The Brazilian maker of electric engines, Weg, should build a new production line in Linhares, in the north of the state of EspÀ­rito Santo. According to the announcement made by the company, negotiations for the company's expansion were concluded last week.

The new unit should receive investment of 186 million Brazilian reais (US$ 101 million). The construction should take place in two phases, being the first completed in 2011. "The industrial unit should be very important for our production capacity in years to come," said Harry Schmelzer, the company CEO.

The location of the plant was defined after the analysis of other alternatives elsewhere. The company decided on the state, as it is close to regions of the country that are growing. Espí­rito Santo has a large port structure, which, according to Weg, brings advantages for the purchase of raw materials.

Weg is one of the largest producers of electric and electronic equipment in the world. The organization has been in operation since 1961 and produces electric engines, generators, transformers and electronic components for protection, command and control.

In Brazil, the company has its headquarters and main industrial units in Santa Catarina. The company has two factories in Rio Grande do Sul, São Paulo and Amazonas.

Abroad, Weg has production units in Argentina, Mexico, Portugal and China, and distribution and trade installations in the United States, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile, Germany, England, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, Australia, Japan, Singapore, India, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Anba