They were built for service in South America by the Villares with license of EMD. The Rede Ferroviaria Federal Sociedade Anonima (RFFSA) a state railroad in Brazil bought about 55 in the early 1980s in order to expand their locomotive roster.
These were designed for use in South America by Villares, with EMD's authorization. The Rede Ferroviaria Federal Sociedade Anonima (RFFSA), a Brazilian state railroad, acquired about 55 of them in the early 1980s to enhance its locomotive roster.