To position itself to take advantage of the growing manufacturing industry in Brazil, AMT-The Association For Manufacturing Technology has opened the AMT Sao Paulo Technology Center in the city of Sorocaba.

At the center, members of the McLean, Va.-based association can establish operations within Brazil to build relationships and explore the market’s potential. Services include sales and marketing assistance for reaching customers in Brazil; human resources services such as employee proxy hiring for sales, service and engineering positions; office space for meeting with customers and prospects; field service support for equipment in Brazil; and in-depth assistance for navigating Brazilian business practices.

AMT appointed Achilles Arbex as general manager of the Sao Paulo facility. Arbex, who previously worked for Dana Industries and transmission manufacturer ZF, is an expert on the Brazilian manufacturing industry, including automotive, aerospace, electric and electronic, oil and gas, and alternative energy.

AMT also has technology centers in Monterrey, Mexico; Shanghai; and Chennai, India.