• Measure is a part of the Brazilian FRP pipe manufacturer's repositioning program
Jan. 26, 2009 -- Amitech started 2009 continuing its reformulation process that began last October, when Gonzalo Arias assumed the company's direction. From now on, the largest Brazilian manufacturing company of fiberglass reinforced polyester pipes (FRP) also supplies epoxy-coated steel tanks.
Manufactured in the US by CST, these tanks broaden the alternatives offered by Amitech to the water and sewerage concessionaries. "Generally, water main projects encompass the use of both pipes and tanks, that's why we decided to add this product to our portfolio," explains Flàvio Marçal, commercial manager.
Compared to the usual welded steel models, Amitech's tanks -- which maximum storage capacity is 24 thousand m" -- are highlighted because of their easy assembling ability. "Because they're screwed, welding specialized works aren't necessary," says the executive. Furthermore, welding can only be performed with no rain. Another strength is the longer useful life assured by the internal epoxy coating, a resin often applied in harsh environments.
Compared to the concrete reservoirs, the main benefit is the installation quickness. "With identical sizes, our tanks are assembled with 1/3 of the time," says Marçal. The user may also disassemble the screwed tanks and install them at another place, investing only in the construction of a new concrete base. "And, if necessary to increase the storage capacity, you may just lift the reservoir height installing new epoxy-coated steel panels."
All these advantages do not cause competition loss. Because it's self-supported and features a light aluminium ceiling, the tank supplied by Amitech does not need central sustaining columns, which reduces the project's total cost. In addition to that, the sole equipment used to assemble the tank is a simple torque screwdriver connected to a hydraulic compressor. "CST already installed 250,000 tanks like this worldwide," says Marçal.
During 2009, Amitech's commercial manager believes the company might supply from 15 to 20 reservoirs. "We bet on the continuation of the investments from the Brazilian government to infrastructure works, which will mandatorily benefit the basic sanitation." Next step is to add water, sewerage and industrial effluent networks recovery by non-destructive methods to Amitech's portfolio, what may happen yet within the first semester. "We want to be identified as the best companies' partner with projects related to the water and sewerage conduction and storage," completes Marçal.
Controlled by two international groups -- Inversiones Mundial, from Colombia, and Amiantit, from Saudi Arabia -- Amitech is the biggest Brazilian manufacturer of fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) pipes.
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