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.
Built with the intention of serving in South America by Villares, under EMD's permission, these were purchased by RFFSA, Brazil's state railway company, around 55 units in the early 1980s as part of an effort to expand its locomotive inventory.