Stage 19: Where tradition meets engineering: from fire to CNC in Southern Brazil
Michael Poepke | 15. April 2026
Mais Churrasco — when detail becomes experience
In Gramado, the visit to Mais Churrasco showed how tradition continues to evolve.
Barbecue, once dominated by skewers, is now increasingly defined by precision through the use of grills — a direct influence from Uruguayan and Argentine culture.
And when preparation demands control… engineering comes into play.
In the systems developed by the company, the grill height is adjusted through a worm gear mechanism — simple in theory, yet extremely efficient in practice: continuous adjustment, no locking steps, and full stability.
But this is where the story gains another layer.
By integrating igus solutions into this type of application, the value goes beyond movement — it lies in long-term reliability:
Self-lubricating linear guides → smooth operation even under heat, grease, and residue
No lubrication required → no contamination in a sensitive (food-related) application
Fewer components and simpler assembly → direct gains in production efficiency
Longer service life → less rework, less maintenance, higher perceived product value
In other words: invisible engineering that directly impacts the end-user experience.
And this becomes a powerful marketing point for Mais Churrasco:
it’s not just a premium grill — it’s equipment designed to last, perform, and simplify.
Mecânica CN — productivity that doesn’t rely on fatigue
If in Gramado engineering enhances experience…
in Caxias do Sul, it redefines productivity.
At Mecânica CN, the transformation is clear.
A company with traditional roots — founded with a single lathe in 1991 — now moving into a new stage: accessible automation.
The challenge was one shared by many industries:
production dependent on continuous physical effort
Heavy parts, repetitive tasks… and an inevitable outcome:
productivity declines throughout the day.
With the introduction of collaborative robots, this scenario changes completely:
Consistent output from start to end of the shift
Reduced fatigue and improved ergonomics
Better workforce allocation (operators shift from execution to supervision)
Direct gains in efficiency and predictability
And this is where igus brings a key differentiator:
automation that fits the reality of Brazilian industry.
No unnecessary complexity.
No prohibitive investments.
Just practical, fast implementation.
For Mecânica CN, this is more than technology.
It’s a competitive advantage.
Caxias do Sul — engineering at its roots
Between visits, the tour crosses Caxias do Sul — and everything starts to make sense.
A city built by Italian immigrants, who quite literally constructed everything from the ground up.
Industry, work, evolution.
At Praça Dante Alighieri, past and present meet — a place that represents not only the city’s history, but its continuity.
Because here, tradition has never meant standing still.
It has always meant evolving.
At the end of the day, everything connects
And perhaps there’s no better way to close the day than with a classic:
a traditional Brazilian barbecue.
Behind the fire… there is control.
Behind movement… there is engineering.
Behind productivity… there is strategy.
Stage 19 shows exactly that:
whether it’s a premium grill or an automated machining cell — when engineering is well applied, the outcome is the same: greater efficiency, higher reliability, and more value.
Our riders:
Beatriz Sebastiani – Marketing Analyst
My name is Beatriz, and I have been part of the igus Brazil marketing team since 2024, when I began my journey as an assistant.
From the very beginning, I felt that igus would provide me with opportunities for both professional and personal growth. Today, one of my main responsibilities in marketing is managing online orders, which have been growing exponentially each year.
Being part of the igus bike tour is a great opportunity for me to get to know our customers up close and share their stories and values with the world.
I embraced this challenge with great enthusiasm, and we are excited to keep the world moving together.
Eliseu Dutra – Outside sales
My name is Eliseu Dutra, I am 24 years old, and I have been part of igus Brazil since 2023. I hold a degree in Business Administration and a postgraduate degree in Strategic Business Management from the University of Caxias do Sul.
I am a DryTech Technical Consultant, responsible for the entire state of Rio Grande do Sul, a region of great relevance to the agricultural and automotive sectors, which has been showing steady growth and new development opportunities.
The igus:bike project motivates me because it brings together purpose, movement, and people, allowing me to actively contribute to an initiative that reflects innovation, sustainability, and passion for what we do.
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:
