October 16, 2008 - Royal Philips Electronics opened the first magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) manufacturing facility in Latin America, as part of Philips' strategy to service emerging healthcare markets.
Starting in November 2008, the plant will also produce CT devices, making it the only site in Latin America manufacturing the two types of equipment. Customers across Latin America will benefit from shorter delivery periods and reduced equipment costs, said Philips.
“The use of advanced diagnostic equipment such as the devices that will be manufactured at the new facility is well established in hospitals across the region,” said Daurio Speranzini Júnior, vice president for Philips Healthcare in Latin America. “This factory is part of Philips’ strategy to offer the right solutions in the right markets, and reflects our belief in the growing importance of emerging markets such as Latin America.”
Three types of MR devices will be manufactured in Brazil: the Intera 1.5T and Achieva 1.5T and 3.0T. Initially, 70 percent of the components for the devices will be imported, but Philips’ intention is to increase the proportion of locally-produced components to 60 percent by mid-2010. The company is currently identifying and equipping locally-based factories to enable them to manufacture many of the highly advanced components used in the devices.
The delivery time of the products is set to be substantially reduced from 8 months to 30 days. There will also be a reduction of around 15 percent on the final price of the MR equipment due to a combination of reduced taxes and lowered production costs.
For more information: www.medical.philips.com
March 31, 2026 
