Forbal Automotive, headquartered in Flores da Cunha (RS), will be recognized with the 2025 RS Export Award, promoted by ADVB/RS, for the seventh year in a row. Now in its 53rd edition, this is one of the state’s most prestigious awards, highlighting companies with excellence in international trade and strengthening Rio Grande do Sul’s reputation as a competitive and innovative export hub.
Founded in 2004, Forbal supplies parts and components for the road implements, agricultural, automotive, and general machinery sectors. Its portfolio ranges from fenders and side guards to custom hardware and accessories, developed with proprietary technology and a focus on each client’s specific needs. Today, the company has 100 employees and a 7,000 $m^2$ facility, capable of meeting complex demands across various markets.
Export operations began in 2015 and quickly became a strategic pillar of the business. Currently, approximately 10% of revenue comes from the foreign market, with structured plans to double this share in the coming years.
“Receiving the Export Award for the seventh consecutive time is a source of pride, but above all, an indicator that we are on the right track. Forbal has continuously invested in innovation, global presence, and customer proximity. The opening of our unit in the United States, for example, is a milestone in our long-term vision for the international market,” says Giuliano Santos, CEO of Forbal Automotive.
A recent milestone in this internationalization journey was the inauguration of the Forbal USA unit in late 2024. The operation was carefully planned based on market studies initiated in 2022, which highlighted the need for a physical presence to increase the brand’s competitiveness in the North American market.
Located in Tampa, Florida, the new distribution center allows products to reach customers in the United States and Mexico more efficiently, reducing delivery times and logistics costs. The unit also enables direct supply to local manufacturers and distributors, expanding the brand’s reach across the continent.
Despite economic and political challenges in Latin American countries, Forbal has successfully consolidated and expanded its operations. Argentina, for instance, saw significant growth following changes that eased imports, while the Dominican Republic showed a surprising and substantial increase in demand.
Forbal’s Top Markets in 2024:
Chile
Argentina
Bolivia
Dominican Republic
Uruguay
Export Revenue Growth (2024 vs. 2023):
Dominican Republic: +566.29%
Argentina: +217.26%
Bolivia: +31.95%
Chile: +31.61%
These advancements directly reflect strategies focused on customer proximity—such as participating in business rounds organized by ApexBrasil and Anfir—developing customized products for specific countries, and maintaining a presence at major industry trade fairs like IAA Transportation (Germany) and Fenatran (Brazil).
With the stability of a company that delivers innovation with excellence and competitiveness, Forbal Automotive continues to lead the way in the international market, reaffirming its role as a protagonist in exporting Brazilian industrial solutions.
Forbal Automotive is pleased to announce its participation in the Export Award 2024, a prestigious event that recognizes the most prominent companies in international trade. We stand out for our track record of success and innovation in the export market, establishing ourselves as a benchmark in the industry.
Since the start of our exports in 2015, aimed at mitigating the effects of a weakened domestic market, our international presence has shown continuous growth. Currently, exports account for 10% of our revenue, with the ambitious goal of doubling this share soon. In 2023, we recorded a 17.8% increase in exports compared to the previous year, demonstrating the effectiveness of our expansion strategy.
Our commitment to excellence has been recognized by the Export Award, which we have won six times consecutively between 2019 and 2024. Our focus on quality, innovation, and customer service has allowed us to expand our presence in markets such as Mexico, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Uruguay, as well as new ventures in the United States, the Dominican Republic, South Africa, and Angola.
