Innovation and Global Expansion

Since its foundation, HUG Engineering has established itself as a market leader in emissions reduction. In 1999, the German GmbH was founded in Magdeburg. A milestone in the company's history was the introduction of diesel particulate filters and selective catalytic reduction systems. These technologies enable the reduction of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter – essential for applications in maritime, stationary, and rail vehicle engines. These systems comply with strict emission regulations, especially in the 'Emission Control Areas', where these technologies are mandatory. Another important step was the development of HUG CONNECT, an innovative monitoring system that enables real-time emission monitoring and preventive maintenance measures. This has not only made the company more efficient, but also maximized the operating times of customer facilities and ensured compliance with emission regulations.

HUG CONNECT has been in use for two years and plays a central role in the digital transformation of the company. In addition to the headquarters in Switzerland, HUG Engineering has established subsidiaries in Italy, the USA, and Germany. With a team of 230 employees, including 70 highly qualified engineers, and a strong service sector accounting for 40% of the revenue, the company operates globally. The export market, especially to Scandinavia and the USA, has become increasingly important for the company. 

New Markets and Tailored Solutions

The focus of HUG Engineering is on developing tailored solutions for OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers), integrators, and end customers. Besides the marine sector, which is currently going through a quieter phase, the company is strongly expanding into the market for emergency power units, particularly in data centers and hospitals. These facilities require low-emission backup systems to ensure power supply during outages without harming the environment. "Especially in the Frankfurt am Main area, we see a growing demand for low-emission solutions for data centers," explains David Castrillón Torres. This is a direct result of the increasing number of data centers needed to meet the growing data demand. HUG Engineering offers an ideal solution here with its tailored systems.

The marine sector, which previously played a larger role, has temporarily declined due to geopolitical tensions and sanctions, particularly in connection with Russian mega yachts. Nevertheless, HUG Engineering expects this market to pick up again in the future. On the water, HUG Engineering is also strong as a supplier of exhaust purification in governmental shipbuilding, such as for customs, coast guard, water police, fire brigade, and also in the navy sector. Moreover, the company has equipped a large part of the fleet of a market leader in the river cruise sector with exhaust purification, thus enabling thousands of tourists to enjoy the Rhine and Danube rivers in an environmentally friendly manner. Deutsche Bahn also relies on the high expertise of HUG Engineering for their diesel locomotives. A crucial advantage of the company is its ability to customize projects. "We work with standard components, but no standard solutions," emphasizes David Castrillón Torres. Each project is adapted to the specific requirements, as space and technical constraints often require customized solutions.

Transformation and Challenges

Since July 1, 2024, HUG Engineering has belonged to the Belgian Ogepar Group, providing the company with additional resources for research and development. The acquisition has accelerated the transition to a new phase of innovation and teamwork. However, the culture of personal responsibility and transparency remains a central part of the company. "We live a culture of error, in which openness is encouraged. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn from it," explains David Castrillón Torres. This philosophy supports the dynamic work style of the company, which relies on a global matrix organization. Despite these positive developments, the shortage of skilled workers in Germany poses a major challenge. Like many companies in the industry, HUG Engineering faces the problem of finding highly qualified specialists. To address this shortage, the company has developed creative recruitment methods, including recruitment through social media campaigns.

"We have gained three new employees through these campaigns, and are thrilled with the response," reports David Castrillón Torres. Student internship programs and collaborations with universities also play a key role in promoting young talent. The goal is to inspire young engineers and retain them in the company in the long term. For the future, HUG Engineering plans to further expand its market-leading technologies. Particularly, the collaboration with Anglo Belgian Corporation, which also belongs to the Ogepar Group, is of strategic significance. Together, they aim to further develop engine and exhaust purification technologies and create more efficient, smaller solutions that meet both emission and space requirements.