Global Summary

Learn about the history of the HEF GROUPE

1953
Foundation

The company Traitements de Surface was founded by Mr. Jacques-Jean Caubet, focusing on applied research in surface engineering and tribology, in Saint-Chamond, France.

1965
First laboratory

creation of the first tribology laboratory of the HEF group

1972
First patent in liquid nitriding.

Registration of the 1st patent for the SURSULF® liquid nitriding process, following HEF's relocation to Andrézieux-Bouthéon - France.

Based on salt baths, this technology gives treated parts increased resistance to wear, seizing, and corrosion, as well as reduced friction.

1975
First unit in Brazil

Inauguration of HEF do Brasil Industrial LTDA, in Diadema – SP, for the manufacture and sale of salts for thermal and thermochemical treatments.

1979
First TS

The service provision activities began through Techniques Surfaces Andrézieux, which was the first model unit for providing surface services, later replicated with the opening of several branches around the world.

1983
100 patents

Acquisition of 100 specialized patents for operation.

1994
IREIS

Creation of the HEF group's research and development institute, IREIS.

2000
Technical paintings

Start of technical painting services (TEGLISS®, SDA®, GRAPHLUB®) for the O&G market at HEF do Brasil, in Diadema - SP

2002
TS Casimiro de Abreu

Inauguration of a new industrial unit for technical paints (TEGLISS®, SDA®, GRAPHLUB®) for the O&G market in the state of Rio de Janeiro: TS Casimiro de Abreu.

2005
HEF DURFERRIT

Inauguration of Durferrit do Brasil in Diadema - SP, with the acquisition of the company Brasimet (Chemical Division), concentrating all the manufacturing of salts of the HEF group in Brazil.

2012
TS Mogi Guaçu

Inauguration of the TS Mogi Guaçu industrial unit, one of the largest PVD/PACVD coating centers in Latin America, specializing in the application of DLC coatings to large volumes of serial components, concentrating all of the HEF group's PVD/PACVD coating activities in Brazil.

2013
50 unidades

Presence of more than 50 industrial units around the world.

2016
200 patentes

Acquisition of 200 specialized patents for operation

2017
Electromobility

Beginning of the development of surface technologies for electromobility with a focus on hydrogen fuel cells.

2019
New technology

Industrialization of a new femtosecond laser microtexturing technology.

2022
Photonics

Diversification of HEF, initiating developments in the field of photonics with the acquisition of several specialized companies (Abrisa Technologies, Fichou, Kerdry, Acerde, Optimask, Neyco).

2023
TS Diadema

Inauguration of TS Diadema, the new service plant of the HEF group in Brazil, which operates the largest, most environmentally friendly and modern liquid nitriding line in Latin America.

Key indicators of the HEF Group

Since 1953

specialization in surface materials engineering

3200

employees

€327 milhões

sales revenue in 2024

200

families of registered patents

21

countries

90

industrial sites