The Brazilian base of Aberdeen energy service company Hydrasun played host to Scottish firms on a trade mission to the South American country yesterday.
Members of Scottish Development International’s delegation visited Hydrasun’s Macae office to learn about entering the region after the north-east firm enjoyed a 500% increase in Brazilian sales since setting up a presence there 16 months ago.
SDI chief executive Anne MacColl said: “Hydrasun’s success in Brazil clearly demonstrates the significant potential markets like this offer companies willing to look at new international growth opportunities. We need more Scottish-based companies to look at doing business in emerging markets like Brazil, as a key part of their strategy for growth.”
Hydrasun moved into the country after acquiring Brazilian business Remaq in a multimillion-pound deal, and now employs 36 people there.
Chief operating officer Bob McAlpine said although the due diligence process took longer than expected the move into Brazil had paid dividends, adding: “One year on, the company has grown its sales to Petrobras, the state-owned oil company, and we’ve also added over 50 new customers to our portfolio, including Transocean, Subsea 7 and Schlumberger.”