Page 33 - RB-75-15-4

BRAZIL
Schmidt Moldes Aims for International Growth
Brazilian manufacturer of pre- cured tread moulds, Schmidt Moldes, is unlike many other mould manufacturers, in that the company focuses exclusively
the history of our business,” explains Industrial Director Daniel Paim. “We believe our focus on retreading is positive as most of our competitors focus
independent tread suppliers. “We are working closely with several major tyre makers, “ says Paim. “We see this as an opportunity because working with one or two plants in a group can spread to additional plants elsewhere around the world. We stress that it’s a huge market and we’re targeting just a small piece of it.”
Schmidt Moldes is a family company of German descent, which is now in its fourth generation. Managing Director of the company is Everson Schmidt, who handles all domestic sales as well as playing a leading role on the board of ALARNEU, the Federation of Latin America Retreaders. The manufacturing plant is managed by Paim, who is Everson’s nephew, whilst overseas sales
the pre-cured tread mould business.
Arguably the most significant move came in 2007 when the company introduced CNC machines to manufacture moulds. This was the cornerstone for the company’s current technical capability. Indeed, last year the decision was taken to close the company’s foundry due to the fact the modern day demand is exclusively for computer engraved moulds. Indeed, the company continues to expand its capacity and currently has two additional engraving machines on order.
Schmidt Moldes business is currently limited to pre-cured retreading moulds. However, on a mid-term basis, the company is also looking at supplying hot
Marcia Santos and Daniel Paim of Schmidt Moldes
on the retreading sector. This is unlike many of the company’s competitors, whose business also covers the new tyre sector. Next year the company celebrates 30 years in the mould manufacturing business, and, over that time, the company has built a strong position in the Brazilian domestic market, claiming a 60-70% share and serving the majority of the country’s pre-cured tread manufacturers. However, in the last five years, the company has followed a more international approach, developing markets in
on new tyres. However, considering the difficulties in the local market, we have known for some time that we needed to look overseas.”
The company emphasises that the development of new business in the mould sector is long term work. Responsible for the development of new business is Marcia Santos, who joined the company in 2010. According to the company, her work is now starting to bear fruit.
Schmidt Moldes main export markets are Argentina, Mexico,
both Latin America and Europe and no stands on the threshold of a new era, as it looks to expand globally, as well as to enter the hot cure sector.
We are starting a new focus in
Germany and Italy. Key target markets are Europe and the USA, with a focus on the major tyre manufacturers. However, the company says it is also in talks with a number of
and new markets are handled by Santos, with Paim’s support when it comes to technical issues.
The company started as a
foundr y over 40 years ago, and in the early days was heavily involved in making moulds for shoes, one of the key industries in the town of Novo Hamburgo, where Schmidt Moldes is based. In 1986 Everson Schmidt was the instigator of the company’s move into pre-cured tread moulds.
In 2002 Schmidt Moldes was formed as part of a restructuring, when the pre- cured tread operation was split from the foundry business. Everson’s brothers took over the foundry, whilst Everson acquired
cure moulds, although Paim says this will take a year or two. A prototype project in this regard is currently being carried out for one of Schmidt Moldes’ major customers who also has a retreading facility.
“We’re also trying to improve our knowledge of Eastern markets,” adds Marcia Santos. Here the key issue is freight costs where we’ve found that we can match overseas manufacturers on price, but have found problems when it comes to freight costs. At the moment we are looking at this closely, particularly in the light of the opportunities currently being offered due to the strong US Dollar.
Retreading Business 33