Firm was making waves in Brazil

Relations between Paisley and Brazil were flourishing in February 1979 — thanks to a leading international company based in the town.

The link between the town and the South American country is the giant thread making firm of Coats Paton, which operated Ferguslie and Anchor Mills in Paisley.

And the company’s chairman, William Henry, stated that Coats Paton would continue to expand in Brazil, where the firm was the longest established multi-national.

The expansion would be carried out through the reinvestment of the firm’s profits.

Mr Henry was attending a seminar on Brazil in the Albany Hotel, where he stated that it was the number one overseas country in which to invest.

“Brazil still adheres to the work ethic,”he said.

“The population wishes to succeed and knows what is involved.

“The attitude of the government to foreign investment if equally sound.”

The chairman said his predecessors started trading with Brazil in the middle of the 19th century.

“Things were not always easy,”Mr Henry said.

“At one time, I thought a great deal about the potential opportunities in that vast country without being over optimistic that Brazil would realise its tremendous potential.

“But I became convinced that Brazil would finally begin to realise its potential.”