Viracon expands into Latin America

Viracon Inc.,Owatonna, Minn., has expanded its business into Brazil and Latin America, according to a Nov. 19 release. Viracon has acquired 100 percent of the stock of Glassec Vidros de Seguranca Ltda, the leading architectural glass fabricator in Brazil.Glassec will become part of Viracon and be called Glassec Viracon.

“Glassec has built a tremendous business in Brazil, and its business strategy aligns closely with that of Viracon – serving complex commercial projects with high-quality, energy-efficient glass,” said Greg Silvestri, Viracon’s president, in the release. “We look forward to working with the Glassec team to learn more about this key emerging market and help bring Viracon’s capabilities to these markets.”

Founded in 1991, Glassec has become Brazil’s leading architectural glass fabricator and is known for its high-quality glass fabrication, on-time deliveries and strong technical support. The company’s 100,000-square-foot fabrication facility is located 90 minutes outside of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and has 250 employees.

“We’re pleased to join a financially strong, global leader in glass fabrication,” said Dario Farhat, general manager, Glassec Viracon, in the release. “We are looking forward to capitalizing on the synergies of the two companies and drawing on Viracon’s expertise to better serve our customers, and expand our market share in Brazil and Latin America. In addition, joining the Viracon family will provide more opportunities for our employees and our customers.”

The existing management team will continue to lead the company with Dario Farhat reporting to Greg Silvestri.

Viracon has pursued an aggressive international strategy in recent years and currently has a growing presence in Asia, Australia and the Middle East.The company recently won the Minnesota Governor’s International Trade Award for its excellence in international business.