ANGOLA - Industry
Managing Partner, Grupo Trirumo
Bio
Mário Amaro studied and worked in Portugal from 1993 to 2007. Four years after returning to his home country, he joined Grupo Trirumo, co-founded by his father. Starting as sales and warehouse manager, he worked his way to his current position as Managing Partner and plans to expands the group business for another 30 years and beyond.
MÁRIO AMARO Our company has had an interesting journey that began in 1993. In the early 2000s decade we started thinking about opening a factory dedicated to surface treatment for aluminum profiles and sheets. And so, in early 2003 Tri-Alumínios was created in Viana, with an industrial powder coating unit for aluminum, and since then it has become a national reference in the sector due to the quality of its products. We are always cautious regarding expansion in terms of the location of our sales units, besides Luanda, includes Catumbela and Lubango. It has always been our wish to expand to other regions of the country. For example, in a recent past, we conducted some market research in Cabinda.
MA Our catalogue offers a wide range of aluminum systems, from the most economical options up to the most advanced versions used in highly technological countries, such as those in Europe. Systems that are embedded with thermal technology, and also facades. In terms of the needs of the evolving Angolan market, we are focused on making our products available nationwide. Our technical team looks for new ways to provide meaningful products for the market at a realistic price point while maintaining our high-quality process. In this way, we are able to deliver to different segments of the market.
GUILHERME MOGAS Our goal is to expand in order to dominate the domestic market and later start looking into neighboring markets, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a huge market, as well as Zambia, and, if possible, our southern neighbors. That said, countries such as Namibia and South Africa are more industrialized than us. We must, however, be aware of our limitations.
GM We operate in the aluminum sector, precisely because it is 100% recyclable. Currently, our company is going through a reset, where some aluminum of low market demand is being cast with others for reuse and repurposing. Aluminum frames are also more resistant than wood. When its useful life ends, the product can be cast and reused. And with this, throughout our 30-year history, we have been able to meet demand, follow trends, and create new meaningful products for customers.
MA Our technical and commercial teams work alongside construction companies to find the best solutions and products whereby the type of cut these aluminum frames go through results in the least possible waste. This is an industry where waste is inevitable, but the more we optimize the project, the less waste we have in the environment.
GM People often make the mistake of thinking that Angola is a rich country, when it is actually potentially rich one. What I recommend to Angolan companies wishing to go international is to first do their job well locally, and other then look for business further afield. Foreign companies wishing to come here are welcome. All the conditions are here, although there is still more to be done in every sector, from agriculture to industry. Companies should come with solid intentions, ethics, and principles to leave something positive behind in Angola. If a company finds a local partner so much the better, in order to bridge cultures. We have some unique cultural issues that must be understood and taken into consideration. If a firm has a solid Angolan partner, it can help other foreign companies to establish themselves here.
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ANGOLA - Economy
Interview
President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Angola-Saudi Arabia (CCIAAS)