The metal fabrication industry in Latin America is a vital sector that encompasses the production and processing of metal components for various applications. Companies range from traditional manufacturers to advanced technology firms specializing in metal additive manufacturing and innovative materials. This industry has shown consistent growth, driven by increasing demand in construction, automotive, and aerospace sectors. Emerging technologies and sustainability practices are reshaping the market, positioning Latin America as a competitive force in global supply chains. Industries are seeing cross-sector collaborations, fostering innovation and enhancing the skill set of the workforce. Advancements in metalworking methods promise a bright future.

The investors featured in this list represent a mix of corporate and venture capital players headquartered across Brazil, Chile, and Mexico, among others. Their sizes vary significantly, from large corporations with over 10,000 employees to smaller firms with only a handful of staff. Founded between 1936 and 2020, these investors have engaged in multiple deals, reflecting diverse interests ranging from traditional metal production to cutting-edge technology in metal fabrication. Notably, as of 2024, these investments indicate a proactive approach to growth and innovation within the sector.

Top 9 Metal Fabrication Investors in Latin America

1. Crp

• Website: crp.com.br
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn: crp

CRP Companhia de Participações is an investment firm based in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil, specializing in private equity and venture capital. Founded in 1981, CRP has over 35 years of experience in enhancing governance and management practices within their invested companies. Their portfolio includes diverse sectors, with notable transactions such as Medabil, which raised $26,679,373 in a private equity round in December 2011, indicating their engagement in the metal fabrication industry. Other investments include Duroline, Lupatech, Mixertech, and Artecola, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still having relevant ties to the metal sector through Medabil.

2. Aurus

• Website: aurus.cl
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile
• Founded year: 2008
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: aurus

Aurus is a venture capital firm based in Lo Barnechea, Santiago, Chile, founded in 2008. The firm partners with entrepreneurs and startups, providing strategic advisory, recruitment, and crisis management services to help high-potential businesses navigate challenges and achieve growth. Aurus has been involved in several notable transactions in the metal fabrication context, including a Series B investment in Holo, a company specializing in metal additive manufacturing, which indicates a direct interest in the metal fabrication industry. Additionally, Aurus participated in the Series B funding for Ceibo, an advanced copper extraction technology company, further showcasing its engagement in sectors related to metal production and processing. These investments highlight Aurus's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the metal fabrication landscape.

3. Vale

• Website: vale.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
• Founded year: 1942
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: vale

Vale is a corporate investor based in Centro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, founded in 1942. As a leading mining company, Vale specializes in the extraction and production of metals, including iron ore and nickel, which are critical for construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries. The company operates a comprehensive logistics network to efficiently transport its products. In recent years, Vale has made strategic investments in companies that align with its focus on metal production and innovation. Notably, they participated in the funding of Boston Metal, which raised $50 million to develop emissions-free steel production technology. Additionally, Vale invested in Mantel, which raised $30 million in Series A funding, and Electrified Thermal Solutions, which secured $19 million in a venture round. These transactions highlight Vale's commitment to advancing technologies that enhance metal fabrication processes and sustainability.

4. CSN - Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional

• Website: csn.com.br
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 1941
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: csn77

Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN) is a leading steel manufacturer and mining company based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 1941. With over 10,000 employees, CSN operates across various sectors, including steel production, mining, cement manufacturing, logistics, and energy. The company plays a crucial role in supplying essential materials for construction and manufacturing projects, ensuring a reliable supply chain. Recently, CSN has made significant moves in the metal fabrication context, including the acquisition of GramPerfil, a Portuguese steel profile producer, through its subsidiary CSN Steel SL. This acquisition aims to enhance CSN's production and sales capabilities in the civil construction and energy sectors. Additionally, CSN's acquisition of LafargeHolcim Brasil for R$5.2 billion has positioned them as Brazil's second-largest cement producer, further diversifying their portfolio while maintaining a strong focus on materials essential for construction and manufacturing.

5. LIP Ventures Boutique

• Website: lip.lat
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, Mexico
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn: lip-ventures-boutique

LIP Ventures Boutique is a corporate venture capital firm based in Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing funding and business development services to technology startups across Latin America. They support entrepreneurs by offering market access and professional consulting, while also connecting investors with high-potential investment opportunities in the tech sector. Notably, LIP Ventures has participated in significant transactions such as the Series B funding for Magnus Metal, which raised $74 million to advance its Digital CastingTM technology, revolutionizing the metal casting industry. This involvement highlights LIP Ventures' engagement in the metal fabrication space, alongside their broader focus on technology investments.

6. Cosan

• Website: cosan.com.br
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 1936
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn: cosan

Cosan is a Brazilian conglomerate founded in 1936, headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The company operates across various sectors, including sugar, alcohol, energy, lubricants, and logistics, with a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency. In recent years, Cosan has made significant investments, including a notable acquisition of a 4.9% stake in Vale SA for $4.04 billion in October 2022, which is a key player in the metals and mining sector. This transaction highlights Cosan's strategic interest in the metals industry, particularly as it plans to increase its stake in Vale to 6.5% pending regulatory approval. Additionally, Cosan has participated in other investments, such as Electric Hydrogen, but its involvement with Vale is particularly relevant in the context of metal fabrication, showcasing its engagement in the metals market.

7. AGM Inc. / Zijin Mining Group Co.

• Website: zijinmining.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: agm-inc-zijin-mining-group-co

AGM Inc. / Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. is a corporate investor based in Georgetown, Demerara-Mahaica, Guyana, founded in 2020. The company is primarily engaged in the exploration and extraction of metals, including copper, gold, zinc, and lithium, which are vital raw materials for manufacturing and construction industries. In 2024, Zijin Mining was involved in significant transactions, including the acquisition of Nkwe Platinum Limited for $90 million, which highlights their strategic approach to expanding their portfolio in the mining sector. Additionally, they participated in a post-IPO equity raise for Solaris Resources, amounting to approximately $97 million. These activities demonstrate Zijin Mining's commitment to enhancing their resource base, which is essential for supporting metal fabrication processes.

8. Andrezo-Invest. Têxteis e Audiovisuais SA

• Website: chromoinvest.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: Brazil
• Founded year: 2013
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn: andrezo-invest.-t%c3%aaxteis-e-audiovisuais-sa

Andrezo-Invest. Têxteis e Audiovisuais SA, also known as Chromo Invest, is a private equity firm based in Brazil, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in providing funding and investment management services across various sectors, including fintech, real estate, and agriculture. Notably, Chromo Invest has participated in significant transactions within the metal sector, particularly with Metalshub, a commodities trading platform based in Düsseldorf. In 2018, Chromo Invest led a Series Seed funding round for Metalshub, raising EUR 3 million to enhance the platform's software development. Following this, in 2021, the firm participated in a Series A funding round for Metalshub, contributing to an $11 million raise aimed at expanding the platform's reach beyond Europe. These transactions highlight Chromo Invest's engagement with the metal industry, particularly in the context of digital trading and commodities.

9. Cbmm

• Website: cbmm.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Domingo, Minas Gerais, Brazil
• Founded year: 1955
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: cbmm

Companhia Brasileira de Metalurgia e Mineração (CBMM) is a corporate investor based in Domingo, Minas Gerais, Brazil, founded in 1955. As a leading metallurgy and mining company, CBMM specializes in the production and commercialization of niobium products, serving critical industries such as aerospace and automotive. Their extensive global network ensures a stable supply of niobium, which is vital for high-performance metal fabrication applications. In recent years, CBMM has been involved in significant transactions, including a Series A investment in Echion Technologies, a University of Cambridge spin-out focused on next-generation lithium-ion battery technology, and a Series B investment in the same company. While these investments may not directly relate to traditional metal fabrication, they highlight CBMM's commitment to advancing materials technology, which is integral to the future of metal fabrication processes.

Metal Fabrication Insights: Key Investors in Latin America

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