Run before the kick-off
Based on the large number of visitors, the Concrete Show in São Paulo definitely is still one of the most important trade fairs for suppliers involved in the concrete industry. However, shortly before the kick-off of the FIFA World Cup, the economic situation in the South American threshold country significantly turned for the worse - the gross domestic product only increased by 0.9 % in 2012 instead of up to 7.5 % in the previous years.
And the Concrete Show even reflected the development of the entire Brazilian economy: Though all leading companies of the industry were exhibiting with large stands and even some new companies tried their luck; but many a supplier was rather skeptic about the chance to make fast deals. On the contrary, staying power was asked for: The visitors took the trouble to get informed comprehensively, however they rarely spent money - investment decisions were made step by step requiring many meetings over a period of several years.
Confidence through market presence
WCH Weiler C. Holzberger Industrial Ltda., among others, demonstrates that a long-lasting market presence builds confidence and is good for the business. The company based in the Brazilian Rio Claro is manufacturing and selling slipformer machines, extruders, batching machines and metal forms as well as other plant components. Since the beginning of the year, a partnership has been existing with the leading plant and machinery supplier Weckenmann from the German city of Dormettingen. The two companies exhibited together at the well-attended joint stand.
Sommer Anlagenbau and SAA, supplier of automation solutions for the precast industry, had a joint stand too. The partners did not exhibit any big items at all. The table in the center of the booth was primarily used for discussions with the customers. „The demand for highly automated plants was limited so far in Brazil, and that still holds true today,“ stated Robert Neubauer, who is responsible for sales, technology and project planning, when talking to BFT International. „But we also realize a significantly growing interest.“
Block machine made in Brazil
The local hero Adler showcased his machines in the neighboring hall. Sales manager Fábio Delapieri proudly presented his one and only: The concrete block machine A100 which was entirely installed at the stand. The machine produces up to 5,000 hollow blocks (14 x 19 x 39 cm) or 300 m² of paving stones in an eight-hour shift. „The A100 is neither hydraulically nor pneumatically driven. It is our first electromechanic press for hollow blocks and paving stones,“ Delapieri stated in a conversation with BFT International.
Another Brazilian company, Piramide Industrial, as well presented a new machine for the production of paving stones and hollow blocks. The VPR 650 is controlled by Siemens software. This machine manufactures up to 4,800 hollow blocks (14 x 19 x 39 cm) or equally up to 300 m² of paving stones in an eight-hour shift. Apart from block machines, the family-owned company with locations in Braço do Norte und São José manufactures also mixers, batching plants, silos and other equipment components for concrete factories.
Price and quality
For the first time represented at the Concrete Show: My Wood, manufacturer of production boards, shuttering beams and shuttering panels, headquartered in Polomka, Slovakia. The company was set up by Helmut Rettenmeier and has been managed by the son Philipp Rettenmeier since 2012.
In a conversation with BFT International, Managing Director of My Wood, Philipp Rettenmeier said that the company intended to get a better knowledge of the market. But it is already clear now: In the field of production boards My Wood is competing with many small Brazilian manufacturers being in the position to offer their products at very favorable prices.
Rettenmeier, however, is confident in the respective strengths of My Wood: The manufacturing know-how built up over decades by the Rettenmeier Group and the broader product portfolio. „Because production boards are just one of our products,“ Rettenmeier said.
