Brazilian Stages

The igus:bike worldtour kicked off in Brazil, starting in Jundiaí, home to igus Brazil and a vital hub for industry and innovation. Located in one of Brazil’s key logistics corridors, Jundiaí serves as both a center for industrial development and environmental balance.

The bike made its first official stop at the igus factory, where employees test-rode it firsthand, creating a moment of connection and reinforcing igus’ commitment to innovation.

Next, the team ventured into Serra do Japi, a preserved Atlantic Forest area, embodying harmony between industry and nature. Amidst local environmental initiatives, participants worked together to support small projects with big impacts.

This marks the start of a collaborative journey linking technology, people, and sustainability across Brazil—forever in motion. 🚲

The igus:bike crossed its first state border, traveling 438 kilometers from Jundiaí to Curitiba, a city known for innovative urban planning and environmental balance.

Its first stop at Parque Barigui highlighted harmony between development and nature, as capybaras symbolized coexistence. At historic Largo da Ordem, reflections on Curitiba’s origins reminded us that understanding the past shapes the future.

The Federal University of Paraná, Brazil’s first, underscored that innovation starts with education. This stage connected movement, history, and ideas, bridging regions and perspectives. Next: Stage 3 begins with our first customer visit. 🚲

Some cities make you pause, and Curitiba is one of them. The igus:bike visited the iconic Oscar Niemeyer Museum, where Niemeyer’s philosophy inspires: beauty lies in bold curves, not rigid lines — both in architecture and engineering. Innovation demands courage to break away from the obvious.

Next stop was Praça do Japão, honoring Japanese immigrants through peaceful gardens and cultural heritage, reminding us that development is also human and historical.

At Motomco, innovation meets precision. igus components enable durability and reliability for harsh agricultural conditions, reducing maintenance and ensuring accurate grain measurements. 🚲

The day began at Bosque do Alemão, a cultural space blending tradition and stories with paths inspired by the Brothers Grimm. Walking through this forest showed us that innovation doesn’t replace tradition — it builds upon it.

Next, the journey led to Evolabs, where CEO Gabriel Beraldo shared insights on engineering and innovation. Evolabs integrates igus solutions like drylin® guides, dryspin® screws, and additive manufacturing for scalable, efficient designs. During the visit, a natural exchange resulted in a new order — built on trust, not sales pitches.

Whether in philosophy or engineering, ideas grow when nurtured. The igus:bike keeps moving, connecting places, people, and progress. 🚲

The day began with a symbolic stop at Volkswagen do Brasil, highlighting shared German engineering roots. From there, the road led to Serra da Graciosa, a historic route winding through the Atlantic Forest, offering scenic views and drawing curiosity to the igus:bike. Travelers stopped for photos and spontaneous questions, turning the roadside into a brief international meeting.

A classic Brazilian tradition followed: pastel and sugarcane juice, blending local flavors with roadside charm.

The team arrived at Morretes, a colonial town known for Barreado, its iconic beef stew, and artisan markets. Stage 5 proved the journey isn’t just about industry—it’s about culture, landscapes, and connections. 🚲

The morning began near the iconic Jardim Botânico, famous for its glass greenhouse and European-inspired design. While bicycles aren’t allowed inside, the nearby Velódromo de Curitiba offered the perfect space for the igus:bike to ride, blending movement with the tranquility of the garden.

Later, the team visited Santa Felicidade, a neighborhood rich in Italian heritage, known for its restaurants, architecture, and vibrant streets—highlighting Curitiba’s deep cultural roots.

Stage 6 connected cycling, green spaces, and immigrant traditions, showcasing Curitiba as a city where industry, nature, and culture coexist. 🚲

Stage 7 combined landscapes and partnerships during a visit to Brafer Construções Metálicas, a leader in energy and infrastructure projects.

Welcomed by cycling enthusiast and CEO Pasquale S. Garofani Tsingos, the discussion naturally merged bikes, engineering, and renewable energy. Brafer’s solar trackers, featuring igus igubal ESQM bearings, improve efficiency and reliability in photovoltaic plants. 

The day ended with a ride through stunning Araucaria forests to a nearby solar plant, symbolizing movement, collaboration, and sustainability. Partnerships like this fuel a cleaner future, and the igus:bike journey continues. 🚲

Stage 8 began at KUHN do Brasil in São José dos Pinhais. The visit featured product exhibitions and technical discussions, where engineers from both companies exchanged ideas on moving components for demanding environments, reinforcing that partnerships thrive on collaboration and dialogue.

Later, the journey paused at Ligga Arena, home of Club Athletico Paranaense, revisiting the site of igus’ 2014 iglidur on tour campaign. The team created a playful “bicycle kick” moment with the igus:bike, celebrating Brazil’s love for football.

From engineering floors to stadium lights, Stage 8 blended partnerships, culture, and innovation—as the journey moves forward. 🚲

Stage 9 of the igus:bike worldtour blended industry and nature, marking the final day in Paraná.

In Ponta Grossa, the team visited Águia Sistemas, a leader in intralogistics automation. Águia integrates igus components, such as bushings and guide systems, into their material handling solutions, ensuring maintenance-free, reliable operation for high-performance projects.

The journey concluded at Buraco do Padre, a breathtaking waterfall hidden within sandstone cliffs. This natural wonder provided a tranquil contrast to the industrial sites visited earlier, perfect for reflecting on Paraná’s diverse landscapes, industry, and culture. 🚲

Leaving Paraná behind, the igus:bike traveled 130 kilometers south to Joinville, beginning the Santa Catarina chapter of the tour.

The first stop was Systempack, an automation and packaging equipment specialist. The visit showcased how mechanical design, motion technology, and igus components ensure efficiency and reliability in demanding applications—highlighting how innovation grows through collaboration.

The journey continued at Parque da Cidade, where cycling paths and green spaces reflected Joinville’s blend of industry and quality of life. 🚲

Stage 11 of the igus:bike World Tour in Santa Catarina blended industry and nature, starting with a visit to Erzinger, a Joinville-based leader in customized industrial equipment and automation solutions. The igus team exchanged ideas with engineers tackling complex challenges, reinforcing how innovation thrives through collaboration.

The journey continued to Mirante da Serra Dona Francisca, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Forest, followed by a ride through Estrada Bonita, a peaceful countryside road reflecting European heritage. Along the way, a friendly “vira-lata caramelo” joined the ride, adding a touch of Brazilian charm.

Stage 11 celebrated both engineering and the beauty of Santa Catarina’s landscapes as the journey moves ahead. 🚲

Stage 12 of the igus:bike worldtour explored Balneário Camboriú, famous for its skyline, beachfront, and vibrant energy. Dubbed the “Brazilian Dubai,” the city boasts Latin America’s tallest residential towers beside the ocean.

The ride began on the scenic Estrada da Rainha, passing the FG Big Wheel and descending to Praia Central. Gabriel and Jenifer cycled along the promenade, taking in ocean breezes, bustling cafés, and the striking contrast of nature and urban architecture.

Stopping for açaí, the team enjoyed a refreshing break before heading to Barra Sul and finishing at Mirante do Encanto, marveling at Brazil’s unique mix of industry, nature, and modernity. The journey continues. 🚲

The igus:bike worldtour arrived in Jaraguá do Sul, a hub of Brazilian industry, blending engineering excellence and sustainability.

The day began at Parque Malwee, a tranquil green space offering a pause before visiting Indumak, a leader in vertical packaging machines. At Indumak, discussions focused on efficient, compact designs, Industry 4.0, and sustainable packaging innovations like monomaterial films and PCR plastics. Reliable, precise engineering ensures quality while reducing waste.

The visit also included a breakfast gathering, product demos, and a cycling-inspired exercise session, emphasizing a key tour message: Technology drives progress, but people drive innovation. 🚲

The igus:bike worldtour visited CSM, a trusted partner in overhead and gantry crane manufacturing. A breakfast reception set the stage for discussions about engineering, innovation, and the decade-long partnership between the companies. An in-house exhibition highlighted how igus energy chains and cables ensure reliability for heavy-duty machinery in demanding environments.

After technical discussions, CSM employees tested the igus:bike, blending curiosity with engineering fun. Despite the rain, the tour continued in nearby Joinville, passing landmarks like the National Museum of Immigration and Rua das Palmeiras, showing how industry and stories connect—even on rainy days. 🚲

The igus:bike’s final day in Santa Catarina began at UFSC, the Federal University of Santa Catarina, connecting with students and professors to highlight igus’ commitment to supporting future engineers through programs like YES. Education is where theory transforms into real-world applications — because technology always begins with people.

Next was a ride through Perini Business Park, Latin America’s largest industrial hub, visiting the igus facility in Joinville to see applied engineering in action. The day ended at SENAI, a leader in technical education, reinforcing how knowledge drives industry.

This stage was about more than distance; it bridged education, industry, and innovation — tying the present to the future. 🚲

The igus:bike journey entered Rio Grande do Sul, weaving through the cinematic charm of Gramado and Canela, where European influence meets Brazilian culture. Amid green hills and winding roads, the region exemplifies tradition and innovation coexisting.

The day ended at Space Adventure, the first NASA-themed park outside the U.S., featuring rocket replicas, simulators, and NASA artifacts. Aerospace applications share the same engineering principles: lightweight, reliable, and efficient motion. igus solutions ensure performance both on Earth and beyond. 🚲

This stage was really special. Our team explores the charming city of Bento Gonçalves in southern Brazil – accompanied by a team of our customer Mesal Máquinas, we visited later on that day.

The route takes them through picturesque streets, showcasing an inspiring blend of innovation and tradition. During the visit at Mesal we learned how igus products helps to combine performance with sustainability. This stage highlights the intersection of engineering solutions and the cultural richness of the region. Truly a memorable stop on the tour!

In the heart of Rio Grande do Sul, the igus:bike journey led us through one of the most iconic regions in southern Brazil: Vale dos Vinhedos. We ride through beautiful vineyards and along the way, we visited Parque da Ovelha, a sheep park. We continued our tour with a route through Caminhos de Pedra, which preserves the essence of Italian immigration in the region. Next stop was at the Santuário de Caravaggio and as the day unfolded, we reached the historic center of Garibaldi.

In Gramado, the tour visited Mais Churrasco, where tradition meets innovation. Barbecue grills, influenced by Uruguayan and Argentine culture, now incorporate engineering precision using igus self-lubricating linear guides. 

In Caxias do Sul, Mecânica CN showcased affordable automation transforming productivity. By integrating collaborative robots, heavy, repetitive tasks are replaced with consistent output, ergonomic improvements, and greater efficiency. igus provides practical, cost-effective solutions tailored to Brazilian industries, creating a competitive edge. 🚲

The igus:bike tour reached Porto Alegre, a city rebuilding after recent floods, embodying resilience and adaptation. Riding through parks like Usina do Gasômetro, Parque Farroupilha, and Parque Germânia, the team witnessed a city reclaiming its spaces with people walking, cycling, and moving forward.

The tour also visited KLL SAF-Holland, an industrial partner focused on engineering solutions for dynamic environments. Discussions with Director Álvaro highlighted how igus components deliver reliability, durability, and low-maintenance performance—essential in unpredictable times. 🚲