BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE: HOW HULTEC LEVERAGES DESMA FOR RELIABLE, LARGE-SCALE PRODUCTION
With over three decades of experience using DESMA equipment, Hultec has come to rely on the German manufacturer’s exceptional quality and engineering to meet the demands of the global market. Operating from their vertically integrated facility in Costa Rica, Hultec manufactures complex sealing solutions for pressure and non-pressure applications in the waterworks infrastructure industry. As production needs have grown more complex, DESMA’s durable, user-friendly, and high-performing machines have been instrumental in helping Hultec stay ahead.
History and Initial Partnership:
Hultec’s relationship with DESMA dates back to 1994, when the company’s original ownership sought out best-in-class German engineering for their rubber injection molding operations. Known for their quality-focused approach and exacting standards, the founder specifically sought German machinery—and DESMA quickly proved to be a natural fit.Over the years, the partnership has only deepened. Today, 25 of Hultec’s 51 injection molding machines are DESMA units, and they remain the preferred brand at the facility. The site, which functions as six mini-plants under one roof and employs around 900 people, serves as a global production hub for Hultec’s sealing systems used in PVC, polyethylene, ductile iron, and drainage pipes around the world.
KEY SELECTION FACTORS FOR DESMA
Durability & Machine Design:
DESMA machines are designed for high uptime and minimal disruption—a must for Hultec’s 24/7 operation. Compared to other brands, DESMA’s equipment holds up significantly better under constant use. As one team member put it, DESMAs are “like Toyota engines—you just can’t kill them.”
Ease of Maintenance:
Machine layout and design make maintenance faster and easier. Where other machines require draining an entire oil tank just to reach a valve, DESMA’s components are much more accessible—saving hours of downtime and frustration.
Proven Track Record:
After 30 years of running DESMA machines, the team at Hultec has built up a deep base of institutional knowledge. That experience has reinforced their trust in DESMA’s long-term reliability and simplified spare parts management, since many parts are interchangeable across models.
RESULTS AND BENEFITS
Reduced Downtime and Maintenance Hassles:
Some competitor machines have required custom air conditioning solutions to prevent overheating or struggled with vibration due to poor mechanical design. DESMA machines have been far more stable and less prone to performance issues, even under heavy loads and with large molds. When issues do occur, they’re typically easier to fix, allowing Hultec to recover faster and maintain production schedules.
Operational Efficiency in a Vertically Integrated Environment:
Since Hultec mixes their own rubber, produces their own adhesives, and performs metal insert preparation in-house, machine reliability is critical to maintaining the flow across departments. DESMA’s dependability ensures minimal bottlenecks and maximized output.
Continued Investment in DESMA:
In 2023 alone, Hultec purchased four new DESMA machines. Why? Because experience has shown the total cost of ownership is lower than competitors thanks to better uptime, faster troubleshooting, and shared parts inventory. According to Hultec’s Director of Manufacturing Operations, André Licks, “the price pays for itself.”
Strong Technical Support:
DESMA has also supported Hultec with regular site visits from technicians, providing on-the-ground guidance during machine setups and troubleshooting, strengthening the partnership even further.
CONCLUSION
For Hultec, choosing DESMA is more than a purchasing decision—it’s a strategy. With high uptime, durable design, and responsive service, DESMA machines are helping Hultec fulfill its mission as the world’s leading expert in pipe sealing solutions for the construction market. As their operations continue to grow and evolve, DESMA remains a trusted partner in helping them meet the challenge.