Smiths Detection has purchased its Brazilian distributor from EBCO Systems Limited to take direct control over sales of its advanced security and detection products in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

EBCO, based in Sao Paulo, has been the exclusive distributor for Smiths Detection in Brazil since 1994; selling and servicing a wide range of X-ray and trace detection systems to customs authorities, airports, and prisons.

The new company, called Smiths Detection Brazil, will comprise the sales and service organization of EBCO’s security and detection side and will employ about 55 people. The purchased company’s gross assets totaled $2 million.  EBCO’s separate airfield lighting business is unaffected.

Cherif Rizkalla, Chief Commercial Officer of Smiths Detection, commented that EBCO has been an outstanding partner for Smiths Detection in Brazil over the years. Rizkalla noted that EBCO’s full integration into Smiths Detection’s global business will strengthen Smiths’ position as the country’s leading supplier of detection solutions.

Philip Bowman, Chief Executive of Smiths Group, noted that Brazil is one of the biggest and fastest-growing economies in the world. The acquisition gives Smiths Group direct control over a well-established sales and service network to leverage long-term value from the expanding market and allows it to maximize in-country profits.

Smiths Detection systems are deployed throughout the vast country, from airports and ports in major cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to remote border crossings in the Amazon.

Smiths Detection offers advanced security solutions in civil and military markets worldwide, developing and manufacturing government-regulated technology products that identify explosives, chemical and biological agents, weapons and contraband.

It is part of Smiths Group, a global leader in applying advanced technologies to markets in threat as well as contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 23,000 people in more than 50 countries.

The company provides fully integrated systems including bio detection and identification, protective shelters, meteorological measurement, mobile security checkpoints and for chem/bio applications. The investment now sees Smiths Detection take over its distribution business in Latin America’s largest economy, with a view to increasing its presence and market position.

Smiths customer communities include the military, first responders, transportation authorities, customs officials and those responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure. The company has global Research and Development Centers in six countries and systems deployed from Alaska to New Zealand.