Competitive efficiency and the continuous generation of value is the foundation for our growth as one of the largest steel producers in the Americas. In 2003, the Gerdau Group produced 12.3 million metric tons of steel in 22 mills distributed throughout Brazil (10), Canada (3), Chile (1), the United States (7), Uruguay (1) and in the two companies in which we hold a stake - one in Argentina and one in the United States (the latter in the flat steel segment). Exported to over 60 countries, Gerdau steel accounts for 7.4% of the steel produced in the Americas and supplies the civil construction, industrial and agricultural sectors.

Since Gerdau was founded in 1901, the Group has constantly sought to anticipate market needs, introducing differentiated products and services that add value to our customer's business. Our logistical structure includes everything from the gathering of raw materials to the distribution to end consumers. Our expanded product range includes billets, slabs, blooms, wire rod, rebar, bars, profiles, wire, truss frames, reinforcing mesh and nails.

The Gerdau brand was built through our tireless search for quality in everything we do, from our policy of balancing growth and profitability, to our recognition of the value of our more than 20,000 employees and a business culture founded on integrity and respect for our communities. These practices contributed to several achievements in 2003, including recognition as one of the Financial Times world's most respected companies in the "Resources" category.

The Gerdau Group supports more than 100 social projects. Our concern for society extends beyond this support. It is at the core of our steelmaking activities, through the recycling of scrap iron into steel products and the value we create by removing obsolete materials from our environment. It is also reflected in our products, which are produced in an economic and environmentally correct manner and used to enhance the quality of human life through the construction of homes, bridges, cars, hospitals, roads and transmission towers. In addition, we generate high-quality jobs and taxes which are fundamental in sustaining the development of our society.

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