Tigre increases productive capacity and profit grows 23%
Valor Econômico
The heating of the demand for building materials in the retail brought vigor to the businesses of the manufacturer of PVC pipes and fittings, Tigre, whose profit grew 23.3% in 2010. The company accumulated net profit of R$ 165 million (US$ 93.8 million) last year, while its net sales totaled R$ 2.1 billion (US$ 1.2 billion), an increase of 18%. "We took advantage of the favorable moment of the construction sector," told Valor the President of Tigre, Evaldo Dreher. "It did not result from a low base in 2009, because we maintained the results that year", completed the Executive. In 2009, the net profit amounted to R$ 134 million (US$ 69.4 million).
Dreher highlights all segments where the company operates (home building, industry, contractors and irrigation) featured good performance. To keep up with the demand, the investments of Tigre last year totaled R$ 217 million (US$ 123.3 million), allocated in the launching of nearly 300 products, increase of the capacity of the current units - in 25% - and marketing. Nearly 700 employees were hired.
2011 tends to be marked by some challenges such as the rise in the costs of raw materials and the slowdown of consumption in the country. "It is a concern, but January has already shown growth in the sales volumes", said the Executive. This year, the company foresees 10% growth in the sales compared to 2010. Disbursements, on their turn, should amount to R$ 250 million (US$ 147.1 million). Opportunities in new countries, where Tigre still does not operate, are also being studied. The company has 12 plants abroad, and according to Dreher, the entrance into new markets should occur through acquisitions. Countries of Latin America and Africa are on his sight.