Manaus, with a population of about 1.5 million, is in the heart of the Amazon region and home to the Industrial Zone created by the Brazilian government in 1967. More than 400 multinational and domestic companies specializing in consumer electronics, injection molding, and telecommunication manufacturing are located in the Industrial Zone. The Brazilian government estimates total sales from the region to exceed $10 billion (U.S.) in 2001. Classified as an economic free trade zone, it lies about 1,600 miles from São Paulo, Brazil’s major industrial center.
We are delighted that we have been approved by the Superintendência de Zona Franca de Manaus (SUFRAMA) for manufacturing in the Industrial Zone servicing the greater Amazon region, said Brady President and Chief Executive Officer Katherine Hudson. It not only will help us better serve our customers located there, but also provide Brady additional opportunities for growth. Industrial growth in the region has been more than 50% over the past year.
Brady has operated in São Paulo, Brazil, since 1996, when it established W.H.B. do Brasil, Ltda. In 1998, it acquired VEB Sistemas de Etiquetas, Ltda., Brazil’s leading manufacturer of industrial labels and supplier of identification systems. In 1999, Brady expanded its manufacturing facility in Osasco, São Paulo, Brazil, due to strong growth in the region.
We are finding business in Brazil exceeding our expectations, especially the opportunity to grow our business with multinational companies there, said Eric McNaul, Brady’s managing director for Latin America.
Our expansion into the Amazon region of Brazil will enable us to better serve customers, especially large consumer electronics enterprises such as Philips, Sanyo, Siemens and Nokia, who have established operations in the Industrial Zone near the city of Manaus, said Vilson Bellim, general manager of Brady’s operations in Brazil, W.H.B. do Brasil, Ltda. As companies work to reduce inventory and lead times, our local presence will add value to our customers and help to ensure our continued growth.
