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Metalwork SMES of Olavarría city contribute to economic development of the region but they are deficient in terms of productivity, competitiveness and management. According to this, it is necessary to intensify the study of its activities and resources to improve their current situation. Therefore, the purpose of this paper to explore tangible and intangible resource availability and the way in which they are managed. The study of the activities and the use of associated resources are connected to the value chain, completing the process with resource-based approach. Data were collected by applying a tool that explores the characteristics and use of resources related to primary and support activities. The tangible and intangible resources are independent research variables and the dependent variables are the primary and support activities. Then, the diagnosis is extended through a second instrument, which defines the level of maturity in terms of competitiveness. Results obtained indicated that primary activities have degree development values ranging from 49 to 72% and from 55 to 67% for support. Furthermore, all activities show an average maturity value associated with level 2 (out of four), because of the inefficient use of resources. In conclusion these companies have tangible and intangible resources, but these are not used efficiently to perform their activities in order to achieve a competitive advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]