Mantova invests more than 3 million dollars in a unit in Mexico and advances in the internationalization of the brand
The company began its activities in Brazil in the city of Caxias do Sul (RS) in 1993. Now, Mantova takes another step in the internationalization of the brand. Specialized in high-performance technical plastic tubing, the company starts this month with a manufacturing unit in Mexico. Its first operation outside of Brazil, Mantova Mexico is located in Santiago de Querétaro, capital of the state of Querétaro de Arteaga. With an investment of more than 3 million dollars, it plans to generate 60 jobs.
In 2021, the company exported its products to more than 10 countries, the main destinations being Mexico, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. According to director Afonso Vicenzi, last year exports represented more than 15% of income.
“The idea of installing a unit in Mexico arose from a study of the market after some fairs held in that country. We matured the subject for years and began an investigation about the viability of internationalization. The main objective is to operate in the North and Central American markets, producing polyurethane, polyamide, and fluoropolymer tubing for the conduction of fluids”, Vicenzi said.
With facilities in a warehouse of more than 1,000 square meters, in an industrial park in Querétaro, it projects four production lines. The Mexican unit, which will have Mauro Baronio as director, starts with a high-tech line for the industrial automation and robotics segments. The second line is projected to start operating in early 2023. Another two will be activated in the second half of next year. Among the main applications of Mantova products are plastic tubes and hoses for the automation, automotive, fluid management, industrial, and medical segments.
In addition to Mauro Baronio, the team is made up of Álan Renan Nunes Pacheco, Thales Luiz Lentz de Jesus, responsible for the installation and production of the new factory, and Cássio Felipe Romoaldo, in charge of the commercial area. They will also be responsible for training and developing local staff who will work in the Mexican unit.
Vicenzi highlights that the Brazilian Agency for the Promotion of Exports and Investments (ApexBrasil), the Embassy of Mexico in Brazil and the Embassy of Brazil in Mexico, in collaboration with the authorities of the Government of the State of Querétaro, were important supports for Mantova in the process of evaluation of the feasibility of the establishment in Mexico. "We also contracted a Brazilian consultancy with an office in Mexico City for the softlanding process, as well as for the preparation of consistent action plans," adds the director.