Embraer has both literally and figuratively opened a new entrance gate at its main industrial complex, the Ozires Silva Unit, in São José dos Campos, as part of its 55th anniversary celebration. The company was founded in Brazil on August 19, 1969.
The eight-meter-wide new entrance features a historic EMB-110 Bandeirante aircraft suspended at 10 meters high. Previously in an internal area of the company, it is now positioned for permanent display closer to the avenue that gives access to the factory and the city’s airport.
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“The new portal represents the takeoff of a dream that became a reality, thanks to the efforts of a group of visionaries who believed that it was possible for Brazil to build its own aircraft,” said Luis Carlos Marinho, Executive Vice President & COO at Embraer. “The Bandeirante aircraft is a historic symbol of the company, and we are very happy to position it as a monument at the company’s main entrance in order to inspire our people and the community of São José dos Campos.”
The architectural design enhances both safety and comfort for accessing the company while integrating with the local landscape. This allows the public to appreciate the design and strengthens the connection with the community.
The first Embraer factory, which in 2021 was renamed “Ozires Silva” unit in honour of the engineer and former Air Force officer who led the group of visionaries responsible for creating the company in 1969, was the production site for the company’s historic aircraft such as the Bandeirante, Xavante, Ipanema, Xingu, Brasília, Tucano, AMX, the ERJ-145 family and executive jets. Currently, it mainly focuses on the development, manufacturing and support activities of the E-Jets E1 and E2 family of commercial jets.