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. 🚲