OREANDA-NEWS. The program set a link to disseminate good practices among Downstream area suppliers between 2006 and 2012.

Companies adhering to the program were provided with guidelines on an annual basis to improve their processes and practices in order to enhance their business management and, thus, service provision. Among the requirements companies are evaluated in are management policy, workforce training, equipment maintenance, and Safety and Environment (HSE) management systems.

“I believe that with this program, a seed has been planted in each participating company, which, regardless of getting recognition of an award, has understood the importance of promoting ongoing improvements, bringing awareness to the people involved, and disseminating practices directly aimed at their employees and customers and other stakeholders,” said the executive manager for Corporate Downstream, Abilio Paulo Pinheiro Ramos.

This partnership was created with the major service providers relevant to Petrobras' Downstream area operations, such as port support, machinery maintenance, equipment and piping, boilers, personnel transport, food, safety, environment and health. The seven years of the program helped foster a culture of excellence in the participating companies' business management.

The ceremony was titled “The Quest for Excellence is what inspires us,” reinforcing the actions celebrating our 60 years, the concept of which is “People. This is what inspires us.”

Here are the winners in each category:

Support Services - Qualidados Consultoria e Sistemas

Operational Services - Tugbrasil Apoio Portuario

Maintenance Services - Minor - Service Engenharia

Maintenance Services - Midsize - Smiths Brasil

Maintenance Services - Major - Comau do Brasil

Hors Concours Tribute 2012 - Potencial Engenharia (2011 winner in the Maintenance Services - Major category)

Downstream is our business area responsible for oil refining and oil product transport and marketing. It turns crude oil into products that are essential to the entire population's daily life.

Its 12 refineries, which are strategically distributed nationwide, and its shale processing unit produce upwards of 2 million barrels of oil products per day, such as diesel fuel, gasoline, naphtha, jet fuel, LPG (cooking gas), polyethylene, lubricants, and other substances used as feedstock for various products. The area is also responsible for our petrochemical operations and for undertakings under construction, such as the Abreu e Lima Refinery (state of Pernambuco) and the Rio de Janeiro Petrochemical Complex (Comperj).