Did you know that Brazil, today the largest producer and exporter of cellulose in the world, was once dependent on imports in this sector? Yes, but history changed thanks to Suzano and the entrepreneurial vision of the Feffer family.
It all started with Leon Feffer, a Ukrainian immigrant that arrived at Brazil without speaking Portuguese, but with a strong desire to work. From pedlar to businessman, Leon was a pioneer, transforming the Suzano in the largest cellulose producer on the planet.
The big balcony of Suzano was the bet on eucalyptus to pulp production. While the rest of the world focused on softwood trees, which take forever to grow.
A Suzano, under the leadership of Max Feffer, son of Leon, invested in eucalyptus, which in addition to growing quickly, also has the advantage of being cut every 7 years. That put Brazil on the map as a industry giant, with a competitive advantage to envy.
From crises to opportunities: Suzano’s trajectory
A Suzano's history is marked by ups and downs, but always with an incredible ability to reinvent itself. In the 90s, the company faced difficulties with drop in cellulose prices and the devaluation of the real.
But, as the saying goes, “It is in crisis that opportunities arise", and the Suzano didn't let the ball fall. Under the leadership of David Feffer, the company focused on corporate governance and expansion, including the acquisition of VCP's stake in Ripasa and the opening of the Imperatriz plant in Maranhão.
The merger with Fibria and the bright future
In 2018 the Suzano announced the merger with Fibria, creating the world's largest cellulose producer. This merger, completed in 2019, was a milestone in the sector, consolidating Suzano's leadership position in the global market.
With ambitious projects like the Cerrado Project, Suzano not only celebrates a successful past, but also looks to the future with optimism and determination.
Suzano today: a global power
Currently, the Suzano is a powerhouse, with revenue of almost R$50 billion and net profit of R$3 billion. With 37.000 collaborators and presence in more than 100 countries, the company not only represents Brazil on the global stage, but is also an example of innovation, resilience and business success.
A Suzano's story is a true inspiration. From an immigrant with a dream to one of the biggest companies in the world, Suzano's trajectory is proof that with vision, innovation and hard work, it is possible to transform challenges into opportunities and write a success story.
