Stage 11: Engineering precision and landscapes

Michael Poepke | 13. March 2026

As the igus:bike journey continued through Santa Catarina, the route once again combined two essential elements of the tour: visiting innovative industrial partners and discovering the landscapes that define each region.

Stage 11 brought both together during a visit to a local engineering company and a ride through some of the most beautiful countryside roads near Joinville.

Visiting Erzinger

The day began with a visit to Erzinger, a company known for developing customized industrial equipment and automation solutions.

Based in Joinville, Erzinger works on engineering projects involving mechanical design, automation systems and specialized machinery for different industrial sectors.

During the visit, the igus team had the opportunity to exchange ideas with engineers who work daily on complex technical challenges, transforming concepts into practical solutions used in real industrial environments.

Companies like Erzinger represent an important part of the engineering ecosystem — turning ideas into machines and systems that help industries operate with greater efficiency and reliability.

Moments like these reinforce something that has become clear throughout the tour: innovation grows through collaboration between companies that share technical knowledge and a passion for engineering.

A stop above the Atlantic Forest – Mirante da Serra Dona Francisca

Before continuing the ride through the countryside, the igus:bike made a scenic stop at the Mirante da Serra Dona Francisca.

Located along one of the most famous mountain roads in the region, the viewpoint offers an impressive panorama of the Atlantic Forest and the winding road that connects the plateau to the coastal region.

From the top, the landscape stretches across dense green hills and valleys — a reminder of how rich and preserved the natural environment of Santa Catarina can be.

Riding through Estrada Bonita

From the mountains, the route continued toward the peaceful rural scenery of Estrada Bonita.

Estrada Bonita is known for its traditional countryside atmosphere, with wooden houses, small farms and family-run properties that reflect the region’s strong European heritage.

While riding along Estrada Bonita, the team also had an unexpected encounter with one of Brazil’s most iconic characters: the famous “vira-lata caramelo.”

The friendly mixed-breed dog — with its unmistakable golden coat — has become a beloved symbol of Brazil. Found in cities, rural roads and neighborhoods across the country, these dogs represent resilience, companionship and the simple everyday life shared by millions of Brazilian families.

For a moment, the igus:bike tour gained a new companion on the road — a small reminder that sometimes the most authentic experiences of a journey appear in the most unexpected ways.

Surrounded by greenery and open landscapes, the igus:bike once again attracted curious looks from visitors and locals passing by.

It was another reminder that the tour is not only about technology and engineering — it is also about experiencing the culture, landscapes and stories that make each region unique.

The journey continues …

Our riders:

Jenifer Quintino

My name is Jenifer Quintino and I have been working in the Marketing department at igus for 1 year and 11 months, supporting communication initiatives and the execution of internal and external company projects, with a focus on organization and activity follow-up.

I participated in organizing the materials for the igus:bike and I am motivated to take part in this tour across Brazil, making the most of every learning opportunity throughout this journey.

Mahyara Santos

My name is Mahyara Santos and I have been working at igus Brazil for almost eight months as a Marketing Intern at the Joinville (SC) unit.

In my daily work, I support the content and press areas, assist the team with field activities, events, and one team initiatives in Joinville, and also contribute to updating and organizing the CRM. This variety of activities allows me to gain a broad perspective of marketing in practice and understand how it integrates with other areas of the company.

What motivates me most at igus is the opportunity to constantly learn, participate in real projects and follow their results, while also contributing to a diverse and experienced team. Even as an intern, I have the chance to develop across different marketing activities, which greatly contributes to my professional growth and helps me understand how the marketing area supports the company’s growth.

Eduardo Davila – Key Account Manager – Santa Catarina

My name is Eduardo Davila and I have been working at igus since 2017. Currently, I am responsible for supporting customers in the state of Santa Catarina within the ECS product line.

I started my journey at igus covering the state of Paraná and soon after transitioned to the state of Santa Catarina.

My role is to provide full support and assistance to our existing customers while also developing new markets and opportunities. After 9 years at igus, I feel increasingly confident in our product portfolio, always bringing innovation and reliability to our customers through our solutions.

I am very excited to be part of the igus:bike Tour — first because of the sustainability message we are sharing with our customers, and also because, as a cyclist in my free time, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy riding the igus:bike as well.

Gabriel Volpato – Marketing analyst

My name is Gabriel, and I have been part of the igus Brazil marketing team since 2020, when I joined the company as an apprentice. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the company and evolve within the marketing area.

Today, I work with graphic design, video editing, and digital marketing initiatives, helping transform ideas into visual experiences that communicate the igus purpose. I enjoy being hands-on, learning new skills, and taking on challenges with enthusiasm, whether behind a camera, at the computer, or on the road.

Accompanying the igus Bike Tour throughout its entire journey is a unique opportunity for me to tell real stories, capture meaningful moments, and showcase how our brand connects with people, places, and innovation.

I am truly excited to be part of this experience and to help ensure that every stage of the tour becomes a memorable chapter in our story.

Map of this stage: