What RAW does

RAW (formerly RAW Material Brasil) is a Brazilian industrial materials distributor and exclusive sales representative founded in 1992 in São Paulo and now headquartered in Mauá, São Paulo. The company is in third-generation family ownership and serves industrial customers across Brazil and eight other South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay). Its core business is the exclusive distribution and representation of multinational manufacturers' raw materials, chemical inputs, and high-temperature equipment, covering aluminas (Alcoa), polyurethanes and polycarbonates (Covestro), polyurethane systems and dosing equipment (RAMPF), silicon carbide and molybdenum heating elements (Starbar-I2R), silicon carbide refractories and silica rollers (Haldenwanger), abrasive grains and electrofused minerals (Washington Mills), and fused/colloidal silica products (3M, Nalco).

The company also develops its own proprietary equipment line, notably Raw Casting (launched 2020, upgraded to Raw Casting 2.0 in 2024)—a casting station for hand-poured polyurethane processing—and operates the Centro Técnico RAW/Covestro, a technical center inaugurated in 2018 in partnership with Covestro that houses Baulé Alpha dosing machines for MDI system development, training, and prototyping. Customer segments served include automotive, agribusiness, ceramics, metallurgy, mining, polymers, and medical-device manufacturing.

RAW generates revenue principally through hardware and material sales (B2B industrial distribution) under quote-based, contact-driven pricing with multi-year supply contracts. The go-to-market is direct enterprise sales supported by a multidisciplinary commercial and technical team, with technical services (equipment demonstrations, maintenance, spare parts, prototyping) functioning as an attached revenue stream. The company markets itself through its website (raw.com.br), LinkedIn, YouTube, and direct phone/WhatsApp/email channels. Headcount is in the 11–50 range, and the operating model has remained relatively flat in size while steadily expanding portfolio breadth and geographic reach over three decades.

Name

RAW

Legal name

RAW

Website

https://raw.com.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

RAW is a Brazilian industrial materials distributor and exclusive representative—founded 1992, third-generation family-owned—supplying aluminas, polyurethanes, polycarbonates, high-temperature furnace equipment, and proprietary Raw Casting polyurethane processing equipment to automotive, ceramics, metallurgy, mining, agribusiness, polymer, and medical manufacturers across South America.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Raw Materials Distribution

NAICS

Metal Service Centers and Other Metal Merchant Wholesalers (423510)

SIC

Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860), Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro primary industry

Coating & Adhesive Raw Materials (Resins, Additives, Solvents) (IMAEAGAK)

Keywords

• Industrial raw materials distribution
• Polyurethane products supply
• Alumina and refractory materials
• High-temperature furnace equipment
• Ceramic and metallurgy inputs

Headquarters

HQ city

Mauá

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Distribution of Industrial Materials: RAW generates revenue by distributing and representing multinational companies' products in Brazil and South America, including raw materials, chemical inputs, equipment, and related technical services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

RAW is the exclusive distributor and representative in Brazil and South America for multinational manufacturers of industrial raw materials, chemical inputs, and equipment. Its portfolio spans polyurethanes (Covestro, RAMPF), aluminas (Alcoa), refractory and abrasive minerals (3M, Washington Mills, Nalco), and high-temperature furnace components (Starbar-I2R, Haldenwanger). The company complements distribution with technical services, a dedicated Centro Técnico for prototyping, and its own RAW Casting equipment line for polyurethane processing.

Product overview

RAW is a distribution and representation company (Raw Material Brasil) that distributes and represents multinational companies in raw materials, chemical products, inputs, and equipment for industrial segments including automotive, agribusiness, ceramics, metallurgy, mining, and polymers. The product portfolio includes: (1) Alumina products from ALCOA in various forms (calcinated, hydrated, micronized, reactive, tabular); (2) Polyurethane products from COVESTRO including Desmodur hot-cast elastomers, Desmopan/Texin thermoplastic polyurethane, and Makrolon polycarbonate; (3) Polyurethane systems from RAMPF including Advanced Polymers sealing systems and RAKU products; (4) High-temperature furnace equipment including Starbar and Moly-D heating elements from I2R, HalSiC refractories from Haldenwanger, and silica rollers; (5) Abrasive and mineral products including fused silica from 3M, CARBOREX and zirconia-mullite from Washington Mills; (6) RAW CASTING equipment for manual polyurethane processing; (7) Baulé machines for industrial polyurethane production; (8) Technical center services for product testing and prototyping. The company serves South American markets including Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• RAW CASTING: A linha de equipamentos criada para facilitar e profissionalizar o processamento manual em Poliuretano derramado. Inclui tanques aquecidos (25L à 200L), misturador semi-automático e câmara com visor iluminado.
• RAW Casting 2.0

Products and services

• Alumina Products (ALCOA) Distribution of various forms of alumina (calcined, hydrated, micronized, reactive, tabular) from ALCOA for ceramics, metallurgy, polishing, and refractory applications in Brazil and South America.
• Desmodur Hot-Cast Polyurethane Elastomers (Covestro) Hot-cast polyurethane elastomers based on toluene diisocyanate (TDI) with ester or ether pre-polymers, available in hardness from 35 Shore A to 82 Shore D, for industrial polyurethane processors.
• Desmopan and Texin Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Covestro) Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with hardness from 60-98 Shore A to 30-75 Shore D, offering high wear resistance, flexibility across temperature ranges, and chemical resistance for automotive and industrial applications.
• Makrolon Polycarbonate (Covestro) Polycarbonate material that is robust, lightweight, with glass-like transparency and impact resistance, high dimensional stability, and heat resistance up to 148°C glass transition temperature, for automotive, electronics, and medical applications.
• RAKU Pur and RAMPF Polyurethane Systems Polyurethane systems from RAMPF, including RAKU Pur polyurethane systems and RAKU Cleaner solvent-based chemical agent for cleaning hoses and injector heads of RAMPF machines, for automotive, electronics, and white goods industries.
• RAMPF Advanced Polymers Sealing Systems Two-component elastomeric foam sealing systems (A+B) based on polyurethane and silicone, processed using FIPFG or FIPG technologies for on-site foam gasket application in industrial production.
• RAMPF Dosing Machines Industrial dosing machines integrated with production systems, processing 1 to 4 component materials with up to two mixing systems, combined with SIEMENS or Beckhoff high-performance controllers.
• Starbar Silicon Carbide Heating Elements (I2R) Recrystallized silicon carbide heating elements with maximum operating temperature of 1700°C, featuring high density (~2.52 g/cm3) and customizable sizes and resistance values, for industrial furnace applications.
• Moly-D Molybdenum Disilicide Heating Elements (I2R) Molybdenum disilicide (MoSi2) heating element operating at ultra-high temperatures up to 1,775°C (common models) and 1,850°C (special models), available in U or W format.
• HalSiC Refractories (Haldenwanger) Silicon carbide refractories including HalSiC-I (up to 1,350°C), HalSiC-R (up to 1,600°C), and HalSiC-N (up to 1,500°C) for beams, columns, rollers, tubes, and custom parts in industrial furnaces.
• Silica Rollers (Haldenwanger) Silica rollers with 99.8% SiO2 composition, featuring very low thermal expansion and excellent thermal shock resistance for continuous use up to 1,000°C in annealing and tempering furnaces.
• Washington Mills Abrasive and Mineral Products Distribution of abrasive grains and electrofused mineral products including DURAMUL ZR zirconia-mullite, CARBOREX silicon carbide (black and green), and boron carbide for abrasive, refractory, ceramic, and metallurgy applications.
• 3M Fused Silica Products (WDS3 and GM2) High-purity fused silica flours (+99.7%) developed for investment casting market, designed for ceramic mold formation with reduced number of baths and layers.
• Nalco Colloidal Silica Colloidal silica for industrial applications, distributed for the microfusion and refractory markets in Brazil.
• RAW CASTING Equipment Line RAW's proprietary equipment line for manual polyurethane casting processing, featuring heated tanks (25L to 200L), semi-automatic mixer with timer and speed control, illuminated viewing chamber, and high-performance vacuum pump. Includes RAW Casting 2.0.
• Baulé Alpha and Omega Machines (Covestro) Baulé Alpha machines with output potential of 2 to 30 kg per minute, material tank up to 400 liters, and 2 to 4 component capability; Omega models for more demanding industrial polyurethane production applications.
• Centro Técnico RAW/Covestro Technical Services Technical center equipped with Baulé Alpha Covestro machines where customers can experience, test, and prototype MDI polyurethane developments, reducing costs and increasing time-to-market; complemented by the COVESTRO Academy training program.
• Baulé/Secmer Technical Assistance and Replacement Parts Preventive and corrective maintenance service packages for Baulé and Secmer machines in Brazil and South America, along with replacement parts kept in stock for quick delivery.
• Specialty Industrial Accessories (Pyrometric Rings, Springs, Glass Scissors) Specialty industrial accessories including pyrometric rings and cones for temperature measurement, springs for reverse arm applications, and scissors for glass drop applications, distributed to industrial customers in Brazil and South America.
• Aluminum Profiles for Construction (Alcoa) Aluminum profiles from Alcoa distributed for construction civil industry applications in São Paulo, Brazil.

Quantifiable outcome

• Serving customers across 9 South American countries
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• 3McoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Exclusive distribution of 3M fused silica products (WDS3, GM2) for microfusion and refractory markets in Brazil since 2022.
• NalcominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2022Distribution of Nalco products in Brazil since 2022 for microfusion and refractory markets.
• CovestrocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Jointly established Centro Técnico RAW/Covestro in 2018 with Covestro France-trained team and Baulé Alpha machines for MDI system development and customer training in South America.
• CovestrocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Exclusive distribution of Covestro polyurethane products (Desmodur, Desmopan, Texin, Makrolon) since 2015 for mining, offshore, footwear markets, expanded in 2020 to include TPU, 3D filament, polycarbonate, and films.
• RampfcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2015Exclusive distribution of RAMPF polyurethane systems (RAKU Pur, RAKU Cleaner) and RAMPF dosing machines since 2015 for automotive, electronics, and white goods industries.
• AlcoacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2005Exclusive distribution of Alcoa aluminum profiles for construction in São Paulo since 2005, and distribution of Alcoa chemical products for flame retardants, ceramics, polishing, and flexible foams.
• HaldenwangercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1998Exclusive distribution of Haldenwanger silicon carbide refractories (HalSiC) and silica rollers for ceramics, porcelain, sanitary ware, glass, and ceramic tile industries since 1998.
• Horn, Zippe, Tiama, RurexminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1998Exclusive representation of Horn, Zippe, Tiama, and Rurex for the glass industry since 1998.
• Washington MillscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1993Distribution of Washington Mills abrasive grains and electrofused mineral products for abrasive, refractory, ceramic, and metallurgy applications. Products include DURAMUL ZR zirconia-mullite, boron carbide, and CARBOREX silicon carbide.
• Starbar (I2R)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 1992Exclusive distribution partnership since 1992 for Starbar silicon carbide heating elements and Moly-D molybdenum disilicide heating elements in Brazil and South America. RAW provides sales, technical support, maintenance, and design assistance for furnace heating systems.
• I2R (Starbar)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 199231-year partnership for silicon carbide heating elements. RAW provides excellent customer service, rapid deliveries, and best-in-class technical support in the Brazilian and South American markets.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves17 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• ICC Chemical Corporation: Specialty chemical distributor focused on industrial raw materials and intermediates, with global sourcing and Latin American distribution activity. Operates with similar multi-principal, multi-vertical industrial distribution model.
• IMCD: Amsterdam-listed specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor with deep Latin American operations. Comparable as a value-added specialty distributor combining market development, technical support, and exclusive principals — a profile similar to RAW's.
• Brenntag: Global #1 chemical and ingredients distributor with a sizeable Brazilian and South American specialty distribution business. Closest comparable in terms of multi-principal distribution of industrial raw materials and specialty chemicals into diverse industrial verticals.
• Häffner & Co: German specialty chemical distributor with growing international footprint. Comparable as a multi-principal industrial raw materials distributor with strong technical-sales orientation in chemicals, polymers, and related inputs.
• Biesterfeld: Hamburg-headquartered specialty chemical distributor serving industrial customers across polymers, rubber, and specialty raw materials. Similar portfolio of exclusive distribution agreements with global principals in industrial raw materials.
• Univar Solutions: North American-headquartered chemical and ingredients distributor with Latin American presence. Similar business model of distributing specialty industrial chemicals and raw materials from multinational principals to industrial customers.
• Azelis: Global specialty chemicals and food ingredients distributor operating across EMEA, Americas, and Asia-Pacific with strong LATAM footprint. Comparable as a technical, principal-led specialty distributor serving multiple industrial end-markets.
• Barentz: Dutch-headquartered specialty ingredients distributor with growing presence in the Americas. Similar focus on exclusive distribution agreements with global chemical principals and high technical service intensity.
• Caldic: Privately held specialty chemical and ingredients distributor with operations across Europe, Americas, and Asia-Pacific. Comparable as a value-added distributor combining principal partnerships with technical sales support.

Broad incumbents

• Würth: Global industrial distribution group with extensive operations in Brazil. While broader in scope (MRO, fasteners, chemicals, tools) than RAW, Würth provides a useful comparable for South American industrial B2B distribution scale and channel reach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCALmKmCY8a9AKSBdKRpVg5g
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/raw-material-brasil

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RAW