More and more global presence

Antonio Pereira Ignacio takes control of “Sociedade Anonyma Fabrica Votorantim” which will later give rise to Grupo Votorantim. The Company was borne out of the wiring and weaving factory located in Votorantim, at that time in Sorocaba district (SP).

Foundation of Barra Mansa Ironworks, in the municipality of the same name, state of Rio de Janeiro. The unit would produce iron for civil construction.

Foundation of Companhia Mineira de Metais (CMM) in Três Marias (MG). Zinc mining research begins in Vazante (MG), which would supply the first ore shipment to Três Marias (MG).

Votorantim takes control of Níquel Tocantins Company. The 60s were marked by the commencement of the nickel extraction in localized mines in Niquelândia (GO).

Companhia Mineira de Metais begins to produce electrolytic zinc with units in Vazante and Três Marias, both in Minas Gerais.

Long steel production capacity reaches 250 thousand tons/year, after operative and quality investments.

Grupo Votorantim produces the first batch of electrolytic nickel in Brazil in metallurgy unit in São Miguel Paulista, in the city of São Paulo (SP).

After its privatization, Votorantim became a stockholder of Mineradora Morro Agudo S.A., located in Paracatu (MG), together with companies Ingá (Masa) and Paraibuna de Metais.

Votorantim takes full control of Mineradora Morro Agudo S.A.

With a US$ 500 million investment, Votorantim conclude their expansion which increases the electrolytic nickel production capacity to 10 thousand tons/year.

The metal zinc production in ingots is increased from 10 thousand tons/year to 90 thousand tons/year.

By following a sustainable development model, Votorantim begins to use recycled steel (scrap iron) as the main raw material in the production of long steel.

After a comprehensive reconstruction in the Group’s management model, Votorantim Mineração e Metalurgia (VMM) arises, which is now responsible for the Zinc, Nickel and Steel business units.

The electrolytic nickel production capacity reaches 17.5 thousand tons/year.

Votorantim Metais expands their participation in the Brazilian zinc market with the acquisition of Companhia Paraibuna de Metais in Juiz de Fora (MG). The production capacity with the new unit increases from 170 thousand tons/year to 270 thousand tons/year.

Beginning of a new nickel production capacity expansion. Investments take production to 20.4 thousand tons in 2004. Votorantim Metais acquires Mineração Serra de Fortaleza, in Fortaleza de Minas (MG), increasing their nickel production capacity by 50%. Morro Agudo unit also expands and increases the production to 35 thousand tons of zinc per year.

The acquisition of Cajamarquilla zinc refinery in Peru initiates the Votorantim Group’s expansion in Latin America. The new unit has a production capacity of 130 thousand tons of zinc per year.

Votorantim Metais expands their participation in the Peruvian zinc market through the acquisition of 24.9% of Milpo shares, the fourth greatest zinc mining company in the country. The purchase was made through Refinaria de Zinco Cajamarquilla, VM controller in Peru.

Votorantim Metais holds a tax and financial support agreement with the government of Rio de Janeiro and commences the feasibility study of a new long steel factory in the State - Mini-Mill Project.

Following the Votorantim Group’s strategic growth plan in Latin America, VM acquires 52% of Acerías Paz del Rio shares, second greatest ironworks company in Colombia, with an annual production capacity of 315 tons of long and flat steel. The negotiation was closed at US$ 491 million. VM acquires American company U.S. Zinc for US$ 295 million. In the U.S., the company is a leader in galvanizing, metallic zinc production and more value added product industrial waste such as zinc and zinc dust recycling.

In December, it purchases 27% of AcerBrag shares, second greatest long steel manufacturer in Argentina, with 25% of the market. The company produces 250 thousand tons of rebars, bars, wires, screens and wire rods per year.

Votorantim Metais makes a market contribution and now has 52.9% of AcerBrag shares. Votorantim Siderurgia is created, bringing together the steel business in Brazil, Colombia and Argentina. The company holds a US$ 1 billion contract with Australian company Mirabella, to acquire nickel concentrate. The agreement foresees the purchase of 50% of the mining production in the Country until 2014, allowing the expansion of nickel production within Fortaleza de Minais unit from 6 thousand to 19 thousand tons/year.

To increase the energy matrix flexibility for the production of nickel in Niquelândia, Votorantim Metais finished the installation of a coke boiler. The replacement of combustion oil by petroleum coke boilers reduced the oil consumption in the unit by about 40%. Companhia Brasileira de Alumínio (CBA) becomes part of Votorantim Metais. VM signs a project in association with the government of Trinidad and Tobago to begin the production of aluminum in that country in 2012, whose estimate value is US$ 1.1 billion. It is the company’s first investment in aluminum abroad.

VM takes control of Milpo, already the third greatest zinc mining company in Peru. In the same year, the Cajamarquilla refinery in Peru was doubled in size, increasing its production capacity from 160 thousand to 320 thousand tons/year. The project includes the target of a 1 million ton zinc capacity starting in 2012, consolidating their position among the global metal leaders.

Currently, Votorantim Group is the fourth greatest privately-owned company group in Brazil, present in more than 20 countries from South America to Asia. It participates in the production of cement, metals, concentrated orange juice, chemicals, energy, paper and celluloid, and also does business in the financial, technological and bio-technological areas.