Saft do Brasil in São Paolo will support the introduction of leading-edge battery technology to rail, telecom and energy customers in one of the world’s fastest growing economies
PARIS (November 30, 2010) – Saft, the world leader in the design and manufacture of high-technology batteries for industry, has officially opened its new subsidiary in Brazil. Based in São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, Saft’s new company will provide sales and technical support for customers in the rail, telecom networks, utilities, renewable energy and oil and gas sectors.
“Brazil has a particularly vibrant economy that is expected to be the fifth largest in the world by 2016, so the opening of Saft do Brasil is ideally timed to help increase our penetration within this growing market and also continues our expansion into another BRIC country,” says John Searle, Chairman of the Management Board of Saft. “One of the brakes on Brazil’s development so far, compared with the other BRIC countries, has been the lack of modern transport and energy infrastructure, and these are now receiving major investment. Industrial batteries play a vital role in these sectors and particularly in hot and humid climates, so this is a great opportunity for an advanced technology battery company like Saft.”
A main focus for Saft do Brasil, under the management of Guido Petit, will be the promotion of advanced nickel-based rechargeable battery technology that offers important advantages for industrial customers in Brazil in terms of reliability, performance and TCO (total cost of ownership). Saft has already made a significant breakthrough by gaining certification for its specialist telecom batteries from Brazil’s telecommunications agency, ANATEL (Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações).
The São Paulo office will also support the introduction of Saft’s state-of-the-art lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology for a range of professional and industrial applications.
About Saft
Saft (Euronext: Saft) is a world specialist in the design and manufacture of high-tech batteries for industry. Saft batteries are used in high performance applications, such as industrial infrastructure and processes, transportation, space and defense. Saft is the world’s leading manufacturer of nickel batteries for industrial applications and of primary lithium batteries for a wide range of end markets. The group is also the European leader for specialized advanced technologies for the defense and space industries and world leader in lithium-ion satellite batteries. Saft is also delivering its lithium-ion technology to new applications in clean vehicles and renewable energy storage. With approximately 4,000 employees worldwide, Saft is present in 19 countries. Its 15 manufacturing sites and extensive sales network enable the group to serve its customers worldwide. Saft is listed in the SBF 120 index on the Paris Stock Market.
For more information, visit Saft at www.saftbatteries.com
Press contacts
Jill Ledger, Saft Communications Director, Tel: + 33 1 49 93 17 77
e-mail: jill.ledger@saftbatteries.com
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