Games. The Concrete Show, on the basis of the large number of participants, continues to be one of the most important trade shows for the suppliers of the concrete industry.
During the three days of the show, some 600 exhibitors from 36 countries presented their goods and services to nearly 30,000 visitors on an exhibition space totaling about 65,000 m², 20,000 m² of which on open-air grounds, in the Centro de Exposições Imigrantes São Paulo. The gain of 70 new exhibitors resulted in a considerable growth of 12 % over the previous year. The Concrete Show was rounded off by 18 technical seminars in the conference area.
New ideas and weaker growth
Despite the continuing good economic situation following the award of the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games to Brazil, and the many resulting construction projects – ranging from sports facilities to measures of infrastructure – there are no real signs of recession, but a definite weaker growth, accompanied by increasing competition.
Jörg Reymann, Managing Director of the German companies Ratec GmbH und Reymann Technik GmbH: “Companies from overseas in particular must develop special ideas to succeed on the South American and, specifically, the Brazilian markets. Following a successful modular home project in Peru, we are currently testing its acceptance in Brazil.”
Udo Schmidt, Sales Director at the Southern German supplier Semet/Rimac: “The presentation of extremely thin large-area slab systems of only 2 cm thickness and an absolutely closed surface, achieved by a Brazilian customers using tamping technology, as well as the innovative plants for production of non-autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, was very well received not only by the Brazilian, but other South American customers as well.”
Trend toward branches and cooperations
Other suppliers from Germany such as Vollert and Weckenmann have established branches in Brazil and/or entered into cooperations with domestic companies. Regional Manager Wesley Gomes, for example, represents Vollert do Brasil Ltda., based in Belo Horizonte and established in 2012, at the Concrete Show (see the interview on p. 28).
The partnership between Weckenmann Anlagentechnik GmbH & Co. KG from the German city of Dormettingen and WCH Weiler C. Holzberger Industrial Ltda. has existed since the beginning of 2013. The latter company, based in the Brazilian city of Rio Claro, offers slideformers, extruders, central mixing plants, metal formwork, and other plant components. “Our partner WCH, long established in this country, can supplement our product portfolio with our machines and components for the Brazilian market. The many years’ experience of both companies in plant engineering both in Europe and in Brazil, are therefore the best possible prerequisites for a well-functioning collaboration”, explains Alesandra Rico, Areas Sales Manager Central and South America at Weckenmann.
New plant
Menegotti, CSM, Adler, Piramide, Permaq, Ciser, Dhalmar, Tprex, and Agostini, to name only a few, emphasized the strong presence of domestic companies, primarily from Greater São Paulo as well as the southernmost Brazilian states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul.
“Following a somewhat sluggish start on the first day, we are pleased to report many and high-quality trade show contacts at our stand,” said Edison Wilson Pinter, Marketing-Manager at Menegotti Máquinas e Equipamentos Ltda, speaking for many others. “We are currently erecting a new plant site on 250,000 m², 40,000 m² of which is production area. By 2015 – i.e., precisely in the 75th year of our existence – we will put the plant into operation and, in doing so, considerably increase our capacities.”
Other local and international exhibitors, among them Convicta, Liebherr, and Putzmeister, made their presentations on the spacious outdoor exhibition grounds. In addition to the manufacturers, software suppliers, and specialized publishers, numerous organizations, such as associations, educational establishments, and research institutes rounded out the Concrete Show.
