The plan is to expand local manufacturing new products

Canon's factory in Oita, in southern Japan, an engineer demonstrates how to make welding of internal circuitry of a main Board from digital cameras. The demonstration, illustrative purposes only, serves to show visitors the work done by a robot developed by Canon. The equipment is located in a closed Chamber and is capable of welding ten components per second. In another environment are factory produced the lenses of the cameras. The process automated, also will join the glass heating of lenses to form the lens.
Founded in 1982, the Oita unit is considered the main factory of Canon cameras and produces 9.6 thousand units per day. The Japanese manufacturer produces all components of their cameras, to ensure the quality of products. Currently, more than half of the production is automated and much of the equipment used in industrial wing were developed by the company.
The technology adopted in Oita will be applied to the factory that Canon intends to open in July in Manaus. The unit was built with an investment of 100 million yen ($ 2.8 million), with expectation to produce 700 thousand cameras in three years. The components for the Assembly of digital cameras in Brazil will be provided by Canon factories in Oita and Nagasaki, both in Japan.
Integrate the style and Japanese technology to the Brazilian unit is an exciting task for Jun Otsuka, President of Canon of Brazil. The Executive began his career with Canon in Tokyo, as an intern, in 1982. Otsuka is ten years ahead of the Brazilian operation, but his first contact with the country took place in childhood, when swapped passes with Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Pelé, in a visit that the player made to Japan. Not for nothing, Otsuka twists to the Saints.
"In July, the Canon begins the production of compact cameras and gives further studies for the production of other equipment in the country," said Otsuka.
For years, the Canon acted indirectly in Brazil, through Elgin and Opeco representatives. Last year, the company went on to act directly, with the import and retail sale of compact cameras. In addition, hired a team to the servicing of cameras.
After the compact digital cameras, Canon plans, from 2014, producing lines of professional cameras (which allow the exchange of lenses) in the country. The number of employees of the plant will be extended from 60 to 100 people. The extension of lines professionals in the long run will depend on the demand in the Brazilian market.
Another project includes the manufacture in the country of printing equipment, mammography, ultrasound and resonance tomography, 3D view, facing the medical sector. "The local manufacturing of the line depends on approval of Anvisa [the national health surveillance agency]," said the Executive.
The less favorable economic scenario in Brazil was not discouraged the Canon. "This will not change in any plans for the country," said Otsuka. The production in Manaus will be destined to the Brazilian market. "The cost of labor in the country is not as competitive as in Asia and the logistics to export from Manaus is complicated," he said.
Despite the high production, produce in Brazil pays off in terms of tax benefits, including reduction of ICMS, PIS and Cofins (zero rate, down from 9.25%) and IPI zero (20%) charge against. These taxes, plus the import tax (20%) tax rate, make the production cost 60% lower to bring digital cameras produced in Asia.
The factory of Manaus is the first company outside Asia. The Canon produces cameras in seven units, four in Japan and the other in China, Malaysia and Taiwan.