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August 12, 2010

Brazil: UCS and ABMACO launch specialization course in composites

One of the main centers for material processing in Brazil, the city of Caxias do Sul has a high demand for skilled professionals

The University of Caxias do Sul (UCS), in partnership with the Brazilian Composite Materials Association (ABMACO), developed the first lato sensu composites specialization course of the country. Engineers and professionals from the technology sector are capable of participating in the classes, which will begin in September and will be conducted at Centro de Ciências Exatas e Tecnologia (CCET) of UCS.

The city of Caxias do Sul was not chosen by accident. According to Fernando Viana, the regional coordinator of ABMACO and sales manager for the Southern Region of Owens Corning, the municipality gathers several companies that process composite materials. “Caxias and nearby towns account for approximately 50% of consumption in the South Region. Therefore, there is a huge demand for skilled professionals”, he says.

The approach between ABMACO and UCS started last year, when the association participated in a round of seminars organized by the university. UCS, by the way, is nationally recognized for being a pioneer to promote studies on polymeric materials. “The first class of polymer technologists of the country was formed by UCS”, says Ademir José Zattera, coordinator of the polymer center of the University.

Comprising 360 hours, the specialization course on composites will be divided into four modules. In addition to professors and PhDs from UCS, ABMACO executives will join the faculty. “The qualification of skilled professionals in composites is crucial for the development of our market. That is why we will continue looking for partnerships with other educational institutions”, said Paulo Camatta, executive manager of ABMACO.

         For further information, access www.abmaco.org.br



About ABMACO
Established in 1981, the Brazilian Composite Materials Association (ABMACO) represents the entire production chain of composites or fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP), a material that has over 40,000 applications cataloged worldwide, from water storage tanks to pipes and aircraft and rocket parts. Presided by Gilmar Lima, General Director of MVC Plásticos, ABMACO has 252 members and holds, together with Institute for Technological Research (IPT), the Composites Technologic Center (CETECOM), the largest of its segment in Latin America.