Davis-Standard reports over $30 million in sales in Latin America

"Brazil is an excellent market for Davis-Standard, with an expanding middle class that supports the need for improved packaging materials, medical products and automotive components," he said. "Davis-Standards' products help our Brazilian customers expand their market reach and customer base."

Still, Brazil imposes high tariffs on imports across many sectors, including plastics and industrial machinery. Florence said Brazil does have high import duties on equipment depending on whether there are local suppliers with the same technology. In cases where there isn't a Brazilian supplier, the import duties are nominal, he said.

Film manufacturer Softfilm of São Paulo, Brazil recently purchased its third Davis-Standard line to support the company's stretch and melt embossed film business. The new line will be designed for producing diaper film backsheet and coated nonwovens. The line features an unwind as well as a unique embossing unit to support production of a softer end product.

Softfilm is new to the Brazilian filmmaking scene, having been in business for just over two years. Softfilm purchased its first Davis-Standard line in 2009 and a second line in 2010. According to Alberto Beda, president of Softfilm, the new Davis-Standard line will be beneficial in supporting customers throughout South America.

"As our business develops, we plan to add additional Davis-Standard lines," he said. "Our diaper and stretch film business are both doing well and we anticipate continued growth."