May 29, 2007 — Portland, OR-based Esco Corp., manufacturers cast-metal wear-parts and industrial components for mining, construction, power generation, and aerospace markets, has formed a joint venture with Brazilian firm in a similar product niche.

Soldering Comrcio e Indstria Ltda. producs wear-resistant steel products for mining, industrial, sugar, heavy construction, and cement manufacturers. It also sells its products through dealers representing equipment manufacturers like Caterpillar and Komatsu.

Soldering will gain access to Esco' metallurgical, R&D, and engineering expertise, and gains commercial rights to Esco products in Brazil. Esco will gain better distribution throughout Brazil, and manufacturing presence in Latin America.

According to Esco chairman and CEO Steve Pratt, the venture links two companies "committed to providing superior products and customers service." Esco said the venture will link both companies' competitive advantages, namely, Soldering's regional name recognition and Esco's global reputation.