Osborne Industries Inc., a manufacturer of pig production equipment, has announced that it has reached an agreement with Brazil-based manufacturing company Plasson do Brasil to distribute Osborne's pig management equipment in Brazil.

The announcement comes one week before Plasson and Osborne will introduce their partnership to the Brazilian market at PorkExpo, Brazil's largest pork-specific conference and tradeshow, Oct. 28-30 in Foz de Iguazu, Brazil.

The development of Osborne's new distribution partnership with Plasson will allow pig farmers in Brazil to capture the unique strengths of both equipment suppliers. Plasson's expertise in the manufacture and sales of agricultural products, along with Osborne's experience in developing pig production equipment, will benefit farming practices in the emerging market in Brazil.

Osborne South America sales representative Claudio Faundez said, "Osborne's unique relationship with Plasson will allow the pig industry in Brazil to modernize production practices with 21st century technology and North American pig production techniques."

Part of this agreement also includes the manufacturing of Osborne equipment parts and assembly by Plasson

"Having parts built and equipment assembled in Brazil is another huge advantage to Brazilian producers, with more affordable equipment and easier access to local financing," Faundez said.

According to Osborne president and chief executive officer George Eakin, Plasson is now qualified to supply and service Osborne's trademark products like the Stanfield pig heating pad and Big Wheel pig feeder. Plasson will also install and service the Osborne TEAM (Total Electronic Animal Management) electronic sow feeding (ESF) system, FIRE (Feed Intake Recording Equipment) pig performance testing system and Weight Watcher pig growth management and sorting system.

Headquartered in Israel, Plasson has a distribution network in more than 80 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Germany, Italy, France, England, Australia, India and Brazil. The company will begin marketing Osborne and Plasson-branded products to the pork industry within the year.