Anuário da Indústria de Implementos Rodoviários 2018

90 MATÉRIAS-PRIMAS | RAW MATERIAL | MATERIAS PRIMAS T he transportation segment is one of the main drivers of innovation by steel and aluminum suppliers worldwide, accounting for a significant share of the sector’s business. In the search for lighter and more resistant materials, there is today joint development with road implements manufacturers to improve profitability for transport companies. “We are not only suppliers of aluminum, but also of engineering,” says CBA’s market and innovation development manager, Giuliano Michel Fernandes. “We work intensely with our customers. We invest in development based on their needs and offer innovative solutions we are already working on,” he adds. CBA saw a 13% increase in sales volume for the highway implement market last year. “This reflects increased demand for more advanced, more efficient materials”, says Fernandes. The crisis in the truck market in recent years, says the executive, has favored the aluminum industry. “The need for transport companies to be more competitive accelerated the process of reducing production costs and increased the demand for lighter materials. The market leaders in implements drove this move,” he says. And now, with a return to growth in heavy truck sales, the prospects are even more promising. Milton Rego, president of the Brazilian Aluminum Association (ABAL), says there is no doubt about the increased use of aluminum in the transport sector. “Our industry is prepared to meet the demand in this sector. We are able to provide alloys, products and unique solutions and close a gap that Brazil has in relation to the rest of the world. That’s why there is a strong synergy between aluminum and the implements industry today,” says Rego. Among the advantages of the material, the manager of the technical area at ABAL, Kaísa Couto, highlights its lightness, which guarantees greater load capacity and, consequently, greater profitability. “As far as production is concerned, it is still the fastest, not requiring any paint and it offers easy-to-handle solutions.” Katia agrees with Fernandes, of CBA, that the crisis and the search for greater energy efficiency ended up helping the sector: “Productivity in the transportation segment takes in All hands on deck Steel and aluminum suppliers play a leading role in the road implements segment, with new materials and joint development © Kittipong Jirasukhanont | Dreamstime.com ®