· Project will create 220 direct jobs in the South region

The Management team of Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social [BNDES] has approved a financing of R$ 4.3 millions to Comil - Carrocerias e Ônibus Ltda, which will be transferred by the Banco Regional de Desenvolvimento do Extremo Sul [BRDE]. The resources will be directed to the development of a new body model for highway buses, to the expansion of the productive capacity of buses and bodies from 2,638 to 2,900 unit/year and to the extension of the production of replacement spare parts and accessories, in the industrial unit of Erechim, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul.

The company will create 220 direct jobs, in addition to the current 1,731, and will additionally increase exports, creating positive impacts over the trade balance. With these new projects, Comil will extend its participation in the market, with investments in technological development.

The company plans are focused on increasing capacity and obtaining productive gains in the bus body production segments. The new body model will replace the current models of highway buses, launched in 1998. The capacity expansion will strengthen supplier companies of materials and spare parts, in addition to the local economy, based on the rendering of industrial services.

Currently, Comil is the fourth largest company in the market of bodies in Brazil, with a product mix leaded by highway buses, item with the greatest value added. Monthly sales reached 183 buses, negotiated not only in the Brazilian market but also exported to South America, Central America, Middle East, and Africa. External sales represented, until November 2004, nearly 63% of the company revenues. 

The investment policies of the company are oriented towards the expansion of its own market, through increasing of production capacity and extending its geographical operative area. Furthermore, the company controllers are trying to diversify activities, in the metal mechanic sector, where the company operates. The first initiative was the creation of EMA - Engenharia de Movimentação e Armazenagem Ltda., a new company dedicated to the storage and transferring of grains, installed in 2004 in the Mid-West region.

In the last three years, the group has invested around R$ 10 millions in modernization of its industrial park by expanding installations, constructing new warehouses, and enhancing the productive process.