Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade opens Grauforz in Rotterdam

12 November 2009 | news item

On Thursday 12 November 2009 Minister for Foreign Trade, Frank Heemskerk, opened the Dutch operation of steel company Grauforz in the Rotterdam Waalhaven, together with the Mexican Ambassador to the Netherlands, Jorge Lomónaco, and Rotterdam Alderman for Economy, Traffic and Transport, Hans Vervat.

Originally, Grauforz is a Mexican family business which processes approx. 5,000 tons of steel per month. Besides the head office in Monterrey (Mexico), Grauforz has operations in San Antonio (US) and Madrid (Spain). Grauforz is the second biggest Mexican company that establishes itself in the Netherlands. The company’s core business lies in trade and processing of steel.

Growth strategy
In the growth strategy for Europe the Rotterdam operation plays a central role. Raw materials are supplied from Russia, Ukraine and Turkey. The market consists of Europe, Mexico, Brazil, US and North Africa.

Minister Heemskerk: “I’m very happy with foreign investors like Grauforz and the growing trade relations with Mexico, because foreign companies provide domestic jobs. It shows that the Netherlands is the gateway to Europe and has a favorable business climate. It is the second largest Mexican company in the Netherlands, I hope that many more will follows.”

Grauforz Rotterdam intends to grow to forty employees within a year and half. At the start the company will bring six Mexican employees. Additionally, starters on the employment market will be recruited in the Netherlands who may also be posted at the company in Mexico for work experience or traineeships.

Incentive
Alderman Hans Vervat is delighted with the arrival of Grauforz. “For the City of Rotterdam it is of the utmost importance to attract healthy economic activities. The establishment of Grauforz is a wonderful incentive for the international acquisition for Rotterdam. Mexico is a growing nation and we hope that with the arrival of Grauforz to the port, we will be able to attract more companies in order to give the Rotterdam economy an extra boost,” according to Vervat.

Source: Ministry of Economic Affairs, 12 November 2009