Winoa Brazil Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence in Steel Abrasives Industry
In July 1973, Winoa, a renowned French company, made its mark in Brazil. Situated in Jacareí, São Paulo, Winoa Brazil has played a pivotal role in the steel abrasives market, specializing in the production of carbon steel shot designed to cater to various blasting needs, including cleaning, desanding, shot peening, and descaling.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Klaus Scherer, the company’s General Director, shared his perspective, “In this 50-year journey, we have always believed in the future of the industry in Brazil. With the unwavering support from our French headquarters, we have invested more than R$100 million in our Brazilian industrial facilities.
About Winoa in the world
Winoa’s global presence is equally impressive, boasting ten factories across four continents and serving over 10,000 customers worldwide. With more than 15 million tons produced since its inception in 1961, Winoa has established itself as a key player in the steel abrasives industry. The company also operates six testing and research centers, employs 850 individuals globally, and has a vast network of 240 agents and distributors, reaching over 120 countries.
Winoa Brazil
In Brazil, Winoa operates under three distinct business units: W Abrasives, W Care, and W Tech. These units have been instrumental in reshaping the use of carbon steel shot in the Brazilian industrial market. The company’s product portfolio encompasses a wide range of materials catering to diverse applications in the metalworking sector and basic industries, including steel mills, foundries, forging, and the automobile industry.
Notably, Winoa was among the pioneers in introducing steel shot in cylinder matting and the shot peening process in Brazil, adhering to the highest international standards. Among its esteemed clientele, Winoa serves both national and multinational giants, including WHB, Gerdau, Schulz, Randon, and Thyssenkrupp.
One of the standout features of Winoa’s Jacareí facility is its Tech Center, which provides customers with the opportunity to conduct real simulations to develop the most suitable processes for their applications. Established in 1998, this Tech Center boasts four different types of machines that replicate real production environments, allowing customers to minimize application risks without interrupting their own processes.
Awards and certifications
The commitment to quality and excellence has garnered Winoa Brazil various awards and certifications over its five decades of operation. These accolades include the international ISO 14001 certification, underscoring their dedication to conservation and environmental protection. Furthermore, ISO 9001 certification reinforces their commitment to quality management across products, processes, and services, while ISO 45001 signifies their dedication to occupational health and safety management.
Winoa Brazil’s commitment to its employees and workplace excellence was recognized with the Great Place to Work (GPTW) award, making it the first steel abrasives industry in the world to earn this distinction. GPTW is a global institute that assesses professionals’ perceptions of their workplaces, considering aspects such as organizational climate, remuneration, benefits, growth opportunities, infrastructure, transparency in management, and employee autonomy. “This achievement is a consequence of our daily commitment to the development and well-being of our people,” remarks Scherer.
Environmental commitment
In line with its environmental responsibility, Winoa offers eco-friendly surface treatment solutions, aiming to minimize its ecological footprint. Their exclusive use of steel scrap in production, reduction of energy and consumable needs, and the reuse of waste generated throughout the manufacturing cycle align with their sustainability goals. Notably, Winoa’s abrasives can be reused numerous times before being remelted, showcasing their commitment to resource efficiency.
Klaus Scherer concludes, “The Winoa group, with sustainability in mind, has set the ambitious goal of achieving zero carbon emissions in its processes by 2050 across all its global production units.”
Winoa’s journey of 50 years in Brazil is not just a testament to their commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability but also a reflection of their unwavering belief in the potential of the Brazilian industrial market. With a global reach and a legacy of excellence, Winoa continues to be a driving force in the steel abrasives industry, both in Brazil and around the world.
