Shaw forms Brazil joint venture

US-based contractor Shaw's Fabrication & Manufacturing group has formed a joint venture with Brazilian manufacturer Empresa Brasileira de Solda Eletrica (EBSE) to provide prefabricated construction products to the Brazilian market.

The joint venture, which will be known as EBSE Shaw Spool Solutions Fabricação de Sistemas de Tubulação (ES3 do Brasil), will manufacture prefabricated products for carbon steel, stainless steel and alloy piping systems from two existing factories - one in the state of Pernambuco and another in Rio de Janeiro.

ES3 do Brasil will target the Brazilian infrastructure, power, petrochemical, and oil and gas industries. The joint venture also will introduce Shaw's induction pipe bending technology for spool fabrication and large diameter and heavy wall bends, as well as high-efficiency production and management techniques for pipe fabrication.

David Chapman, president of Shaw Fabrication & Manufacturing group, said the joint venture would support Brazil's growing infrastructure needs.

"This joint venture will combine Shaw's technology and production techniques with EBSE's history of servicing the Brazilian market. As a result, we are enhancing our competitive position in one of the world's most important emerging markets."