Total investment of manufacturers to reach US$ 440 million in the country
Valor Econômico - 12/03/2007
Encouraged by projects and the setting up of major plants in Brazil, the producers of industrial gases foresee investments of more than US$ 440 million in 2008 in order to keep up with the rhythm of expansion of the national market. Besides the industries, the medical area is also seen with optimism. In the opinion of José Fernando Rodrigues, the main executive officer of Linde in the country, what draws the attention of the companies is the amount of new projects in progress. His estimate for the investment of funds to be made by Linde in the country in 2008 is R$ 250 million (US$ 140.45 million). Currently, the supply of industrial gases in Brazil is divided among Linde, White Martins, Air Liquide, Air Products, and IBG. According to Domingos Bulus, the CEO of White Martins' Brazilian unit, the intention of the company is, at least, to keep the rhythm of investments made this year, nearly US$ 180 million. Among the large projects the company will take part in next year, the executive officer points out the expansion of the VCP, in Sete Lagoas (MG), the increase of the capacity of the company's units located in the North of the country, the construction of the steel company Companhia Siderúrgica do Atlântico (CSA), among others. At Air Liquide, the investment plan may exceed US$ 200 million until the end of 2009. From this amount, a great part may also be invested in the CSA, since the company is responsible, together with White Martins, for the organization of the supply of gases for the steel company. The full cost of the area at the CSA is estimated in US$ 160 million. The optimism is also seen in the IBG, of smaller size and only competitor with national capital. According to the company's CEO, Newton de Oliveira, this year's sales may reach R$ 60 million (US$ 33.7 million), which represents a 30%-growth compared to last year. This year's investment was US$ 15 million and for next year the estimate is that it may reach US$ 20 million. The company has been putting its chips on the internationalization. The USA branch may sell US$ 100 million in the next five years.