About 200 companies from the territories where Samarco operates, both in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo, participated in the 1st Round of Business Talks of the Força Local (Local Labor) Program, held on July 8th and 9th. Suppliers from various sectors had the opportunity to exchange experiences and learn about the operations of Samarco and its partner companies, with the aim of expanding and fostering the local economy through new businesses and partnerships.
Ailana Vilela, Procurement Manager at Samarco, pointed out that since the resumption of operations the company has been creating several actions within the Força Local Program to strengthen and develop the areas where the company operates. “This is the opportunity for companies to introduce themselves and be assertive to create an environment for business opportunities and strengthening of the local economy.” Ailana also highlighted the importance of updating the register so that the company can more easily get in touch with listed suppliers.
Durval Vieira de Freitas, from DVF Consultoria, highlighted that the meeting promoted business transactions between companies that demand products and services with local suppliers, and shared tips on doing business.
“Força Local has a positive impact on regions in the promotion of local development. This environment allows companies, in addition to supplying Samarco, to prospect new businesses among themselves, to expand the environment for investments and increase the productivity and competitiveness of local businesses. Companies also need to adapt to new environments, and those who are not communicating virtually will be missing out on business opportunities”, he said.
Business environment
The 1st Round of Business Talks of Força Local counted with the participation of Samarco contractors Sotreq, Salum, Consorcio MRF and Manserv, from Minas Gerais and, from Espírito Santo, the contractors Vix Logística, Visel/In Haus and Manserv.
According to Marcelo Salum, financial director at Salum Construções, the initiative makes it possible to foster, strengthen and create a strong business community. “We are currently working on important projects in the region and at Samarco. This opportunity allows us to create a partnering relationship and identify the deliveries of local companies. We carry out infrastructure works and engineering services, always with a focus on safety, health, environment and social responsibility and, based on this meeting, we can establish relationships with new suppliers, generating more jobs and moving the local economy.”
Força Local
Launched in October 2020, the program aims to promote socioeconomic development in the territories where Samarco operates, in Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. Based on five pillars: policies, training, business, monitoring and development/professional training, one of the main missions of the program is to encourage local suppliers and business people to, in addition to becoming qualified to meet possible demands from Samarco, also supply other companies.
The program promotes lectures and seminars as a way to enhance and prepare professionals and companies for the job market. Topics such as strategic management and quality and productivity tools were presented to representatives of companies and trade associations in the cities of Anchieta, Guarapari and Piúma, in Espírito Santo, and Mariana, Ouro Preto, Catas Altas and Santa Bárbara, in Minas Gerais.
The Catalog of Local Suppliers was launched recently, an initiative that brings together information on more than 300 companies in various fields, with the objective of developing and contributing to the generation of business in these territories. New meetings are planned for this year, including lectures and seminars, and two business talk rounds (one in Minas and the other in Espírito Santo) that will make it possible to connect buyers and suppliers, and generate new commercial opportunities in the two states where Samarco operates. To learn more, visit https://www.samarco.com/suppliers/?lang=en.