Competitive strategies for dimensional stone companies in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area

Abstract

The strategy to accelerate the development of mining-beneficiationtechnology-competitivity management of dimension stone companies involves various analysis and alternative methodologies. In this project the Life-Cycle Matrix methodology was used with its main external (industry maturity) and internal (overall measure of the competitive position of a business) factors to analyze in detail the block cutting (sawing) sector of the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro and the competitive position of the main companies that are active in the sector. Special attention was given to the dimension stone plates production process, describing the main methods used to beneficiate blocks and to undertake secondary beneficiation. A Case Study was used as the data base for the adoption and selection of strategies for the block cutting companies located in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro. The following block sawing companies were described with special attention to their infra-structure, organization, installed production capacity, granite plates production lines, critical success factors, technology, inputs, vertical integration, sales, market share, and products quality: Thor, Brasilstone, Rio Segran, Gutimpex, Cavaliere, Belmonte, Real Brasil and Marcovaldi. The objective of identifying future possible main strategic thrusts-action programs-functional strategies and action plans to accelerate the development of the dimension stone companies in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro was achieved. A Strategy Diagnostic Study also was undertaken and will be of great value for the companies and entrepreneurs that are already active in the sector and for the new national and foreign companies and new investors that may have interest to invest in this sector in short and medium time periods.