Mabey builds bridges with Brazilian Army
The delivery of eight bridges and ramp sets is the second of four scheduled deliveries as part of Project Multiplication Capacity of LSB Material from the Department of Engineering and Construction, and quadruples the number of LSBs used by the Brazilian Army.
The bridges will be used as contingency stock for civil emergencies distributed in eight Army commands across the world’s fifth-largest country. The Brazilian army is the second largest of the Americas.
Stefan Backeljauw, international sales director of Mabey Bridge, said: “We are delighted to be working with Government of Brazil, through the Brazilian Army`s Engineering and Construction Department (DEC), to supply Logistic Support Bridges. This is a significant contract attained on the back of positive feedback from previous bridges bought by the same client.
“The bridges, which will be manufactured at Mabey Bridge’s UK manufacturing facilities in the UK will be transported to Brazil by ship, and will be used for civil emergencies including floods, landslides and when existing bridges have failed.
“Brazil has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world and a population three times the size of the UK. Alongside our work in other territories, our recent successes there are certainly something to be proud of.”
Mabey Bridge, which employs 600 people in the UK and internationally with a turnover exceeding £80m per annum, was chosen to supply the structures after working previously in a successful supply to the Government of Brazil on a similar project in 2009.
The Mabey Logistic Support Bridge is in service with the British, Swedish and Spanish armies and has been purchased by many NATO and NATO Partner nations, including the German, Portuguese and Irish armies. It has also been used extensively on operations by the US Army, the US Marine Corps and the US Navy Seabees. This proven military bridge system has successfully replaced many countries' ageing stocks of original Bailey and Heavy Girder bridging.
The product can be used to replace damaged civilian bridges, enable upgrades for heavier traffic and provides long-span floating bridge capability.
Diego Menard from Mabey Bridge said: “The Logistic Support Bridges offer the flexibility, strength and durability required to ensure our contingency plans for civil emergencies are well covered. The bridges will be deployed to strategic locations across the country, meaning they will be able to be brought into service at very short notice.
“Our connection with the Brazilian Army ensures the construction and logistical expertise needed, not only to manufacture but to also bring the bridges to Brazil. Through this contract Mabey Bridge delivers outstanding aftersales service and we also provide enhanced training. Mabey Bridge also supplied the Brazilian Army back in 2009, so its equipment is proven. However, with significant experience of supplying this type of bridging all over the world in disaster and emergency zones, Mabey Bridge was a natural partner for this project.”
The package of bridges will also be used to support emergencies wherever they happen in the regions of Rio de Janeiro, Teresina, Cachoeira do Sul, Porto Velho, Porto União, Natal, Aquidauana and Ipameri. They will be deployed when needed, and dismantled and returned to storage after use.
