Leader in Latin America in post-harvest solutions, the company starts 2024 with a better and more diversified customer base.

São Paulo, February 2, 2024 – Kepler Weber (KEPL3) carried out grain processing and storage works in 294 municipalities in Brazil throughout 2023. With global presence, the company also reports deals closed with 16 countries in the same period.

A leader in post-harvest solutions, the company, which will release its fourth quarter earnings in February, plans to close the year with the second best result in its history, only below 2022, considered an exceptional year.

“The storage deficit is very large, even with the forecast of a smaller crop than initially forecast for this year,” says Bernardo Nogueira, chief commercial officer at Kepler Weber. “Two years ago, Brazil registered a leap of 50 million tons. Even though there is now a reduction in Brazil’s production, according to estimates, it is still 30 million above the figures registered in 2021.”

The executive recalls that the pressure generated by the lack of warehouses and other logistical bottlenecks in the country generated millionaire losses for farmers in 2023, due to negative soybean premiums. For this year, negative premiums are also planned for the sector.

“Farmers are reviewing investment priorities, placing storage units at the top of the priority list, that is, storage is not only necessary. It has become critical,” he states.

According to Kepler Weber, the company starts 2024 with a better order portfolio than in 2023, also more diversified, both in amounts and volume.

Procer

The digitalization of grain processing and storage units should be strengthened throughout 2024, according to the executive. Currently, 14% of the country’s static capacity is monitored, totaling more than 1,600 units.

In March 2023, Kepler Weber announced the completion of the acquisition of Procer, the main player in Brazil with a specific focus on grain
storage technologies.

“This year, more than half of the works sold by Kepler Weber have already been shipped with embedded technology, and, in the coming years, the goal is to reach 50% of units in Brazil connected,” estimates Nogueira.

Distribution centers

To ensure greater proximity to customers throughout the crop, Kepler Weber has invested in Distribution Centers (DC) in the country’s main agricultural hubs.
The units are located in Panambi (RS), Campo Grande (MS), Cascavel (PR), Rio Verde (GO), Cuiabá and Sorriso (MT), Balsas (MA), Paragominas (PA) and Luís Eduardo Magalhães (BA).
These units, according to the executive, are an initiative to facilitate customer access to spare parts and specialized support from the company’s technical teams.

Powder coating line

To further increase operational efficiency, Kepler Weber opened a new powder coating line at the Panambi (RS) factory, which results in a
92% reduction in waste. The equipment generates 40% less Carbon Dioxide (CO2), the main gas causing greenhouse effect.

“It is an investment focused on productivity, in addition to being highly sustainable, with a 26% reduction in energy consumption,” comments Nogueira.

New Market

To reinforce the commitment to sustainable growth and best ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) practices, Kepler Weber shares began to be traded on B3’s Novo Mercado in July. The segment is recognized for its high standard of corporate governance.
Companies that follow Novo Mercado rules have access to a broader and more qualified market, with greater liquidity and lower cost of capital. Furthermore, operations are traded in standard lots, which makes them more convenient.