Lula makes his first visit to Avibras after resuming the company's production, in Jacareí President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) stated, this Friday (24), that the federal government will increase orders for Avibras and strengthen the national defense industry. During a visit to the factory, in Jacareí (SP), he also guaranteed that part of the resources allocated to the company will be used to pay off workers' unpaid wages. Alongside Lula, the vice-president and minister of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), stated that the resumption of Avibras has already allowed the hiring of 480 employees and said that the company is expected to grow. ? Click here to follow the g1 Vale do Paraíba and region channel on WhatsApp According to him, this advance could enable the reopening of the Lorena factory, responsible for the production of inputs for rocket fuels, missiles and launchers. "The reopening of the company allowed it to hire 480 employees and its tendency is to grow and Avibras, once again growing, reopens another factory in Lorena, where it manufactures inputs for rocket fuel, missiles and launchers", he said. President Lula and delegation on the agenda at Avibras, in Jacareí. João Mota/TV Vanguarda The vice-president also highlighted that Avibras is strategic for Brazil and stated that the country has significantly expanded exports in the defense sector. According to him, sales went from US$600 million in 2022 to US$3.4 billion last year. "It's a strategic industry. Brazil, in defense products in 2022, exported US$ 600 million. Last year [it was] US$ 3.4 billion, increasing Brazilian exports five times. Avibras has everything to resume [growth] and it is very important for Brazil to have a defense with technology, persuasive capacity, this is extremely important for the country, for the development of Brazil", he added. During his speech, Lula stated that the Ministry of Defense will prepare new orders to strengthen the capacity of the Armed Forces and guarantee demand for national industry. According to him, Brazil needs to invest in technology and equipment to ensure its sovereignty and defense capacity. The president also stated that each resource that enters Avibras must allocate a portion to the payment of workers' back wages, in accordance with the agreement signed during the company's recovery process. Lula during a visit to Avibras, in Jacareí Reproduction/TV Vanguarda Resumption of Avibras The resumption of activities at Avibras, in Jacareí, took place after the signing of an agreement to pay labor debts, estimated at around R$230 million, in March. The commitment was signed between the company and the Metalworkers Union of São José dos Campos and region, after approval by the workers. Avibras had been facing financial difficulties since 2022. In March of that year, the company announced 420 layoffs, which were later reversed, and filed for judicial recovery. Months later, in September 2022, workers began a strike over nonpayment of wages. The strike lasted more than three years, totaling around 1,280 days, and was considered one of the longest in the country. During this period, the company accumulated debts with around 1,400 employees. Avibras is accredited as a strategic defense company See more news from Vale do Paraíba and the Bragantina region