Hidraexport - Internationalisation of Thermoplastic Pipes
Project Code | 25046
Project Name | Hidraexport - Internationalisation of Thermoplastic Pipes
Main Objective | Strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs
Total Eligible Cost | EUR 339,254.02
European Union Financial Support | EUR 152,664.31
Approval Date: 28/03/2017
Start Date: 01/04/2017
Completion Date: 30/05/2019
Planned Eligible Investment | EUR 432,205.94
Eligible Investment Made | EUR 339,254.02
Project Summary
Hidracinca aims to become internationally recognised for its quality, excellence and innovation, establishing itself as the consumer's first choice through the production and sale of thermoplastic pipes and fittings tailored to customer needs and integrated into a complete service. Through this project, the company aims to strengthen its presence in established international markets and expand into new markets to be explored.
Objectives
This project was designed through a set of actions aimed at strengthening Hidracinca's position in international markets, with a view to increasing exports. Its specific objectives were:
- Strengthen and improve the company's internal expertise regarding international markets;
- Gain detailed knowledge of selected international markets;
- Explore new business relationships;
- Promote the company's image through participation in major industry trade fairs;
- Acquire software to support the internationalisation process.
Activities Carried Out
In order to achieve the established targets, Hidracinca designed an action/investment plan for this project aimed at increasing penetration in the target markets. The following activities were carried out:
- Technical Assistance/Workshops in specific markets (67)
- Market prospecting trips (40)
- Participation in international trade fairs (2)
- Improvement of its commercial practices through the integration of a qualified professional
- Acquisition of software
Results Achieved
The year 2020 was marked by a significant impact on all areas of social and economic life as a result of the epidemiological evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This naturally affected the implementation of this project, resulting in the need to adjust the international markets initially identified.
At the application stage, Hidracinca planned to enter 13 new markets, namely France, Algeria, Cuba, Italy, Ghana, Congo, Tunisia, Senegal, Chile, Brazil, Tanzania, Morocco and Ivory Coast, where significant growth potential was anticipated. Of these markets, only Algeria, Senegal and Tunisia produced results. However, other new countries were also reached as a result of contacts established at the trade fairs attended by Hidracinca, namely Cameroon and South Africa.
Despite all the adversities encountered, Hidracinca managed to complete approximately 77% of what had been planned for this project.
Regarding the targets for the post-project year (2020), the company achieved an export intensity of 45.92%, exceeding the contracted target. In this regard, the impact of the incentive, leveraged by the collective efforts of the entire company, enabled Hidracinca to achieve its internationalisation objectives, strengthening and expanding its position in international markets.
