GUADALAJARA, MEXICO - The recent monetary troubles in Mexico have caused Plasticos Mazat n SA de CV, a plastic garden hose maker based in Guadalajara, considerable problems, but the picture is improving. Lillian Deras, the daughter of owner Elias Deras, who acts as the U.S. purchasing representative for the company, said it has been difficult to find sources for the PVC and clear post-industrial PVC Plasticos Mazat n needs to make hose. Although production was not shut down, materials are expensive, given the devaluation of the peso, she said.
``We went several months without any supply,'' Deras said in a telephone interview from her Buffalo, N.Y., office. ``We needed capital, but the Mexican banks were charging 100 percent interest for loans. We have finally secured a loan here in the U.S. so we will be able to start again.''
She declined to say how much money the company is borrowing.
Deras said it is still less expensive for her to buy chunk and ground recycled PVC in the United States than to buy virgin material in Mexico.
``There is very little recycled plastic available in Mexico yet,'' she said. ``Perhaps there will be more some time in the future, but now, we buy it wherever we can.''
Garden hose is the only product Plasticos Mazat n makes, but the company can use as much as 60,000 pounds per month of clear PVC.
``There is great need for all types of plastic in Mexico,'' she said. ``Especially in Guadalajara, where there are many companies.''