Mexican Homex delivers first units and consolidates presence in Brazil
Valor Econômico
Only four months ago, Mexican Homex was discretely getting installed in Brazil, with a timid speech -the Brazilian market was still a test. Now, with a more robust operation, it changes the tone of the speech and guarantees it has come to stay. "We are brasileños", says, in fluent Spanish, the Officer for International Expansion, Alberto Urquiza. He intends to invest US$ 50 million in the new operation in 2010 and already has three projects to launch, two in Marília and one in Campo Grande.
Yesterday, the company made an almost symbolic delivery of a block of houses of its first undertaking in Brazil, in São José dos Campos. "We want to show the Brazilian society we stick to our words, when we said we would deliver homes still this year, and reaffirm our commitment to the country", says Gerardo de Nicolás, President of the company, who is in Brazil for the event of the delivery of the houses.
For a company with tradition in the low income segment, such as Homex - which worked as inspiration and model for many Brazilian companies at the time many decided to go public - being present in the Brazilian market, at this moment, is almost an obligation. With twice the Mexican population and twice its GDP, but still a step behind in the housing deficit, Brazil has gained room in the plans of the company. Nicolas also admits that a greater presence in the Brazilian market has become a demand of the investors. The company is seeking land - it is targeting at cities with more than 300 thousand inhabitants that have availability of land with more 200 thousand inhabitants, good income potential and housing deficit.