CATLA 2013

 

Around 180 industry professionals gathered at the second International Cranes and Transport Latin America (CATLA) conference in São Paulo, Brazil, on 4 June 2013.

 

The event, on 4 June, opened with keynote speaker Helen Joyce, Brazil bureau chief at The Economist, an internationally respected business magazine. It is a two-speed economy in Brazil with investment down and inflation up, Joyce said. Also rising are wages in the country's strong job market, Joyce said, and that it has become more difficult to do business in Brazil.

 

A major barrier to business, said speaker Joao Batista Dominici, Sindipesa executive vice president, is the road infrastructure and restrictions on bridge loading, delays in getting permits and so on.

 

Other speakers included David Rodrigues, commercial director at leading Brazilian crane rental and specialized transport company Makro. Also making presentations were Javier Martinez, ALE executive director; Joel Oliva, manager at National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO); Sarah Spivey, Modulift managing director; and Vincent Stenger, product safety manager, Terex and FEM member.

 

CATLA 2012

 

Around 200 industry professionals gathered at the inaugural International Cranes and Transport Latin America conference in São Paulo, Brazil, a day packed with informative presentations and networking opportunities.

 

The overwhelming view from the 13 speakers, 16 sponsors and near 200 delegates who gathered at the Tivoli Hotel on 28 May was that the event, organised by KHL Group, had played a significant role in supporting the Brazilian crane and transport industry.

 

With so many challenges in terms of under developed road systems, bureaucracy and the lack of a qualified workforce, to name but three, speakers said they were facing a difficult challenge to achieve the required legislation and investment.

 

Despite these difficulties Brazil promises huge growth and is one of the few stable environments for the construction industry, according to speaker Helen Joyce, Brazil bureau chief of The Economist.

For example, some 60,000 km of new roads are in the planning, but according to João Dominici, Sindipesa executive vice-president, current infrastructure investment stands at less than 1% of GDP, while it should be nearer 3%.

 

Another speaker was David Rodrigues, Makro Engineering CCO, who talked about the wind turbine erection sector and requirements in crane and transport design and safety.

 

Representatives from manufacturers Goldhofer, Liebherr, Terex and XCMG also took to the stage with discussions on technical, customer liaison and product development issues, among a range of other speakers and topics.