Vacon wins contract in sugar industry in Brazil

Press Release

The Finland-based variable speed AC drives manufacturer Vacon has
signed a contract through its Brazilian partner Vorax Acionamentos e
Automação Ltda. With AC drives to be delivered to Usina José
Bonifácio, a sugar manufacturing company in São Paulo, Brazil, Vacon
will extend its market coverage in the country and further strengthen
its position in the sugar cane industry.

Vorax won the contract for a total of 5 sugar mill systems including
drives as well as drives cabinet assembly, commissioning and
start-up. The systems to be delivered to Usina José Bonifácio will be
controlled by Vacon AC drives of 690 V. "For Vacon close cooperation
with distributors such as Vorax plays an essential role in
development of the multi-channel sales that aims for the widest
possible geographical coverage," says Mr Heikki Hiltunen, Executive
Vice President, Vacon."The sugar industry is an important market in Brazil, and we are very
pleased that such an important customer as Usina José Bonifácio has
chosen us as their drives supplier," says Mr Claudio Luis Baccarelli,
Area Manager for South America, Vacon.

Often the primary fuel source at sugar mills is bagasse, the biomass
remaining after sugarcane stalks are crushed to extract their juice.
Brazil has initiated investments in modern facilities at sugar mills
producing cogeneration, i.e. combined heat and electricity (CHP).
Heat energy is used at the mill, and electricity is typically sold to
the consumer electricity grid. Electrification of sugar mills reduces
steam consumption of the system, and thus, more energy will be
available for sale. Furthermore, the use of AC drives improves
efficiency levels and dynamic response, decreases mechanical stress,
and thus, increases production levels.
Brazil is one of the world's major producers of sugar and ethanol."With this project, Vorax extends its range of applications in sugar
and ethanol plants, where we already have references for example for
cane hoists, conveyor tables, conveyor belts, pumps and fans and
sugar centrifugal machines," says Mrs Rosana Moraes, General Manager,
Vorax.

Usina José Bonifácio is part of Grupo Virgolino de Oliveira, a major
producer of sugar and ethanol, and a member of Copersugar, the main
association of sugar producers in Brazil. Copersugar consists of 87
associate members 29 of which are sugar and ethanol production units
located in the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Paraná, Brazil.

Vacon in brief:
Vacon Group was founded in 1993 for one purpose only: to create,
develop and provide AC drives worldwide. The company's ambition is to
meet the most demanding needs of customers looking for the ultimate
in performance, ease of use and reliability. Vacon offers AC drives
in the power range of 0.25 kW...5 MW. In 2006, the Group revenues
totalled EUR 186.4 million.

Vacon Group

Further information:

Mr Heikki Hiltunen, Executive Vice President, Products and Markets,
Vacon Group, mobile +358 (0)40 8371 609

Press contact:

Ms Catarina Fant, Director, Brand Management and Communications,
Vacon Group,
phone +358 201 212 276, mobile +358 (0)40 8371 276,
e-mail catarina.fant(at)vacon.com