08/30/2012 20h47

U.S. company that produces components for the automotive and aerospace industries announces first plant in Brazil

Metalcrafters will invest R$ 15 million in its plant in Lorena (SP); it will initially produce electric engines for buses, trucks and vans, but it will also serve the aerospace sector.

Metalcrafters, a U.S. company that produces composites, electric engines for automotive vehicles and products for aerospace technology, will build its first plant outside the United States. Approximately R$ 15 million will be invested in the construction of the plant in an area of 40,000 square meters in the city of Lorena, located 200 km from the state capital.  The company will settle in the State of São Paulo with the support from Investe São Paulo and the municipal government.

“Metalcrafters’s investment is strategic for the State of São Paulo, as it will bring innovation to the industry in São Paulo. With the arrival of Comil to Lorena, the second round of investments begins, which is the arrival of the suppliers. This will bring a new cycle of economic development to the region, generating jobs and increasing the income of the population,” says the president of Investe SP, Luciano Almeida.

According to the director of Metalcrafters in Brazil, Edgardo Vieytes, the new plant is expected to generate one hundred direct jobs, with a nationalization rate of production of 90%. The new plant will focus on the production of electric engines for buses, trucks and vans, but the company also plans to produce parts for the aerospace industry in the region and composites such as plant resin, carbon fiber parts and vacuum bagging glass resin.

Besides Comil, a bus manufacturer that is building its new plant in Lorena and will be client of Metalcrafters, another factor that led entrepreneurs to choose the city was its location, bordering Dutra and the proximity to major automakers in the region of Vale do Paraíba – such as Volkswagen (Taubaté), General Motors (São José) and the future plant of Chery, in Jacareí.

“We chose Lorena due to its proximity to the automakers and Embraer. In addition, the universities in the region ensure skilled labor and scientific development,” said Vieytes.

Investe SP is advising the company in obtaining information about the industries and the contact with public and private agencies. The agency will also advise the company to obtain the environmental licensing and the infrastructure required. “I appreciate the excellent work of Investe SP in supporting investors. It’s a great advantage provided by the State Government of São Paulo,” said Vieytes.

Metalcrafters is a company based in Fountain Valley, California, and was founded in 1979. It is known for producing prototypes and designing vehicles for major automakers in the world, working with transportation, aviation, aerospace engineering and rides for theme parks.

The company, which participated in the creation of models such as Hyundai Veloster and ix35, the Kia Soul minivan and the Mitsubishi sports car Eclipse, works from the design and engineering of the vehicle to the manufacture of prototypes and experimental cars, displayed at automotive fairs and shows. Automakers order this work before producing the vehicles on a commercial scale.

About Investe São Paulo
Investe São Paulo is the gateway for companies that intend to settle their operations in the state, besides stimulating the expansion of businesses that are already settled in São Paulo.  The agency provides strategic information free of charge, helping investors find the best locations for their businesses and facilitating the interaction of companies with public and private entities.

The duties of Investe São Paulo include welcoming foreign delegations, presenting investment opportunities in the state, prospecting new business, providing information to contribute in the development of São Paulo, in addition to promoting the image of the state in Brazil and abroad as a destination of investments.