Elgi launches 100% subsidiary in Brazil

COIMBATORE: Elgi Equipments, a leading manufacturer of compressors in India has launched a 100% subsidiary at Sao Paolo in Brazil to directly market its products. It would also start manufacturing the products in the country soon.

"Initially, the new company would concentrate on marketing our products in Brazil. We would import the products from India and then stock them in a warehouse and make it available off-the-shelf," said Elgi Equipments MD Jairam Varadaraj.

Elgi has made the first stage investment of around Rs 10 crore. After an 18-24 months gestation period, the new company would set up a manufacturing plant and commence commercial production, he said. ���Elgi Compressores Do Brazil��� would engage in marketing of electric and diesel screw compressors. It would also set up a wide
network of distributors with main focus on service and after marketproducts.

"So far, we sold close to 100 pieces in Brazil through distributors. Since we find acceptance for our products, we decided to start a new company to sell our products there," V T Govindarajan, Director ��� Global Business, Elgi Equipments told ET.

He said Brazil accounts for about 4% share of the global market for industrial compressors. "We are aiming to capture 10% of the Brazil market for screw compressors within a period of four years" Mr Govindarajan added.

Last year, Elgi established two overseas subsidiaries, one in Sharjah in the Gulf and ��� a wholly owned manufacturing plant at Jiaxing in China with a marketing office in Shanghai. In 2008-09, Elgi���s compressor segment posted a turnover of Rs 471 crores, of which 17 % was from international operations.