Caterpillar, locomotive manufacturer installed in Sete Lagoas (Central region), will close this year with the double production recorded in 2014. And in 2016 the company already has orders to occupy the factory in a “satisfactory” way, but below the level verified in this exercise.
However, the long term scenario it is not very good for the company, once the industry still has no orders to 2017, what should be already happening due to the long cycle of machines manufacturing.
Carlos Roso, general director of PRS (Progress Rail Services) in Brazil, railway sector branch. According to him, negotiations and orders of new locomotives happen between the company and Valor da Logística Integrada (VLI), Vale S/A and América Latina Logística (ALL).
“This year we are doubling the production in relation to 2014. And to 2016 we already have orders that will keep factories occupied, not in a high level and below 2015. But still possible to operate. However, to 2017 the scenario is alarming because it is about time to receive new orders and this is not happening.”
Concessions
Facing this situation, Caterpillar puts its expectations in the federal government attempts to speed up negotiations with current concessionaries of the railway sector to extend concession contracts terms, aiming at ensuring investments to the next years.
On the other hand, current railway network contributions can reach BRL 16 billion.
Negotiations are focusing in ALL, MRS Logística and the Ferrovia Centro Atlântica (FCA). The first, for example, which owns the largest railway network in the country, announced, after the merger with Rumo Logística (part of Cosan group), an investment proposal of BRL 7.4 billion, whereas BRL 4.6 billion would be conditioned to contract extension of their concessions.
“Renewing concessions is essential because it will ensure investments improvements in the railway, as provided in contracts,” said Caterpillar’s director. These contributions, including expansion of traffic capacity, new yards, decreasing urban interferences, new extensions and signaling, also includes fleet expansion, which would be good for locomotive manufacturer’s business installed at Sete Lagoas.
About Caterpillar’s investments in the State’s central region plant, Roso said the company is “discussing some things,” which follows players as VLI, Vale and All close and accompanying market. “For today’s scenario, we have already made enough contributions.”
Sales
Along this year, Caterpillar sold 113 locomotives to VLI. Among machines already delivered there are five metre gauge railway with eight axis, the first ones in Brazil. Prior to this, two prototypes had already been delivered.
As already informed, Sete Lagoas’ plant was built to meet South American and Brazil, whereas Brazil represents 80% of his market. Besides eight axis models, other two locomotive models were also built, 60% of national content.
The first is an electrical diesel machine, broad gauge and alternate current with six axis. The other one is similar to the first, but with an electric gauge.
However, new models with eight axis, according to the director, must occupy the plant in the next year, they bring something new so Caterpillar can conquer the market, once they use less fuel and are capable of reducing 50% in particles emission when compared to old machines.
Besides, two new locomotives, like the ones dealt with VLI are capable of performing the work of three old machines, such as the ones that operate in national railways.
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