Gateshead engineering firm grows business fast in Brazil

Nov 10 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

Brastec, which also employs around 140 staff and has a similar turnover, manufactures heavy equipment for oil and gas, wire and cables and pipe industries.

Nigel Davison, Express Engineering managing director, said: "We have been looking to establish a specialist manufacturing capacity in Brazil for some time but the challenges posed by language, culture and distance are considerable. This arrangement with Brastec offers the perfect opportunity to overcome all these obstacles.

“The slightly different operational profiles of our companies mean we can both add to the others' offer while the size and similarity of the way the companies work suggests they will fit well together.”

The Brazilian firm, which was established 10 years ago, has itself been enjoyed impressive growth over recent years, despite the worldwide downturn, and recently added 5,000sq of manufacturing space. Fabio Romano, director of Brastec, added: “We are delighted to be able to partner such a well known and experienced company as Express Engineering. This is a great opportunity to strengthen both firms’ positions in the Brazilian oil and gas market, creating specialised jobs.”

The Team Valley expansion was completed with financial assistance from One North East and advice from Newcastle accountancy firm unw.