Manitou launches factory in Brazil

Manitou Group, a French global leader in all-terrain materials handling trucks, inaugurates its new Brazilian subsidiary in Vinhedo, Sao Paulo state.

The company has sold Manitou products in Brazil since 2008, working with dealers and a regional office in the country, directly managing it from France. In 2014, the company initiated a deep analysis of the Brazilian market, and started the commercialisation of the Gehl and Mustang brands in the country. Since then, it has identified the opportunity to invest in Brazil and began its expansion project in the market with the construction of the factory in Vinhedo, which has now been inaugurated.

The strategy of building a factory in the country is a process that lasted more than six years, comprising of research, studies and many visits, which ultimately led to the opening of the first unit in Latin America, with 7000 m>sup>2. Since the beginning of planning, the project has generated more than 300 direct and indirect jobs.

"We want to have a sustainable presence in Brazil. This current market encounter difficulties, but we are really confident for the future. It will take time, but our group will be present when we will have favourable economic situation", said Michel Denis, President & CEO of the company.

Manitou group bets on Brazil as its first production line outside of Europe and the US, which already has eight plants responsible for the manufacture of its products. The choice of Vinhedo as the site for the factory took into account the ease of access to the airports of Viracopos, in Campinas, and Guarulhos and the Port of Santos, the main entrances of imports and exports in the country.

"Brazil is a very important country for Manitou group, as we see great growth potential here, as with getting FINAME - Machinery and Equipment Financing - it will facilitate the purchase of our machines for the domestic market. Additionally, the country has four major markets for Manitou: mining, construction, industry and agriculture, the latter has the greatest expectation for Brazil", said Marcelo Bracco, general manager of Manitou Group in Brazil.

Edited from press release by Harleigh Hobbs

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/handling/26082016/manitou-launches-its-first-factory-in-latin-america-2320/