Forecasting 50% growth for the year, HIGRA goes to Europe
HIGRA, a developer of pumping, wastewater treatment and clean energy generation solutions from São Leopoldo/RS, is packing its bags for Europe. Last year, the company signed a licensing agreement for the production and distribution of amphibious pumps and turbogenerators – which can be used both in and out of the water – with the North American group specializing in industrial solutions, Baker Hughes. Under the agreement, the group will distribute the products on the Old Continent.
HIGRA’s executive director, Alexsandro Geremia, points out that the partnership with the North American giant, which has a strong presence on the Old Continent, will allow HIGRA to adapt to the technical requirements of the European market, which requires all companies operating in the European Community to be adapted to the European Technical Standard (ETS), which deals with technical and sustainability standards for electrical equipment. With this, HIGRA, which currently exports around 10% of its production, mainly to Latin American countries, hopes to increase its share of exports in the coming years. “A partner like Baker Hughes gives us more security and reliability to enter this very important market with the certainty that we are delivering a reliable product and meeting all the technical and regulatory demands,” explains Geremia.
After growing by 25% last year compared to 2022, the company expects to grow by 50% this year as it paves the way for expansion on the Old Continent. By 2025, the forecast is for growth of another 25%, rising from the current turnover of R$80 million to more than R$120 million. “In addition to the increase in exports, the reason for this positive expectation is the changes in the commercial area, with a greater focus on the agricultural, sanitation and industrial markets,” says Geremia.
Amphibious technology
Amphibious technology, which will now be marketed in Europe, brings a unique concept whereby the same equipment can work both in and out of the water. Because it is monobloc, with few friction points, the hydro-energy efficiency is higher than that of similar equipment. It is also extremely easy to install. Another important point is the interchangeability of equipment within the same operation, which makes the system much more flexible.
History
Founded in 2000 in São Leopoldo/RS, HIGRA’s product portfolio includes amphibious pumps as its flagship, as well as aerators and mixers for effluent treatment, submersible pumps, sewage pumps and turbogenerators for generating clean energy. All the company’s products are 100% developed in-house. Its headquarters in São Leopoldo/RS currently employs 105 people directly.
Text: Diego Rosinha
