SAO PAULO, Brazil – Jim Balsillie announced that Research in Motion has signed an agreement with Flextronics to manufacture the Curve 8520 in Brazil. RIM is aiming at capturing the huge potential market in Latin America, led by Brazil. Balsillie described Latin America as an up-and-coming Western Europe.

The manufacturer already makes devices in Mexico, which helped it secure a 35% market share in the country.

Exciting news for Latin America, as RIM follows in the footsteps of other cellular infrastructure manufacturers, such as Motorola, Lucent, and Nortel, who have had manufacturing operations in Brazil and other parts of Latin America for over a decade. This led to increased business in the region, and the economic benefits of some exports. RIM should be able to capitalize on the same conditions, with less risk due to the relationship with Flextronics, which is already well established there.

Local manufacture does generate pride in product and local sales. Other countries with large potential markets are Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Columbia, with the others following closely. RIM has extended its reach into a rich and diverse cultural region, with high interest in exploring and exploiting technology to communicate via voice and data. Brazilian Curves will be the first of many BlackBerry’s to become popular in Latin America.

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RIM Announces Brazilian Production Deal with Flextronics