Why processing in Panama is perfect for equipment manufacturers

With easy shipping connections to key ports on WW Ocean and EUKOR trade networks, the Manzanillo EPC is perfectly located for customers delivering their machines to Central and South American markets.

Our skilled team of experts at the Manzanillo EPC have the space, experience and competencies to efficiently meet your processing needs.

Our extensive services include pre-delivery inspection, accessory fitting, repairs and rectifications, short- and long-term storage, and the receipt and dispatch of machines.

To maintain the quality of all equipment stored at our EPC, we apply a high-performance coating to ensure long-term protection of all metal parts. Customers can choose from three different types of coating, depending on their needs and the equipment specification.

We also carry out monthly maintenance according to the needs and requests of individual customers and exercise the equipment to ensure it remains fit for end user delivery. “For excavators, we rotate the equipment 360 degrees and mobilise its arms, buckets and blades to check the entire hydraulic system works correctly,” says site manager Roberto Jaen.

The EPC is located at the Manzanillo terminal itself, which allows us to receive and deliver products without the need to load them on a truck or low bed, which results in further cost and time savings for customers.

Plus, our site offers 15,000m2 of outdoor storage capacity with expansion possibilities, and large indoor storage and workshop space, eliminating the need for customers to invest in their own facilities.

“Panama has unparalleled connectivity for the entire American continent, from North to South America, including the Caribbean islands,” says Jaen, adding that the EPC’s location gives customers great flexibility in receiving their cargo from origin until shipment to its final destination. “Due to our geographical location, we can receive cargo from, and ship it to, the entire world – the US, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, among others,” says Jaen.

Our EPC’s location in the Colón Free Trade Zone (FTZ) means that customers can hold finished inventory and parts closer to important markets without the intervention of the customs authorities, in turn reducing order-to-delivery time, minimising opportunity loss and reducing overall costs.

In addition, by using an FTZ, companies may also delay paying import duties or avoid them altogether. “Our customers benefit from not paying any taxes or import and export duties when cargo is only in transit,” says Jaen.

An added benefit is that our EPC has its own customs office, which speeds up entry processes into and shipping operations out of our facility.