Croda International Plc is a company that creates, manufactures, and sells specialty chemical products for some of the world’s largest and most successful brands. At In-Cosmetics Latin America, held in São Paulo, we had the opportunity to interview Marco Carmini, Managing Director for Latin America. There, he informed us about the company’s present and future.
In terms of negotiations, crisis plans, or risky decisions, what is the biggest challenge Croda International and Brazil have faced?
During the region’s most severe economic crisis, between 2014 and 2017, we continued to believe and invest heavily, consistently and regularly.
These included various initiatives: the Customer Center, the acrylic polymer plant, and the new packaging area.
We have also invested in a new Innovation and Customer Experience Center.
That was a capital investment, but we also continued to acquire companies like INVENTIVA, a Brazilian startup in the field of encapsulation and vectorization systems. And global companies like INCOTEC, which focuses on seed treatment, and PLANT IMPACT, which produces foliar biostimulants.
We always did this with the approval of the parent company, and with
What is the importance of Croda do Brasil for business development in the region?
It is a very diverse region in terms of its cultures and its way of life, which is why it offers great opportunities for continued growth.
Brazil is a business center, but it is also the support center for all businesses throughout Latin America, such as supply chain, quality assurance, research and development, safety, occupational health, and the environment.
As a production plant, we must ensure that the majority of operating profit is generated in Brazil.
Regarding sales, Brazil represents almost 50% of all regional revenue, so we cannot be successful in Latin America without being successful in Brazil.
After the investments made in the region, with the Customer Innovation and Experience Center and the Specialized Polymers Plant, what are the growth plans for the coming years? What are the priorities for the immediate future?
Our business strategy is based on three pillars: Human Talent, Product and Process Innovation, and Local Manufacturing.
By 2024, we aim to triple the sales we had in 2017, the year we closed the last investment cycle.
We are now preparing to continue investing in new technologies, expanding our customer plants, and improving our manufactured product technologies.
Likewise, the Customer Innovation and Experience Center is the spearhead for bringing customers technological solutions based on sustainability.
A very successful investment was the polymer plant, where we were able to significantly expand our business in the area of crops and crop protection.
Finally, as human talent, we have a very enthusiastic team, focused on people and providing solutions.
All of this confirms that in the coming years we will continue to grow on very solid foundations.
Are there plans to continue investing in technology for Croda International?
Croda International’s purpose is “Smart Science to Improve Lives.” This would be a good way to affirm that we will continue investing in product and process technology, in manufacturing technology, through enthusiastic, capable, and ambitious people to grow.
We have various programs such as “Together We Are Stronger,” an initiative to improve and streamline customer service. All of this means we do things safely and with great business ethics; otherwise, success isn’t worth it.
The foundation of all of this is the safety of people, and that is my main role: ensuring that Croda International employees are always safe. My second goal is to ensure that the company conducts business with the highest ethical standards.
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