An international steel company, the Gerdau Group began its course of expansion over a century ago. From Brazil, the
company extended its operations into Uruguay, Canada, Chile, Argentina and the United States, becoming the largest long
steel producer in the Americas.
Currently, Gerdau steel is used in a wide variety of applications in the civil construction, industrial and agricultural
sectors. It is found in bridges, overpasses, highways, hydroelectric power stations, buildings and homes. Gerdau products
are used to manufacture agricultural machinery, metallic structures, automotive parts, telephone networks and electric
power lines, among others. Gerdau Group steel is also used on farms as wire and fence accessories.
To improve its efficiency, the Gerdau Group operates a network of steel mills, service centers, downstream operations and
distribution channels strategically positioned near major consumer centers. The company also develops innovative
management technologies - one of its main competitive advantages - through continuous process improvement and the use of
Total Quality Management tools.
The Group has been present on the stock exchange for nearly 60 years and owns three public companies - Gerdau S.A.,
Metalúrgica Gerdau S.A. and Gerdau Ameristeel Corporation, its North American subsidiary. Currently, Metalúrgica Gerdau
S.A. and Gerdau S.A. are listed on the São Paulo Stock Exchange. The shares of Gerdau S.A. are also traded on the New
York and Madrid exchanges, and Gerdau Ameristeel Corp. shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Guided by a vision of social responsibility, the Gerdau Group believes that its development is integrally tied to the
evolution of the communities in which it operates. With this conviction, the company has created a business culture
founded on strong ethics and respect for both people and the environment.
