Considering the complicated panorama that prevailed during the year in Mexico, characterized by low growth in both the industry and the economy as a whole, the 2019 results of the Adhesives Business were very satisfactory. The segment’s sales during the year totaled $4,353 million pesos, 8% above those of 2018.

In accordance with the Adhesives Business’s growth and diversification strategy, during 2019 it implemented important initiatives inside and outside Mexico to continue strengthening its operations and market leadership.

In Mexico, the business began capital expenditures for a new adhesives plant in the city of Gómez Palacio, Durango, which will reduce the segment’s operational and logistics costs in the region.

One of the outstanding events of the year was undoubtedly the investment in, and the start-up of, a Crest plant in Chile. This new production center will enable the leveraging of synergies resulting from the already-existing presence of the Wall and Floor Tiles Business in South America by extending the operations of the Adhesives Business to that region.

During the year, the Adhesives Business continued to optimize customer service through market intelligence tools that contribute to better decision making through real-time, first-hand information.

As in previous years, the segment participated in fairs and exhibitions both in Mexico and abroad. During the fourth quarter of the year, it took part in the first edition of “Expo Obra Blanca 2019” in Mexico City, which was very well received by the attendees.

The business also participated in “Expo Edifica 2019,” held during the month of October in the city of Santiago de Chile, taking advantage of the opportunity to present its products and support the startup of Crest operations in that country.

Given the vocation of the business to constantly innovate, during the year it developed new specialized products for the benefit of its customers. An example was the launch of “Crest Clean Piedras Naturales Neutro,” a product formulated to simultaneously clean and seal natural stone, removing stains and impurities without damaging the surface. Similarly, “Crest Flexible Porcelánico Ultraligero,” an ultralight and flexible adhesive, was rolled out for the installation of porcelain sheets and tiles of great weight and size.

The actions carried out by the Adhesives Business during the year continued to strengthen its positioning in Mexico. The expansion of the business into South America was also a very important step for creating a solid growth platform in international markets.