Electric Motors in São Paulo, Brazil 1900–1950

Abstract

The engineering achievements and milestones in the application, repair, design and manufacture of electric motors in São Paulo from 1900 until 1950 are described in the economic and technological contexts of the time. The application of electric motors in the State of São Paulo began at the same time as its industrialization, which was driven by the reinvestment of capital accumulated from coffee exports and manufacturing activities, most notably in the textile industry. Both railways and electricity utilities were a source of training for skilled labour, and an outstanding school of engineering was founded to support industrialization. Immigrants established the first motor repair shops. With the import restrictions imposed by WWII some of them became manufacturers, often in association with either equipment manufacturers or importers seeking local suppliers. A lack of materials and parts, which were previously imported, demanded ingenuity from the new manufacturers in order to develop viable alternatives and modify design criteria. These processes were supported by the Polytechnic School and its associated Institute of Electrotechnics.