Braun Corp. Enters Brazilian Accessibility Market

• By Laurie Watanabe
• Sep 30, 2013

Braun, headquartered in Winamac, Ind., has signed a partnership agreement with FOCA Controles de Acessos Ltda., a company that manufactures access control systems, including bus lifts, turnstiles and accompanying gates that swing open to admit wheelchairs and other wheeled vehicles. FOCA Controles de Acessos's clients include bus stations critical to public transportation systems in Brazil, Guatemala and Mexico.

In a news announcement, Braun Corp. said it would be partnering with FOCA Controles de Acessos to "establish an extensive and powerful line of wheelchair lifts to serve the rapidly growing accessible transportation market in Brazil and throughout Latin America."

"We are enthused about this opportunity to partner with FOCA to further improve the lives of people with physical disabilities throughout the world," Braun Corp. President Nick Gutwein said in the news announcement. "FOCA has strong leadership, a reputation for manufacturing quality, and shared values grounded in a commitment to caring for its customers. We are delighted to be a part of this team."

Gabriel Stumpf, CEO of FOCA Controles de Acessos, said of the partnership, "We are very excited to start this new moment with the world's leading manufacturer of equipment for mobility. We believe this will be a very important development for FOCA and Braun, not only in Brazil but throughout Latin America, and we want to share this exciting experience with all our employees and customers."