Dell Brazil announced in May 2006 that it would expand in Brazil by building a new plant in Hortolandia, state of São Paulo, and revamping the company’s Contact Center and Software Development Center, both in Rio Grande do Sul. On May 14, 2007, just one year later, the company is proud to officially open the new plant.
Until now centralized in the city of Eldorado do Sul (RS), Dell supplied markets in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Colombia and South Africa. With the new factory, Dell will be nearer to its customers and in a location from where it is easier to export.
“In Hortolandia, we are close to 70 percent of our customer base and to the largest cargo airport in Brazil (Viracopos). This will reduce shipping times and costs, and consequently improve customer experience, which is our final objective,” said Raymundo Peixoto, country manager, Dell Brazil.
With the relocation, Dell has plans to extend its presence on the Brazilian business market (the company focus in Brazil), where it is the leading company. To that end, it has the advantages of the new plant and a service portfólio that meets the specific needs of customers from small businesses to large corporations.
The Hortolandia plant features leading-edge technology and complies with the highest manufacturing and distribution standards. Owing to this, it will serve as a pilot plant for other Dell factories around the world.
“We are very pleased with our team. It is an exemplary plant and it reflects the excellent work that Brazil has performed so far,” said Peixoto.
In addition to the manufacturing facilities, the new plant also features an Executive Briefing Center where customers are provided with a view of Dell products and solutions. A minidatacenter and a virtual tour are the center attractions. For internal meetings, Dell designed 22 rooms, and the factory is also capable of operating three daily shifts.
“We are opening today an exemplary plant that is prepared to support our projected growth for the next three years,” said Laury Johnson, operations director for Dell Brazil.
Dell Prioritizes Employees’ Well-Being
Similar to the Eldorado do Sul plant, Dell has made efforts to provide a pleasant work environment to its employees. Mindful of this, the company created a Communication Center for employees who work on the factory floor as they do not have integral access to e-mails and Internet/intranet. The center features 30 desktops where they can securely access the company’s tools, and become informed. The center is open the whole day and Dell employees can use it during their breaks.
Another differential is the Ergonometric improvement concept. In line with the concept, Dell has developed assembly work areas (or “cells”) that adjust to worker’s height and weight.
“This way, we prevent unnecessary physical strain and take care of our employees’ health,” said Johnson.
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