For builders, Expo offers one-stop shopping

For builders, Expo offers one-stop shopping More than 80 construction and hardware businesses, including Costa Rica's INTACO, are participating in this year's Expoferretera. Now in its 14th iteration, Expoferretera is the hardware and construction supply industry's largest exposition in Costa Rica. In 2011, the sector imported more than $1. Hempel noted, however, that a general slump in the building industry has affected the hardware-sales market. Hempel said the industry sees room for growth in the automotive sector. "The group [of businesses] that make up this sector is business-oriented and believes Costa Rica can be made better," said Expoferretera President Karl Hempel. Car exhibitions, an airbrushing demonstration and a vehicle-accident simulation will also take place. The same survey indicated that most folks in the hardware- and construction-materials industry believe a reduction of taxes on materials would be the very best help the government could give the sector. In 2008, more than 700,000 square meters of new construction were built in Costa Rica, but that number fell to less than 500,000 square meters in 2009. Added to that, Hempel said, import taxes on vehicles are high enough to prohibit a large influx of new cars into the country, meaning maintenance and upkeep of older models is an important market for distributors of automotive supplies and tools. Organizers expect more than 80 construction, hardware and materials businesses to occupy some 200 stands in the 5,600-square-meter event center. High competition in a market with a relatively small number of clients was identified as the second most pressing problem, and complex bureaucracy at the municipal level for opening new businesses or locations came in third. Activities include a concert Saturday night, a mechanical bull, crafts for kids, product demonstrations and a foosball tournament. 6 million vehicles driving on them mean stores stocking automotive supplies have a national fleet of customers in need of near-constant service. There are presently some 1,450 points of sale for hardware and construction materials in Costa Rica, Hempel said. Besides being subject to fluctuations in the building market, hardware distributors are facing other setbacks. For builders, Expo offers one-stop shopping Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 01/06/2012