We'll be pioneers in this path for Chinese industry here
The factory will create approximately 100 direct jobs and serve as a production hub for Brazil and Latin America, with each MRI unit valued at around US$2.2 million. Santa Catarina's strategic location near ports, qualified workforce, technical universities, and fiscal incentives were key factors in the company's site selection decision.
- R$250 million investment in Porto Belo, Santa Catarina
- Approximately 100 direct jobs created
- Each MRI machine valued at US$2.2 million (R$10 million)
- 5% of operational revenue committed to research and development
- First Brazilian manufacturing facility for Neusoft Medical Systems
Neusoft Medical Systems, a leading Chinese medical technology company, announced a R$250 million investment to build its first Brazilian manufacturing facility in Porto Belo, Santa Catarina, focusing on MRI equipment production.
Neusoft Medical Systems, one of the world's largest medical technology companies, is building its first Brazilian factory in Porto Belo, a coastal town in northern Santa Catarina. The Chinese firm announced a R$250 million investment on Monday, June 1st, with state governor Jorginho Mello present for the declaration. The facility will manufacture magnetic resonance imaging equipment—machines that cost roughly US$2.2 million, or about R$10 million, each.
The company has operated in Brazil for more than a decade but decided to establish manufacturing here rather than simply importing finished products. Alberto Mariotti, the general manager for Neusoft in Brazil, explained the reasoning behind choosing Santa Catarina specifically. The state's proximity to major ports, its fiscal incentives, the ease of moving goods from port to final customers, and the availability of skilled workers trained through local universities and technical schools all factored into the decision. Mariotti suggested the move could open doors for other Chinese manufacturers considering Brazil. "Other Chinese companies are already interested and starting conversations with us," he said. "We'll be pioneers in this path for Chinese industry here."
The Porto Belo facility will serve as both a production and operational base, initially targeting the Brazilian market but with plans to expand throughout Latin America. Neusoft has partnered with Dinan, an Argentine distributor of medical equipment, to help reach customers across the region. The factory is expected to create roughly 100 direct jobs, strengthening the local supply chain in healthcare, innovation, and technology sectors.
Beyond the factory itself, Neusoft committed to dedicating 5 percent of the operation's revenue to research and development work in Santa Catarina. This includes collaborations with state universities and participation in local workforce development programs. Gil Prayon, president of InvestSC, the state's investment promotion agency, emphasized what the deal means for the region. "We're receiving a global leader in health technology," he said, noting that the company plans to bring roughly 100 engineers to the state alongside the manufacturing infrastructure.
The choice of Santa Catarina reflects a broader calculation about what makes a location attractive for high-value industrial investment. Prayon pointed to the state's competitive advantages: ease of doing business, security, port access, and a business-friendly environment. The facility is currently in the implementation phase in Porto Belo, with production expected to begin in the coming months. The investment signals confidence in Brazil's medical device market and suggests that other foreign manufacturers may follow Neusoft's lead in establishing regional manufacturing bases rather than relying on imports alone.
Notable Quotes
Santa Catarina's proximity to ports, fiscal incentives, ease of moving goods from port to customers, and qualified workforce trained through universities and technical schools were key factors in the decision.— Alberto Mariotti, general manager of Neusoft Medical Systems in Brazil
We're receiving a global leader in health technology, with an estimated R$250 million investment and roughly 100 engineers coming to the state.— Gil Prayon, president of InvestSC
The Hearth Conversation Another angle on the story
Why would a Chinese company choose to manufacture in Brazil rather than just ship finished machines from China?
Because the machines are enormous and expensive—each one costs millions of dollars. Shipping them across the ocean adds cost and complexity. If you're serving the whole Latin American market, it makes more sense to build them closer to your customers.
What makes Santa Catarina special? There are other states in Brazil.
Ports, mainly. You need to move raw materials in and finished products out quickly. But also the workforce—the state has universities and technical schools that train people in engineering and manufacturing. That's not everywhere in Brazil.
The company is committing 5 percent of revenue to research and development. That seems like a lot.
It's a condition of the investment. The state wanted to make sure this wasn't just a factory that assembles imported parts. They wanted genuine innovation happening in Santa Catarina, not just labor.
Will this actually attract other Chinese companies?
That's what Mariotti suggested. Once one major manufacturer establishes itself and works out the logistics and relationships, others see it's viable. It becomes a beachhead.
What's the real economic impact of 100 jobs in a state like Santa Catarina?
It depends on the wages and the multiplier effect. These are engineering and manufacturing jobs, not low-wage work. People earning good salaries spend money locally—they rent apartments, eat at restaurants, buy goods. The impact spreads beyond just those 100 people.