Affonso Henriques B. Carvalhaes: A pioneer in innovative technologies in the Metal Packaging Printing Industry
Career path of Affonso Henriques B. Carvalhaes, New Business Director at Dugraf.
Affonso Carvalhaes, a mechanical engineer with a postgraduate degree in Production Engineering and an MBA in Business Management, began his career in the metal packaging steel segment in 1992, influenced by his father, an important figure in this sector and from whom he also inherited his name and surname. "I grew up watching my father work in this area with great dedication, which sparked my interest from an early age," says Affonso. His career began at a packaging steel distribution and processing company in the interior of Rio de Janeiro, where he was put in charge of the technical and mechanical maintenance department while still studying engineering.
As his career progressed, Affonso joined a leading metalworking company in Rio de Janeiro, one of the largest in Brazil at the time, where he had the opportunity to work in all the technical sectors, from pre-press to printing, and rose to the position of business unit manager at the age of 28. During this period, he also made several international trips, learning about the most innovative technologies in the metal printing sector and meeting important representatives of this market from around the world. "These trips were crucial to my education, allowing me to bring the latest developments to Brazil," he reflects.
Entrepreneurship and Expansion
In 2002, Affonso founded Metalitho Soluções em Metalgrafia, anticipating the Brazilian market's need for new technologies and expertise. "I saw a gap in the market that needed to be filled with advanced technical knowledge and cutting-edge technologies," says Carvalhaes. The company began by offering training, qualification in emerging technologies, reconditioning equipment and even operated a specialized mechanical workshop. For 15 years, Metalitho represented the British company Crabtree of Gateshead in Brazil and other South American countries, an important manufacturer of sheet metal printing and varnishing equipment.
"We were responsible for selling dozens of printing and varnishing units on the Brazilian market and pioneering the supply of four-color UV printing lines," Carvalhaes points out.
The partnership with the Continental group, which began in 2005, followed by collaboration with the Dugraf Group, has enabled Affonso to supply high-performance inputs to the metalworking industry, significantly contributing to the modernization of operations in the sector.
Current Impact and Future Plans
Most recently, Affonso was research, development and innovation manager at the Incoflandres group, where he led innovative projects that raised the group's quality and competitiveness standards.
"At Incoflandres, I coordinated projects that really changed the panorama of our production, projecting the Incoflandres group with visibility on an international level," he says.
Currently, in addition to his activities at Metalitho, he is Business Director at Dugraf Group, leading the company's international expansion, with a special focus on the opening of a new unit in Mexico.
Personal Life
Outside of work, Affonso is a devoted father and outdoor enthusiast. He is also a passionate vintage car enthusiast, looking after his 1951 Chevrolet pick-up for over 17 years.
"My free time is dedicated to my family and the passions that rejuvenate me," says Affonso.
Affonso Carvalhaes' career is an example of dedication, innovation and leadership in the metal packaging printing industry. With a robust career and a significant impact on the industry, Affonso continues to positively influence the future of metal printing, both in Brazil and internationally. Dugraf is proud to have such a visionary leader on its team, steering the company towards new horizons and continued success.