Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. (GPA), a U.S. Naval Architecture and Marine, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Firm, founded in 1979 and headquartered in Seattle, Wa., is further expanding its international focus. After establishing the subsidiaries GPA Shanghai in 2004 and Guido Perla Europe GmbH (GPE) in Germany in early 2008, GPA has now established of Guido Perla Latin America EIRL (GPLA) in Santiago, Chile.
By creating a direct presence in Latin America, GPA is reacting to the incredible expansion in that market that has been defined as a target for GPA for the coming years. “The local market is developing very attractive projects that we want to take part in, and therefore, we need to be prepared to support and serve our clients during the complete execution of the projects” says Paulina Alvarez, Business Manager of GPLA.
GPLA will be executing multiple functions, which encompass providing naval architecture support to the GPA headquarters in Seattle, working in conjunction with the GPA design and engineering staff, as well as providing technical assistance, and Project and Contract Management to local shipyards that are currently constructing GPA designs, thus reinforcing the company’s approach of direct communication and close working relationships throughout the development and construction process.
“A local presence facilitates keeping a close liaison with clients after launch and delivery with respect to the operation and maintenance of each vessel,” says Mario Villa, Engineering Manager of GPLA. “One of our main assets and differentiation points is that GPA has always developed special solutions that suit each client’s needs, therefore it is of advantage for us to be closer and more accessible to our clients in order to get a better understanding of their situation, needs and requirements,” Mr. Villa adds.
In addition to the naval architectural and engineering support function, GPLA will be closely monitoring the fast growing marine industry in the region, especially within, but not exclusively, the Oil and Gas sector. GPA’s extensive portfolio includes vessel types ranging from Platform Support Vessels (PSV), Fast Supply Vessels (FSV), Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessels (AHTS), CNG Carriers, Tugs, Barges, Icebreakers, Cargo Vessels, Fast Pilot Boats, Ferries, Research Vessels, Fireboats, Navy Vessels, Fishing Vessels, Yachts, Excursion-, Cruise-, and Casino Vessels, thus the company holds experience in a number of highly complex marine industry sectors.
Temporarily, the GPA Latin American office is located in the heart of the business and commercial district in Santiago, Chile, while the permanent office, located nearby, is being prepared to be ready by mid 2009. By the end of 2009, GPLA expects to employ approximately ten employees, ranging from naval architects to lofters and design drafts men to support GPA’s services, which include Conceptual and Preliminary Design, Bid Packages and Regulatory Design, Scientific/Engineering Analysis, Feasibility Studies, Production Engineering, Construction Management and Owner Representation.
Guido Perla Latin America EIRL:
Av. Cerro Colorado 5240
Torres del Bosque II, Piso 10
Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Contact: Paulina Alvarez / Phone: 56.2.434 53 22, gpaLatAm@gpai.com
(www.gpai.com)