How to choose an EPC contractor for industrial projects in Latin America

atin America has become a strategic region for industrial investments across sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, chemicals, pulp and paper, mining, data centers, and advanced manufacturing. While the region offers competitive advantages, industrial projects also face regulatory, logistical, and execution complexities that can significantly impact cost, schedule, and performance.

In this context, choosing the right EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contractor is one of the most critical decisions for investors, manufacturers, and developers planning industrial projects in Latin America.

This article outlines the key criteria global companies should consider when selecting an EPC contractor and explains why local execution capability plays a decisive role in project success.

‍

‍

Understanding the EPC role in industrial projects

Under the EPC model, a single contractor assumes responsibility for:

• Engineering and detailed design
• Procurement of equipment and materials
• Construction and installation
• Integration, commissioning, and handover

For industrial projects, EPC delivery offers single‑point responsibility, reducing interface risks and simplifying governance — a major advantage in complex regional environments such as Latin America.

‍

‍

Key challenges of industrial projects in Latin America

Before selecting an EPC contractor, it is essential to understand the regional challenges that influence project execution:

• Complex and multi‑layered regulatory frameworks
• Lengthy and unpredictable permitting processes
• Infrastructure and logistics constraints
• Dependence on imported equipment and long lead times
• Local labor regulations and productivity variability

An EPC contractor must be capable of addressing these challenges in an integrated and proactive manner.

‍

‍

Key criteria for choosing an EPC contractor

1. Proven industrial project experience in the region

The most important criterion is relevant experience. EPC contractors should demonstrate:

• A strong portfolio of industrial projects in Latin America
• Experience in similar sectors and project scales
• Delivery under EPC or EPCM models
• Capability to execute both greenfield and brownfield projects

Regional experience significantly reduces execution uncertainty.

‍

‍

2. Local regulatory and permitting expertise

Regulatory and environmental approvals often dictate project schedules. A qualified EPC contractor should offer:

• Deep knowledge of local and national regulations
• Experience managing environmental licensing
• Familiarity with inspections and approval authorities
• Ability to integrate permitting requirements into project planning

Early regulatory alignment is essential to avoid redesign, delays, and scope changes.

‍

3. Strong engineering capability and design maturity

Industrial plants are often designed using international standards that require local adaptation. EPC contractors should provide:

• Multidisciplinary engineering teams
• Capability to adapt global standards to local codes
• Constructability‑focused design practices
• Engineering maturity before construction start

High‑quality engineering directly impacts cost control, safety, and execution efficiency.

‍

4. Integrated procurement and supply chain management

Procurement is a major risk factor in Latin American industrial projects. EPC contractors should demonstrate:

• Experience with imported equipment and customs processes
• Access to qualified local suppliers
• Management of long‑lead items
• Cost control and currency risk awareness

Integrated procurement planning is critical to protecting both schedule and budget.

‍

‍

5. Construction management and safety performance

Construction execution is where most risks materialize. A reliable EPC contractor must show:

• Strong site management and supervision
• Proven safety culture and performance indicators
• Experience managing local subcontractors
• Capability to execute fast‑track and complex schedules

Safety and productivity are key indicators of execution maturity.

‍

6. Project controls and governance

Transparent governance enables informed decision‑making. EPC contractors should provide:

• Integrated schedule and cost controls
• Clear reporting structures
• Risk identification and mitigation processes
• Structured change management

Strong project controls improve predictability and client confidence.

‍

EPC vs EPCM: selecting the right delivery approach

While EPC offers risk transfer and single‑point responsibility, some owners consider EPCM models for greater control. In Latin America:

• EPC is often preferred for schedule certainty and reduced interface risk
• EPCM may suit owners with strong internal project teams

The right EPC contractor should be able to advise objectively on the most appropriate model based on project goals and risk appetite.

‍

Why local EPC expertise makes a difference

Local presence is a decisive factor in EPC contractor selection. Local EPC partners provide:

• Faster response to regulatory and site issues
• Better understanding of regional constraints
• Stronger relationships with authorities and suppliers
• Practical execution knowledge

Combining local execution capability with international engineering standards significantly improves project outcomes in Latin America.

‍

‍

Why MSE Engenharia is the right EPC partner in Latin America

When selecting an EPC contractor for industrial projects in Latin America, global companies increasingly look for partners that combine engineering depth, execution capability, and local expertise.

‍

MSE Engenharia meets these criteria by offering:

• Extensive experience in industrial engineering and EPC delivery
• Proven execution of complex industrial projects across multiple sectors
• Strong local presence and regulatory expertise in Brazil and Latin America
• Integrated engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities
• Alignment with international standards and multinational client expectations

By acting as a trusted local EPC partner, MSE Engenharia supports industrial investors and manufacturers in delivering projects with predictable cost, reliable schedules, and controlled risk.

‍

Choosing the right EPC contractor is a strategic decision that directly impacts the success of industrial projects in Latin America. By carefully evaluating experience, local expertise, engineering capability, procurement strength, and execution performance, global companies can significantly reduce project risk.

For organizations seeking a reliable EPC partner capable of delivering industrial projects in Latin America with confidence and consistency, MSE Engenharia represents a solid and experienced choice.