Gerdau’s purpose can be summarized in one simple mantra: empowering people who build the future. Indeed, the company has continued to evolve since its foundation in 1901.
A leading producer of long steel in the Americas and one of the world’s leading suppliers of special steel, Gerdau is present in 10 countries and has over 30,000 direct and indirect employees across its operations. Each year, Gerdau transforms millions of tons of recycled scrap into new steel products, benefiting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
The North American divisions of this innovative company are dedicated to manufacturing merchant bar, structural steel, piling, special bar quality, and rebar products for agricultural, automotive, civil construction, distribution, energy, industrial, and mining markets.
But, for a company that operates within such a longstanding, essential industry, Gerdau aims to look beyond the practical applications of construction’s sturdy foundations. They ask: how can the future of steel be reshaped — literally and culturally?
Cultural impact
While steel may not jump out as the most glamorous of industries at first glance, the people who create and build with steel not only serve an important purpose in building new infrastructure, but their efforts also have a deep cultural and social impact. As the Gerdau team states on their website: “They connect the world through bridges and cars, move people on elevators and across railroads, construct homes that protect families, and erect structures that revitalize landscapes.” At Gerdau, it’s all about empowering the people who build the future.
Meet some leaders
Gerdau’s leaders strive to positively impact the company, as well as its customers, surrounding communities, and other stakeholders.
Developing trust with external parties is a priority for Gerdau. Director of Communications and Public Affairs Adam Parr plays a prominent role in that effort. He joined Gerdau in 2017 and currently oversees media and government relations in the United States and Canada. A native of Richmond, Virginia, Parr earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and American politics from the University of Virginia and an MBA from the University of Maryland. Prior to joining Gerdau, Parr worked for the Washington, DC-based Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA) — the largest steel industry trade association in North America — for 12 years, serving as Vice President of Policy and Communications.
In 2020, the company launched Gerdau Next, a new business division focusing on portfolio diversification and value creation with sustainability as its main pillar. Fernanda Bordin is the Senior Manager for Corporate Development and M&A for Gerdau Next. The role sees her invest and build new businesses, having previously led the Gerdau Sales Accelerator program for smart and sustainable technologies.
Earlier, Bordin worked with open innovation and data analytics at NASA via the Laboratory of Innovation Science at Harvard, where she managed the business incubation department at Mercedes-Benz R&D North America and created the innovation department of Mercedes-Benz Brazil.
These are just a few of the many leaders who contribute to Gerdau’s success and role in shaping the future.
A greener future
Climate change is an important topic for Gerdau within its business and sustainability strategy. Since its foundation, the company has operated with a production matrix based primarily on recycling scrap and charcoal. This environmentally conscious formula has enabled Gerdau to always place among the global steel industry’s lowest greenhouse gas emitters. The company has assumed public goals to further reduce emissions, with an ambition to make its operations carbon-neutral by 2050. “Gerdau seeks to balance our economic, environmental, and social commitments,” the company’s website reads. “Each day, our team members make new steel products almost entirely composed of recycled content. That’s one way in which we reduce our environmental footprint.”
In addition to this, Gerdau strives to be a supplier of choice for its customers. The company continues to invest in modernizing its operations and growing in attractive markets. “We are committed to providing our customers with world-class products and services,” says Parr.
Find out more about Gerdau on their website.
