RFS expands Brazil factory as LatAm demand jumps

Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) has expanded its production line for jumper products at its Brazilian plant in Embu das Artes, São Paulo state, to meet growing demand from clients in Latin America and other global units of the group.

The Brazilian unit is the company's sole plant in the region.

In a statement, the US wireless and broadcast infrastructure provider said it invested over 2mn reais (US$540,000) in the expansion, doubling its production capacity. RFS also doubled the number of local employees.

According to the company, all jumpers are now 100% tested in production (VSWR and low passive intermodulation PIM) with state-of-the-art technology and high-quality processes.

"With the modernization of networks and adoption of new frequencies and technologies (LTE Advanced, MIMO 4x4, 5G, refarming, 3.5GHz band), more equipment will be needed, such as antennas, multiplexers, ERBs. This new network scenario will consequently increase the demand for jumpers to achieve the necessary interconnections," said Wilson Conti, general manager and sales VP for Latin America.

RFS reported 14% growth in Latin American sales in 2017. For this year, the company expects to at least maintain the same rate of growth.