Our participation in this year’s Batimat exposition included a significant conceptual change in format with respect to other presentations. In place of the traditional exhibit with exclusively institutional presence, was one that allowed for participation of our clients who manufacture products for construction.

Ternium was present with its innovative display at the main construction and living exposition in Argentina, Expovivienda Batimat 2010 with more than 320,000 square feet of exhibition space in its eighth year. The new feature was that through the Ternium exhibit there was one place where the main steel products for construction were promoted.

The exhibit had diverse products such as metal vents, metal shelves, metal roofs, perforated and expanded metal, cold storage with insulated panels and a welded sheet profile among many others. Therefore, a catalogue, “Steel Products in Construction,” was distributed to promote all the companies’ products with references and their web sites.

“The construction sector is a very important part to Ternium’s steel consumption. It represents 45% of the steel demand in Argentina. By exposing our clients’ materials we see the Ternium brand beginning to have more identification with the end product that reaches the people. It is an important step,” stated Martín Berardi, South Area Director for Ternium.

On June 2, a cocktail reception took place for Ternium clients. There, Ariel Bernardi of Frío Latina commented, “We are very proud to be here; when they proposed the integrated exhibit we agreed without hesitation because it seemed an excellent idea.”

Fabián Salse, of ETC also saw it very positive because, “it is a great help that we can demonstrate all the processes we take with the steel sheet. The people can appreciate the products as part of the construction and then it is much more tangible.” The space left all impacted: “This stand seems different to me. To one that knows the products, they can’t imagine the amount and variety of products that are manufactured and they become aware. One feels supported and proud to see their product in Ternium’s stand,” said Luis García Bonelli, of Serrano.

The majority of the attendees use the fundamental support of ProPymes. Gastón Ostapovich of Hormental, commented in this sense that, “we count on their support for training and classes at the primary level. Behind each of the products that they exhibit is the Ternium seal. That is a guarantee of quality.” Also Ariel Wilner of Rapiestant mentioned, ProPymes support to the small industrial businesses by transferring their best practices and at the same time humanizes the relationship between Ternium and its clients. I am shocked to see the multitude of applications of steel and the generation of value in industrial Argentina.” Oscar Álvarez of Egamold, added that “we are in an expansion project and we know that the collaboration of Ternium is always available and it is very valuable to us.”

Likewise, Antonio Oblak, of the company Oblak, noted their work with ProPymes in regard to, “consulting, training and the design and financing of projects, so that left us a seed from which we can grow fruit.”

Marcelo Baccini, Commercial Director, commented: “We consider that we must transmit the importance of our value chain to the market. We met with key clients and are very happy about the innovation of including their products; we believe it is something to keep building.” The space had a variety of elements related to construction, integrated into an attractive design directed to the people. “The public was very pleased. We received more visitors than ever, which were very interested in the products of our clients,” concluded Walter Jure, head of the department for the Construction sector.