Magazine | BBR - August 2021 Edition

WORLD LEADER

WHO WE ARE

Managing Director

Jassen Pintado

Creative Director

Omar Rodríguez

Editor in Chief

Rafael Tablado

Finance Director

Christina Schoch

Social Media Director

Maria Elena Gastelum

Content Coordinator

Alicia Barrantes

Project Directors

Ana Macfarland

David Alarcon

Giuseppe Modenesi

Lucy Verde

Marcelo Modenesi

EDITOR’S LETTER:

August 2021

We are delighted to bring you our most recent edition, highlighting the work of leading companies in their industry.

Salesforce offers important resources for companies to undergo a digital transformation. Some have been through this process by choice, while others had too, as we are certain that all of them must if they want to keep up without losing

any ground to those well underway in digitization and automation processes.

On its behalf, Orica brings its worldwide leadership in blast solutions and explosives to Brazil, contributing mainly to the South American country’s mining industry and also lending a hand to the construction sector.

Enjoy this issue!

Mateo Rafael Tablado, Editor in Chief at The Boston Business Review

Email: rafael.tablado@thebostonbr.com

ARCHITECTURE AND CONSTRUCTION, DEDICATED TO MAKING YOUR BUSINESS MORE SUCCESSFUL.

Architecture company dedicated to design and construction, with extensive management in sectors such as Retail and Workplace. Our methodology is based on experience and the will to make your business more successful.

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THE TOP TEN RENEWABLE ENERGY COMPANIES

Clean energy is nothing new and it also encompasses different models, such as wind power, photovoltaic, biomass and others. It has become more relevant over the years and has the ability to reduce the use of fossil fuels for what is strictly essential. Beyond the boost renewable energies have received, several goals established by the United Nations, which have been adopted both by different countries and private companies -on their own- aim at nullifying emissions and reducing the environmental footprint before ending the first half of this century. This list, released earlier this year by Investopedia, shows us the prevalence of North American companies in this segment, as well as the appearance of two Danish companies and Asian presence.

SunPower is an American company specialized in photovoltaic energy generation and storage. It is one of the pioneering companies in solar energy, being created in 1985. SunPower is located in San José, California. Its solar energy solutions benefit multiple sectors, including construction, business and residential sectors, besides also being suppliers to other companies, and creating turnkey projects. Its revenue totals US$ 1.39 billion.

This American biodiesel producer operates 13 refineries and a raw material processing plant, generating biofuels and renewable chemicals. It also processes waste, virgin vegetable oils, methanol and other materials to convert them into biomass diesel. This company was included in the Fortune 1000 list in 2018 and its revenue totals US$ 2.61 billion.

This Canadian company is engaged in the manufacturing of photovoltaic solar modules, in addition to offering operation and maintenance services for these systems. Canadian Solar has expanded its operation to more than 160 countries. Its annual revenue is US$ 3.36 billion.

First Solar, also from the USA, designs and manufactures solar energy systems. Its services range from financing and construction/ installation to recycling solar panels as they reach their end-of-life. The company has a global presence, including offices in Mexico and Brazil, and posts revenues for US$ 3.50 billion.

The presence of this Canadian giant is clearly global, operating more than 6,000 renewable energy generation facilities in 30 countries. Its main focus is hydroelectric energy, which accounts for more than 60% of its portfolio, but it also invests and operates wind and solar energy generation, and is also involved in energy distribution and storage. Its revenue for the last year as of December 2020 was US$ 3.58 billion.

This German-Spanish company ventures into wind energy and is the second largest manufacturer of wind turbines globally. The merger of Siemens and Gamesa was held in 2017 to create this giant with more than 35 years of experience in the field, which also offers maintenance and reconditioning services, with a presence in 90 countries and revenue of US$ 9.48 billion.

This Danish company was created in 1945 and is responsible for the manufacture, sale, installation and service of wind turbines. It has 16 production plants spread over five continents, providing a job to more than 25,000 employees. Their global work makes Vestas the world’s largest wind energy company. Its revenue was US$ 15.20 billion last year.

The largest manufacturer of solar panels worldwide is this Chinese company, which also produces solar cells and solar modules. Its shares have been listed since 2010 and the facilities opened in Malaysia in 2015 enable the company to avoid some tariffs. Its most recent annual revenue was US$ 33.95 billion.

The multinational based in Spain is involved in the generation, distribution and trade of electrical energy, specialized in clean energy, including wind power, hydroelectric, photovoltaic and biomass energy. It has subsidiaries in four continents and serves more than 30 million consumers worldwide. It earned a yearly revenue of US$ 34.23 million before the end of 2020.

Danish multinational whose wind energy segment is the largest offshore wind energy generator. Its other segments share operations in thermal power plants and Orsted distributes and sells energy and gas in wholesale and retail in the Scandinavia region, the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe. Its focus on the use of renewable energy has allowed the company to establish medium and long-term goals regarding achieving zero carbon emissions and since 2019 it has also been considered the most sustainable company in the world. Its annual revenue is US$ 34.97 billion.

WORLD DESTINATIONS Ten

Sometimes, those things that we are not allowed to do are those we most yearn for. Even if restrictions derived from the COVID19 pandemic have limited travel -specially pleasure travel-, we’d still like to share with you a few places we would love to set our foot in once it’s possible again...

BALI INDONESIA

One of the jewels of the Malaysia archipelago is a feast of natural attractions as well as of man-made beauty. Besides amazing sunsets, the island offers marvels such as Mount Batur, site for astonishing sights at dawn, the Sacred Monkey Forest

Sanctuary, in Ubud, and Nusa Dua beach, among other sites.

Malaysian temples not only hold a beauty unto itselves, but some of them are to be found among dreamy landscapes, such as Ulun Danu Bratan, Tanah Lot and Uluwatu temples.

CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA

The African version of the Southern Hemisphere offers white sand beaches, vineyards, natural attractions as well as museums and other iconic places in the country’s history.

Neighborhoods such as District Six and Bo-Kaap are perfect examples of the city’s history and cultural diversity; exhibits are not far behind,

with museums such as Zeitz, for contemporary arts, the eleven Iziko museums and the Heart of Cape Town museums.

Natural attractions nearby include the mountain and sea views when riding the Chapman’s Peak route, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Table Mountain, and Clifton and Camp Bay beaches.

DUBAI UAE

Modern architecture, all-around sophistication, skyscrapers, artificial islands and lagoons... Shopping malls boasting not only fashion’s trendiest brands but also giang aquariums and indoor ski resorts... Because just creating an oasis in the middle of the desert is not enough when oil can build a solid, tangible mirage. Dubai is also

host to Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

There are also museums and a taste of old Dubai, with traditional mosques and other Arab constructions, as well as rides on Dubai’s water stream. This city is more than a mix of past and present, but also a blend of tradition with modernity and luxury.

IBIZA SPAIN

We’re talking about the queen of the Balearic Islands and one of the Mediterranean’s and Europe’s referents in nightlife and resorts. If that wasn’t enough, the small island (about 220 sq. miles, eighth largest of the Spanish islands) also offers water rides across crystal-clear waters and scuba diving. Beautiful sights are a norm, and places

such as Sa Caleta and Necropolis also share the island’s history from ancient times.

Ibiza’s nightlife has been a show in itself for decades and offers different options. It depends upon each visitor if once out of the island this results in a hangover of biblical proportions or memories for a lifetime.

ICELAND

This European island nation hosts astonishing nature phenomena bordering on the magical and beyond unique. From whale-watching in Reykjavik, the country’s capital, to geysers, vulcans in the middle of snow and the thrilling show of the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) which can be

witnessed from most cities, though being in the middle of nature as it happens brings something special to it.

Any touring may begin from a geothermal water spa 40 minutes from Reykjavik all over the country into natural parks to experience unique atmospheres full of ice and snow.

MIAMI USA

There’s more to Miami and its surroundings than year-round fair weather and sunny beaches. It’s also a great place to go shopping and its vivid nightlife is simply unique.

Once past South Beach and other beautiful spots and into the water, Biscayne Bay offers the best water

sports and rides. Besides the city tours and visiting in-town attractions, Miami’s vicinities also offer singular attractions such as visit the everglades and amusement parks in Florida.

If you need an ideal place to stay, there’s no better than 1 Hotel South Beach

NEW YORK USA

Is it necessary to remind everyone about this city’s grandeur in so many aspects? From arrival -by land, air or sea- its skyline is simply breathtaking.

Now, having this same city host iconic constructions such as the Empire State building, the Statue of Liberty and a place like Central Park is something widely known. But then just add it’s also the world’s capital for musicals and

theater, and home of a business center such as the NYSE, in Wall Street. And most of those visiting this city for the first time will identify a place or two they’ve already seen in movies and TV shows.

When visiting, why not begin by staying a block from Central Park, 1 Hotel.

PARIS FRANCE

The former Lutetia keeps being, maybe, the most beautiful city in the world. Its buildings have breathed history across centuries past to blend with modernity and avant-garde style in the Parisien grace, producing a unique feeling. Museums? The Louvre is a few days’ worth of touring just to complete a decent view of all it has to offer; D’Orsay and the Pompidou Center also host classic masterworks across time. Is the Eiffel Tower either impressive or simply beautiful? Is there anything else like a walk along the Seine River, or, better yet, a boat ride in it?

Montmartre, Pigalle, Clignancourt...

Tired of this lifetime? Even the dead have something to offer when strolling along the Pere Lachaise and Montparnasse cemeteries, full of artists’, writers’, musicians’ and intellectuals’ mausoleums.

May you grow tired of a city unlike any other, there’s always a ride to Versailles, just a few minutes away by train.

ROME ITALY

Probably considered one of Western Civilization’s starting points. There’s a bit of history mostly everywhere around Rome’s central area, with sites such as the Coliseum and its surroundings -including Circus Maximus and the Forum- standing out. The Trevi Fountain is also a must-see as are the Spanish Steps leading to Trinitá dei

Monti. The Pantheon and the Vatican are also a reference to the city.

New attractions honoring modern aspects of Italian culture have opened in recent years, as is the case with Cinecittà World, honoring Europe’s largest film studios, those who created an identity for Italian cinema.

SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

New South Wales’ state capital is one of Australia’s most important cities. It’s not only the country’s oldest city, but it’s also considered the most beautiful. Sydney’s immediate reference is its Opera House, whose surroundings can be explored in different kinds of boats.

Sydney also offers the kind of attractions you may find in most cities, such as museums -like the ones sharing the country’s and its ethnic group’s history- and also offers beautiful beaches.

productivity Increasing

and reducing risks in every blast

Orica delivers avant-garde blast and explosives solutions to the Brazilian market, mainly benefitting the mining industry by increasing its productivity and delivering higher safety standards

Orica is the worldwide leader in production and distribution of blasting and initiation systems, besides providing other solutions, from cyanide production for gold extraction to cutting-edge technology in digital solutions and other blasting services, contributing to a safe, efficient and responsible resource extraction and monitoring. The company dates back to 1874, as a supplier for Australian goldfields. After more than 146 years in business, Orica has presence in more than 100

countries, providing jobs for more than 13,000 employees, of which more than 200 are tech specialists, making Orica the number one commercial explosive supplier worldwide.

“We are a community of engineers, scientists, technicians, operators, business specialists and on-site personnel working together to support our clients day in and day out,” commented Diego Vallim, Country Manager for Orica Brazil.

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE IN BRAZIL AND ABROAD

Diego Vallim has been in charge of Orica Brazil since 2021, after joining the company in 2016 as Senior Sourcing Manager for Latin America,

“We are a community of specialists working together to support our clients”

- Diego Vallim, Country Manager, Orica Brazil

being based in Chile. Vallim took part in a Management Leadership Program and was selected for this position afterwards. The acquisition of Peruvian company Exsa by Orica, a $200 million operation, is listed among his recent accomplishments.

His education includes an MBA, among other courses in Brazil and abroad. Before joining Orica, Vallim also held leadership positions for companies in the automotive and mining industries.

WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS AND SOLUTIONS IN BRAZIL

Orica’s presence in Brazil dates back to the 1980s. In Brazil, the company currently offers its entire solutions and product portfolio for blasting, from initiation systems and emulsions to high-end technology

to design safe blasts. Other services such as risk-reducing geotechnical monitoring are provided by the GroundProbe™ division.

Orica serves the mining industry in Brazil, mainly for iron and gold extraction, as well as for other basic metals and quarries, besides offering solutions to construction and oil & gas industries.

The company relies on its production plants within the country, where initiation systems and emulsions are produced, and it’s also supported by a wide supply network covering clients in all of the Brazilian territory.

“We are known for our safety culture and for our skills to create value through products and technology, but mainly for our staff’s capabilities,” Vallim pointed out.

INNOVATION ON EVERY FRONT

Being the global leader in blasting and explosives for the mining and construction sectors implies that every new product made available by Orica does not follow any path previously travelled, but rather becomes a trendsetting innovation in the industry, capable of disrupting the way any specialized task has been performed. The most outstanding solutions among the company’s latest development are:

• WebGen™: This wireless initiation system avoids the use of down-lines and connecting wires. Its reach gets the signal through rocks, air and water, resulting in safe, reliable blasts without risking any injury to staff, increasing productivity and reducing costs. WebGen™ is SIL3certified (Safety Integrity Level), and is the only commercial explosive with the highest security grade.

• Avatel™: A digitized underground charging system designed to initiate blasts from a safe cabin, reducing exposure to any harm. Avatel™ was created in collaboration with Epiroc, another leading company in mining machinery.

• GroundProbe: This division recently developed RAR (real aperture radar) and SAR (synthetic aperture radar) devices, able to monitor slope stability, the GMS robotic station for prism monitoring, the GML for convergence monitoring in underground mining, and the RGRVelox (reactive geohazard radar) for reactive monitoring and alarming for tailings dam breaches.

DISRUPTING MINING WITH DESIGN FOR OUTCOME

The Design For Outcome system offers a comprehensive digital solution to gather and manage data, previous blast results as well as rock and ore

properties to use with predictive algorithms, delivering possible outcomes and determining the quantity of explosives to use in each procedure depending on expected results.

Design For Outcome is enhanced when paired with the BlastIQ™ cloudbased platform, which manages the stored data from blasts and perforation, easing integration with

electronic initiation systems such as I-kon III, the most advanced in its kind, able to optimize small and large scale blast times, automatically generating blast sequence reprogramming, increasing reliability under severe weather conditions and able to reduce blast delays.

AN INDUSTRY GIANT WITHIN THE SOUTH AMERICAN GIANT

One of the most important aspects

for Orica, globally, is its R&D department, which receives annual investments for more than $50 million, where more than 60 data analysts come up with the newest solutions with latest-generation technology, setting goals such as reducing personnel exposure to any risk during blasts, operational excellence as well as maintaining and improving global sustainability standards.

Orica has factories and development centers worldwide, which brings flexibility and other advantages to its supply chain and logistics, which benefit also from partnerships with clients and suppliers.

All of these factors enable the company to guarantee the availability of the most advanced solutions in Brazil, delivering the best execution

and safety in blasting, globally, after more than 100 year-experience in different kinds of mining operations worldwide.

“The latest solutions in blasting and slope monitoring are within our reach, thrusting Brazil into the forefront of the world’s mining industry,” declared the executive.

PANDEMIC-FUELED EVOLUTION

The restrictions and consequences derived from the COVID19 pandemic resulted in a testing time for Orica Brazil’s resilience and adaptability.

Many of the duties required to complete essential activities supplied by the company must be carried on site, and these are performed by more than half of the staff. In the same way, such unusual conditions allowed for a complete overview of company procedures, thus accelerating the

“We are known for our safety culture and for our skills to create value, but mainly for our staff’s capabilities”

automation and digitization strategy, thrusting new practices such as remote assistance through AR (augmented reality).

EFFORTS TOWARD INCLUSION

Orica focuses on inclusion and diversity strategies, a subject in which

there have been tangible results, but still with so much to accomplish. 33% of leadership positions for Orica in Latin America are held by women, while in graduate programs this grows to 50%. Also, 35% of positions in charge of different squads are held by women. There’s still room to grow in

Technologies and data integration offered by

field positions, though Orica Brazil proudly hired the first MMU female driver.

THE FUTURE: PLACING A BET ON VALUE

For the foreseeable future, Orica plans to get into a certain scenario

whose path to reach it requires effort through resources in the company’s hands.

Orica’s purpose is to generate value and allow its disruptive solutions to evolve, such as WebGen™ technology, GroundProbe™ radars, and the BlastIQ™ digital platform,

“The

latest solutions in blasting and slope monitoring are within our reach, thrusting Brazil into the forefront of the world’s mining industry”

- Diego Vallim, Country Manager, Orica Brazil

delivering increased safety and productivity through these solutions.

Also, strengthening its industrial presence in Brazil and the rest of Latin America to optimize its supply chain in the territory, and capitalizing on what this represents regarding raw material and finished products management, contributing to make Orica become a strategic partner for its clients.

FOUNDED: 1874 (in Australia)

INDUSTRY: Mining

WEBPAGE: www.orica.com

TEL: (+55) 12 214 1300

EMAIL: diego.vallim@orica.com

Pandemic: Electroshock Digital Transformation

The dawn of a technological revolution in our society

Written by Oscar Emo

Atthe beginning of 2020, we could not even begin to imagine what was just around the corner. At that moment, our plans as a provider of Salesforce-based Digital Transformation technology solutions were focused on showing our clients the value and need of

digital evolution, both as a tool to provide competitive advantages, as well as a vehicle to serve a generation of young people that expect immediacy and hyperpersonalization in every interaction with a brand or service.

News of a strange disease in China, leading to the closure of

entire cities, were perceived as an overseas issue, far away from the U.S., in a context of an almost political style of control characterized by extreme measures. Westerners did not see it coming as the beginning of the brutal reality a few weeks later reached Europe, the United States and, on short notice− our Latin American countries. Even as the first cases struck −a few dozen per day− we were still in denial that in a very short time human drama and the loss of lives would force governments to activate stringent containment measures that would severely affect the economy as well as our way of living, working and interacting. These circumstances would also shift consumer expectations about how a brand or supplier should interact with them and how companies can influence their purchase decisions.

In a few months, our most technology-averse friends and relatives −even seniors? (If you are giving this to people in the US, I might remove this part)− have evolved in the way they used their devices; they are no longer limiting themselves to basic social networks. Suddenly, they are also making video conferences for both work and celebrating birthdays, sending packages and buying services and products on-line, replacing the decades-old ritual of paying a weekend visit to shopping malls and grocery stores. In the flash of en eye, our entire society adopted behaviors that were thought to be exclusive to Millennials and Generation Z, accelerating an revolutionary change that otherwise would have taken a few more years. It was an

“electroshock” therapy towards digital transformation that took just a few months and coined a new reality that will surely remain well beyond the end of the pandemic.

The post pandemic reality that lies ahead requires companies to interact efficiently and in an innovative way in the digital world, no longer as a competitive advantage, but as an essential comparative advantage to survive and remain as a relevant player in its ecosystem. Not only is there no turning back on the habits and behaviors that society had adopted in the past months, but the economic recovery will speed up investment in the digital space, making it a centerpiece of any strategy or business model for all industries.

Despite the imperative need to establish a digital transformation

strategy that encompasses all points of interaction with the customer, we must start from two central areas: Digital Marketing and E-Commerce. When we talk about lead generation and purchasing process in a digital environment, the vision is much deeper and more complex than merely sending emails, hiring an Ad Agency to have a presence in Social Networks and a website with a Shopping Cart. The new reality makes mandatory to develop a much deeper interaction with the consumer to obtain a detailed understanding of his/her interests, searches and previous experiences before visiting our on-line assets, so that what the site presents is not just the discount of the month, but fully customized information that allows interaction according to the specific interests and needs of the customer.

Freeway Consulting

Mass mailings are no longer enough as relevant and personalized communications are now required −at the right time and through the customer’s preferred channel− offering a custom-tailored, on-line experience suited to the tastes, interests, needs and preferences of the buyer. In our extensive experience with Salesforce solutions in industries such as Retail and Consumer Goods, we have seen

substantial increases in the depth of customer relationships and −of course− in revenue.

While it is true that the need for digital transformation could be perceived more clearly in B2C (Business to Consumer) environments, the impact on B2B (Business to Business) scenarios is equally profound and transformational. This is generating the imperative need for

a much more agile and integrated digital model of relationship with distributors and suppliers, as well as a dramatic evolution of the commercial force towards a 360 vision of the customer. If properly executed, this will allow us to integrate and leverage the productive components of the organizations, making possible realtime projection of prices, production requirements and impacts on the supply chain.

The beginning of the end of the pandemic in the second half of 2021, will undoubtedly mark one of the most accelerated periods of technological evolution witnessed by mankind, driven by a reactivation of the economy, by an ecosystem strongly adapted in recent months to the digital world and for an increasingly advanced range of solutions adapted to the Electroshock therapy that we have experienced. We are about to bear witness a new digital revolution in our society.

Easing the way toward digitization

In the road to digitization and process automation, Salesforce storms in, easing the way for different business sectors, contributing to improve inward collaboration, increasing productivity and client satisfaction

Produced by Jassen Pintado

Interviewee

Matías Montero, Regional Vice-President of Salesforce

Consequences from COVID19 have undoubtedly brought a series of changes and disruption -at any activity and level- for which adaptability has been key to avoid any downtime. Productive sectors have made use of available resources for remote interaction; in fact, a lot of gradual

schemes for digital transformation that many companies planned across midterm schedules have been ramped up after conditions demanded to reduce contact exposure by people gathering in enclosed spaces.

The manufacturing sector faces different challenges, and a very important one is a forecast about end users’ and clients’ conditions.

Which means, parts in collaboration must now transform every process by improving communication among each other, with better planning and more product evaluation to direct efforts aligned to the end consumer’s needs. But not every company is prepared to face new scenarios and many of them have had to reevaluate their procedures upon impending changes. On a global scale, 57% of the manufacturing industry expresses certainty about their adaptive capacity to face changes derived from the pandemic, while 95% of the sector foresees that such changes may become permanent, and therefore they are implementing viable solutions beyond the pandemic.

innovations to improve the offer, planning and automation. The pandemic has only accelerated the stages that were already under transformation based on end consumer’s customary behavior.

Nevertheless, our current environment is immersed into a digital world in which purchases are carried from mobile devices, work can be performed remotely and consumers’ habits are known through a series of datagathering tools, enabling software able to create predictive models.

The companies’ role in this is digitizing its relationship with their consumers, centering their efforts on these end users through different digital channels already in existence.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION, MORE THAN AN OPTION

The market’s dynamics and channel diversification for back and forth communication with customers demanded

“Digitization is, undoubtedly, one of the most solid alternatives to adapt to external events, such as the COVID19 contingency,” declared Matías Montero, Regional Vice-President of Salesforce in Latin America.

Salesforce Partner #1 in Latin America

We focus on understanding the needs of our customers. We are experts in the specialized solutions of Salesforce adapted to each industry with the goal of enhancing innovation and value generation for our customers.

High Specialization by Industry

We are the leading partner in Latin America in the implementation of Salesforce Customer360.

Freeway is part of the portfolio of Salesforce Ventures investments

KEY PURPOSES OF DIGITIZATION

According to Montero, companies undergoing digital transformation processes focus on three main subjects to strengthen their business:

• Customer centralization

• A commitment to increase its staff’s tech abilities

• Analyzing operations looking forward to process automation in order to increase productivity and gather customer data

BENEFITS FROM DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

There are multiple benefits from digital transformation, the most important are:

• New product development: Relying on the necessary tech resources is key to creating innovative products when improving processes after efficiently gathering usergenerated data, getting to know customers’ specific demands,

“Digitization is one of the most solid alternatives to adapt to external events”

- Matías Montero, Regional Vice-President of Salesforce

Matías Montero, Regional

Vice-President of Salesforce

accomplishing a continual improvement process after obtaining feedback.

• Inventory optimization: Digitizing improves inventory management by replacing manual processes with automation and also allows for better data management, resulting in improved predictability of future scenarios.

• Time to revenue reduction: Automation processes able to support key areas such as marketing, sales and customer service accelerates transactions even before product launch and into the after-sale service period, resulting in less time to gain a larger market share.

MEXICO: AWARENESS OF THE NEED OF BETTER TOOLS

Consequences derived from COVID19 in Mexico’s manufacturing industry have not only affected the way business is conducted, but it has also left long-lasting effects into future days. According to the Trends In Manufacturing report, from Salesforce, 72% of surveyed manufacturing companies in Mexico consider that their production capacity has changed, and 70% of these companies believe such changes will become permanent. This has led to seek for internal operations optimization to keep up with growth pace within the market, as 84% of these companies prioritize their resource planning system for the next two years,

“The industry should change to a more digital state of mind thus benefiting their own business and customers”

-

Matías Montero, Regional Vice-Presidente of Salesforce

and increase process efficiency (82% of them on the latter).

Another challenge for manufacturing in Mexico is the lack of transparent data, as well as scattered data, which reduces accuracy in sales prediction, a relevant factor in the current economic present. This dispersed data is considered by 74% of Mexican manufacturers surveyed as the biggest challenge they face, while 72% of them considered the use of obsolete tools a hassle.

“This shows that the industry should change to a more digital state of mind to make the most from their data, thus benefiting their own business and customers,” the executive commented.

On a large scale, digitization is gaining ground among the manufacturing industry, even though there are still companies opting not to take a risk and keeping traditional schemes. Nevertheless, resources

made available by technology should be considered as allies, and not as a complicated endeavor, considering that in coming years the manufacturing industry will be even more digitized.

FIRST STEPS TOWARD DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

It should be noted that it’s very important to consider in which direction business is going to be transformed. Some examples include the power of creating interactions centered on end user satisfaction by creating customized models and also creating a culture of adoption of digital technologies within the company and promoting team collaboration with the same goal: centering on the customer.

SALESFORCE AS AN ENABLER

Salesforce is a thrusting force of digital transformation in the manufacturing industry as it is in other

business sectors. Resources provided by Salesforce deliver satisfactory results when deploying the required digital infrastructure to optimize collaboration with business partners, internal teams, suppliers and other strategic elements.

Salesforce’s clients in the manufacturing industry have obtained excellent results with system integration and data management to simplify their procedures, delivering a positive impact in sales, service, follow-up and continual improvement for product manufacturing and distribution.

Efforts by Salesforce are focused on the strengthening of strategic sectors for economies, including the manufacturing industry, through a better use of the kind of technology supporting digital transformation, optimizing the way to conduct

business. In the case of the manufacturing industry, Salesforce considers three key elements for digital transformation:

• Transformation of operational processes: Digitization of internal processes improves performance through personnel with enhanced skills for strategic tasks and by implementing automation where it optimizes execution.

• Transformation of the enduser experience: Placing customers at the center of every process results in a better knowledge of each of them to understand them and foresee their needs. This translates into higher revenues and loyalty.

• Staff training: Tech and tools have evolved toward capitalizing on work virtualization, increasing productivity and revenue.

Salesforce relies on experts able

to understand different nuances in each industry, streamlining implementation processes when specific needs are identified and covered with the right solution.

A GIANT STEP FOR SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS

Being involved in a digital transformation process demands effort, but it’s not an impossible

task. These processes have been performed by companies big and small in every industry. An important fact to be considered by companies still to undergo such a process is that they must also create a transformation culture toward digitization within its working force.

Adopting tech innovation is imperative not only to keep with

business goals, but also to avoid lagging instead of taking advantage of what these resources offer.

“The first differentiator from Salesforce is accompanying our clients in their path to digital transformation,” finalized Matías Montero, Regional Vice-president of Salesforce in Latin America.

GOLD AND SILVER

HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE OPERATION IN OBTENTION

Produced by Jassen Pintado Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado

Vice-President

A series of investments resulting in efficiency and improved safety are key factors to place Gran Colombia Gold along the most important gold and silver mining operations in its territory

Gran Colombia Gold is a company with origins in Canada whose main goal is gold and silver prospecting and extraction. Since 2010, the company’s run has allowed its consolidation as a reliable business with stability and responsibility toward its main operations in Colombia.

Gran Colombia Gold’s work in recent years has experienced high production levels. Just in 2018, the company surpassed 200,000 oz. production for the very first time, increasing by 25% the previous year’s accomplishments. In 2019, production reached 240,000 oz. of gold, besides a cash balance of $84 million by December, 2019.

Besides the Colombian operation, the company also has assets and investments in Canada and Guyana,

both in exploration and extraction phases. Gran Colombia Gold is listed in the Toronto Stock Exchange. These and other achievements make Gran Colombia Gold the most important gold and silver extraction company in Colombia.

SPECIALIZED LEADERSHIP WITH KEY EXPERIENCE

Angel Meza is the vice-president of mines for Gran Colombia Gold. He graduated as a mining engineer from Central Peru National University (UNCP) in the higher average class. Meza also earned an MBA from Centrum, the business school of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP); and in 2019 finished a master’s in International Leadership from the EADA Business School (School for High Management, Spain).

Meza has developed his mining experience in areas such as

BEYOND GOLD

exploration, perforation, explosive demolitions and mining project management. Work has taken him to Retamas, Minas Buenaventura, Barbastro (a subsidiary of Minsur), Los Quenales and Perubar (both of the Glencore group), Minera Aruri and Tamboraque mine, all of these

in Peru; and also to Kamoto Copper Co. and Katanga Mining, both in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa. Meza is also an international speaker and consultant in mining, taking part in these activities in Peru, Chile, Colombia and Ecuador.

WHO ARE WE?

We are a Colombian Company with qualified experience, consisting of several business units, specialized in engineering, construction and project development.

VISION

H.D.S.T.M COLOMBIA SAS desires to become recognized nationally and internationally as a leading company in management and engineering in the mining and construction industries by being successful in project execution with a high degree of responsibility in safety and the environment

Expansion of the mining project in de-quilling processes, installation of metal arches, concrete launching, reinforcement with helical bolts and electro-welded mesh in Gran Colombia Gold Minas Carla –ProvidenciaSilencio and Sandra K

Construction of Apique in rock types IV and V on the Bieniawski scale, installation of metal arches with 28 MPa reinforced concrete

Construction of Bocamina access for the entry of personnel and materials for the Sandra K mine in the Gran Colombia Gold mine

The

path we’ve been on has allowed us consolidation as a reliable business with stability

and

responsibility

- Ángel Meza, Vice-President of Mines for Gran Colombia Gold

HIGH PRODUCTIVITY FROM EACH ZONE IN OPERATION

Gran Colombia Gold’s main activity is carried out in the Segovia and Remedios municipalities, both in the northwest of the Department of Antioquia, in central Colombia. The company has also grown by acquisition, after purchasing the old

Frontino Gold Mines company from the Colombian government, as well as those in Segovia, Remedios, and also the El Zancudo mine, located in Titiribi (Antioquia) between 2009 and 2010. Gold production from the company averages 17,000 to 20,000 oz. of gold, monthly, delivering a yearly average

of 200,000 and 220,000 oz., and achieving a 220,194 oz. production in 2020.

During 2021, Gran Colombia Gold’s efforts have been destined toward the exploration of three gold deposits: in southern Cali (in the Cauca Valley), Marmato (Department of Caldas) and Segovia (northeastern Antioquia).

SANDRA K, RECIPIENT OF STATE-OF-THE-ART MINING INFRASTRUCTURE

One of the latest findings for Gran Colombia Gold is the Sandra K mine, in Segovia. Currently, levels 6 and 7 of the 7-level facility are being

furnished with important investments: an elevator has already been installed, easing the tasks of 506 workers (374 part of the company staff and 132 from outside contractors), avoiding a 935-step staircase after a $1.6 million injection, reducing the run across the stairs to four minutes, delivering a positive impact in time, productivity and -mostly- the workers’ safety.

Other investments have been made at Sandra K to obtain underground machinery and equipment with a $1.5 million budget, resulting in the acquisition of a Sandvik DD210 drill rig, a Sandvik LH307 low profile LHD (load haul dump) and a 15 ton Aramine truck for underground operations. This investment also considered the required training in heavy mining equipment for the staff dispatched at Sandra K.

enabling technology in our operations in all fronts,” Meza declared.

GUARANTEEING SAFETY IN UNDERGROUND OPERATIONS

“Constant improvement is in Gran Colombia Gold’s DNA, as well as

Maintaining its staff’s wellbeing and safety is a top priority for Gran Colombia Gold, after investing in the installation of underground refuge chambers for every operation. Since 2017, more than $1 million has been used for the construction of four refuge chambers in Segovia and Remedios. At the El Silencio mine, a 40-person refuge has been recently deployed as an addition to the three previous refuge chambers in the El Silencio, Providencia and Sandra K mines, each with a capacity to host up to 60 persons for up to 72 hours. And currently, research is being conducted to consider deploying a fifth refuge chamber in the El Silencio mine which would have capacity for 100 persons. It must be noted that underground

We highlight the positive impact created by alliances among government agencies, local

mayors, communities, NGOs and the private sector

- Ángel Meza, Vice-President of Mines for Gran Colombia Gold

refuge chambers in every Gran Colombia Gold mining site are built under high global mining standards, such as those observed by the MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration, from the US), besides complying with the Safety Regulations for Underground Mining Labors -part of Decree 1886 from Colombia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy-, and with regulations from the National Mining Agency.

A DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL SUPPLIER NETWORK

Gran Colombia Gold’s success and leadership in gold and silver mining in its territory is supported by a vast network of purveyors which includes brands known worldwide as well as domestic companies. The network includes Colombiana de Distribuciones Mayoristas de Antioquia, Distribuidora de Químicos Industriales, Eléctricos de Colombia,

Gran Colombia Gold operates under global standards and compliance with local regulations

Eléctricas de Medellín (EDEMSA), Epiroc, Explomín, Ferrocortes, IG

Representaciones, Kaeser, Sandvik

Colombia and Synergy Supplies, among others.

Also, Gran Colombia Gold works hand in hand with local companies near their operations, incorporating them to its supplier network.

Collaboration with these companies is a labor source for more than 4,000 workers.

MULTIPLE EFFORTS ALONG NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES

Gran Colombia Gold carries different community outreach programs, each one facing different subjects and problems, and each of them aligned

Women’s empowerment is not just a CSR subject, it’s common practice at Gran Colombia Gold

to the United Nations’ development goals.

The “Small Mining Productive Incorporation” initiative has allowed the affiliation of more than 2,500 miners, besides combating illegal mining and contributing to the environment. On its behalf, “Education for Development” is a program focused on refurbishment of schools in different areas and also on developing learning programs along with the “Angelitos de Luz” foundation,

providing scholarships and benefitting more than 180,000 inhabitants with a $2 million investment.

Efforts to bring the gender gap closer are addressed by the “Entrepreneurial Women in Leadership”, which offers training for different skills, benefitting women in areas surrounding Gran Colombia Gold’s operations.

To these and other health, cultural and environmental campaigns, the company also adds more than

www.grancolombiagold.com.co

angel.Meza@grancolombiagold.com.co

Recent investments have been destined to the acquisition of new underground machinery

$3 million investments to improve and create new roads, benefitting transit in these territories.

“We highlight the positive impact created by alliances among government agencies, local mayors, communities, NGOs and the private sector,” Meza pointed out.

A SHINY HORIZON

The future for Gran Colombia Gold will rely on the support and infrastructure to achieve goals such as reaching a leadership position in the underground mining sector worldwide at profitable costs.

At the domestic level, the company’s intention is to contribute to the country’s economic recovery in collaboration with neighboring communities and local governments, keeping a lasting, stable relationship with its stockholders to strengthen its position among society and reach the top ten list of the most productive mines in the territory, with reserves of one million oz. of gold through sustainable practices.

NATIONWIDE PRESENCE servicing the construction

industry

Pintado

Saint-Gobain Weber has kept a steady presence all along Chile, achieving this accomplishment is possible thanks to the company’s successful strategic partnerships

CONCEIVED FOR ROYALTY FOR GLOBAL AVAILABILITY

Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions for industries such as construction, healthcare and mobility, among many others. The company’s history goes back more than three centuries ago as a glass factory opened under orders of King Louis XIV, in France. Currently, Saint-Gobain has presence in 70 countries with the support of more than 167,000 employees, and in 2020 generated sales for more than $45.4 billion.

Products created by Saint-Gobain are developed under a continuous innovation process and are to be found in many different spaces in everyday life, delivering wellness, execution and safety, undertaking the challenges faced by sustainable construction, resource efficiency and fighting climate change.

BOOSTING PRESENCE THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

Saint-Gobain’s presence in Chile also goes back long ago. The company has established key strategic partnerships with businesses such as the El Volcán company and the Vidrios Lirquén glass factory. In 1996, Saint-Gobain incorporated Weber, also a company with French

origins and global presence. In 2016, Weber’s affiliate in Chile expanded in South America after acquiring the Solcrom company, a solid player in the production and distribution of chemical products for construction.

The operation in Chile currently has five distribution centers and two production plants, the newest one opening in August 2021 in Concepción, consolidating the company’s presence in all of Chile.

Asier Amorena is the General Manager for Weber Saint-Gobain in Chile since 2017. Amorena is originally a telecommunications engineer, graduated from the Public University of Navarre (Spain), he worked in this specialty during two years for Agilent Technologies in Stuttgart, Germany. Once back in Spain, Amorena was hired at Saint-Gobain for the Marketing and Development department, for which he earned an MBA from the Barcelona School of

Our Company

Management (Spain), adjunct to the Pompeu Fabra University. Besides this degree, Amorena has also taken different marketing courses and seminars in prestigious institutions in Spain, such as IESE, IE Business School and ESADE Business School. His career in Saint-Gobain took a turn in 2011, as Amorena arrived at Brazil as Marketing Director, being named Sales Director five years later; his stint in Brazil

also saw Amorena’s further development in leadership by honing his skills in important business schools with professors with ties to Harvard University and the MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), both in the United States.

NATIONWIDE PORTFOLIO AVAILABILITY

Solutions and products from SaintGobain Weber are useful in projects of

CHEN BUILDING MATERIAL are professional company specialized in the production of alkaline-resistant fiberglass mesh, self-adhesive fiberglass tape, fiberglass wallpaper, paper joint tape and metal corner tape more than 15 years. We also produce ceiling including mineral acoustic ceiling, gypsum ceiling, fiberglass acoustic insulation ceiling etc.

With our policy of “Quality first, Customers prior and Price reasonable”, we have established good relationship with the customers all over the world.

Mineral acoustic ceiling

Gypsum acoustic ceiling

Metal corner tape

Alkaline resistant fiberglass mesh

Self-adhesive fiberglass tape

Paper joint tape

different kinds and dimensions: from repairs, finishes and home remodeling projects to large building construction, offering cement, plaster, mortar, coating, sealers, concrete, silicone and other compounds. These products are available from Arica to Punta Arenas through the three main distribution channels for the Chilean construction industry:

• For the retail market via SODIMAC, the specialized home and construction superstore chain

• Hardware stores

• In construction companies nationwide.

GROWTH VIA DIGITIZATION

The Digital Transformation process at Saint-Gobain Weber Chile is a key factor to the company’s growth with

“WE TRY TO BRING A

FAIR VALUE

OFFER TO OUR CLIENTS AND SUPPLIERS”

- Asier Amorena, General Manager for Saint-Gobain Weber Chile

the development of three main pillars:

• Optimization of managerial procedures

• Improving communication along with thrusting the Weber brand into a digital habitat inclusive to retail clients as well as end consumers of the company’s products, which are mainly

contractors and other construction professionals

• The modernization of the company’s industrial platform through resources set in the Industry 4.0 concept.

PARTNERS, SHAREHOLDERS, STAKEHOLDERS

For decades, the way to success in Chilean territory for Saint-Gobain

Weber has been through the creation of powerful partnerships able to bring win-win situations within a context of absolute and total trust. Both the company and partner El Volcán share this long-term perspective.

“We try to bring a fair value offer to our clients and suppliers. A perspective of value distribution of the shareholder to all of our stakeholders, besides facing the everyday challenge of having a true empathic view with each of our stakeholders,” Amorena declared.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH SUPPLIERS

The provision of supplies, raw materials and other goods to run operations in Saint-Gobain Weber Chile requires specialized purveyors, possessing key traits, such as flexibility, being on time and other attributes which allow establishing

fruitful relationships in the long term. The company has developed key suppliers as well as products with specific requirements, contributing with knowledge and financial support to its value chain.

“Suppliers with operations in Chile are key partners, because they are open to create custom developments adding value to our operations,” the executive said.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO A BETTER PLACE

The “Making the World a Better Home” initiative is a global effort from Saint-Gobain and affiliate companies to help make our surroundings a more sustainable, beautiful place to inhabit.

In facing this commitment, SaintGobain takes its global leadership role for sustainable solutions and focuses on goals such as reaching

“SUPPLIERS

WITH OPERATIONS IN CHILE ARE KEY PARTNERS, because they are open to create custom developments adding value to our operations”

- Asier Amorena, General Manager for Saint-Gobain Weber Chile

Empresas Cloramon S.A.

Chemical at the service of the Construction Industry, Coatings, Paper, Pulp and Agro Industry.

www.cloramon.cl empresas@Cloramon.cl Fono: +56 2 24401320 Panamericana Norte 8900, Quilicura, Santiago Chile

STRONG AND DURABLE CEMENTS WITH MOWILITH®

The high-performance Mowilith® solutions are used for increased durability and strength in cementing operations and to deliver premium mortar performance, including flexibility, waterproofing and offers protection against weathering.

The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, efficient, enhanced, it’ our nature.

www.archroma.com

Products created by SaintGobain Weber are in line with the “Making The World A Better Home” program, aligned to the UN’s initiatives about climate change

FOUNDED: 1665

1996 as Saint-Gobain Weber in Chile

INDUSTRY:

a zero CO2 emissions by 2050. This was announced during the UN Climate Action Summit.

This goal contributes to the Business Ambition for 1.5°C global pact, which establishes a maximum increase of global temperature to 1.5°C, considered by science as the limit increase to avoid the worst impacts derived from climate change.

UPCOMING PLANS

Among the upcoming goals for SaintGobain Weber in Chile, the operational platform optimization project stands out, as it does the development of work teams into an intermediate skills mix. It’s been foreseen that once these efforts result in efficient processes and skilled individuals, these will add value to the operation, leveraging growth for the company in the upcoming years.