Rustless Technology, a Brazilian anti-corrosion firm, will open its North American headquarters in Manatee County and plans to hire 200 workers.

CEO and co-founder Andre Cavalcanti announced the expansion Monday at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce's Lakewood Ranch office, as first reported by the Business Observer. The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp. hosted the event.

"This is the beginning of a new chapter for Rustless in North America," Cavalcanti said.

The company has not yet chosen a permanent site. It will operate initially out of the International Trade Hub at SeaPort Manatee in Palmetto while it searches for a long-term location. No hiring timeline, capital investment figure or site-selection deadline has been disclosed.

Technology protects metal without halting operations

Rustless makes proprietary technology that uses electrons to protect metal from corrosion. The system works on assets that are exposed, submerged or buried, with applications in marine, port, industrial and energy settings.

Technicians visit client sites every four months for maintenance. The company's client list includes the Brazilian Navy, Bosch, John Deere, Siemens and Unilever.

Business development firm brought Rustless to Manatee

Oxford Group USA, an international business development firm also based at the trade hub, introduced Rustless to the area. Oxford Group President and CEO Carlo Barbieri said in a statement that the county's port, industrial base and business climate give Rustless what it needs to expand.

Corrosion costs the U.S. $1.06 trillion a year, Oxford Group International Business Development Manager Leonor Medeiros told attendees at Monday's event. Medeiros said Rustless' technology can be deployed without halting a client's operations.

Why Rustless chose Manatee County

Bradenton Area EDC President and CEO Shirar O'Connor said the deal stands out because of what Rustless brings to the county. "They're bringing in new technology. They're bringing in intellectual property to our county that we don't have, and this … strengthens our economy as well," O'Connor said.

Cavalcanti cited Manatee County's infrastructure, "strong business environment" and "people who believe in innovation" as reasons for the choice. The company said it plans to service global clients from its Manatee County base and expand local operations as demand grows.