However, Roberto Pontifex, general director of Polinox, also added: “We managed to grow in a very tough year for the composites industry, and we even achieved a greater market share. However, the profit margins were affected by a continuous increase in manufacturing costs.”
Approximately 80% of raw materials processed by Polinox are imported or have their prices pegged to the U.S. dollar.
The expectation for 2014, says Pontifex, is to achieve a 6% increase in production volume at its facility in Itupeva, São Paulo. This is the largest Latin American complex for the production of peroxides and waxes.
Roberto Pontifex added that if the exchange rate does not fluctuate too much, the company would be able to recover its margins over the year. Exports to other countries in South America should also grow. At present exports account for 10% of the company’s revenue.
Founded in 1960, Polinox manufactures more than forty types of peroxides, including pure formulations and blends. The company is certified in compliance with standards ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.