WEG S.A. — From a Local Brazilian Company to a Global Leader in Electrical and Energy Solutions

1. Introduction

WEG S.A. is one of the largest Brazilian companies and a leading global manufacturer of electric motors, industrial automation systems, energy solutions, and energy efficiency technologies. Founded in 1961 in Jaraguá do Sul, Santa Catarina, Brazil, WEG has become a symbol of industrial innovation, expanding operations to over 135 countries and serving as a prime example of a Brazilian multinational with global reach.

WEG goes beyond electric motor manufacturing: the company represents a model of sustainable management, continuous technological innovation, and positive socio-economic impact, both for its city of origin and for the global industrial market.

2. History and Origins

WEG was founded on September 16, 1961, by three Brazilian entrepreneurs from Santa Catarina:

• Werner Ricardo Voigt, electrician;

• Eggon João da Silva, administrator;

• Geraldo Werninghaus, mechanic.

The initials of their names form the acronym WEG.
The company initially produced small electric motors for the domestic market, meeting the rising industrial demand of the 1960s in Brazil.

Over the following decades, WEG expanded into transformers, generators, and industrial automation systems, becoming a reference in comprehensive electrical solutions.

In the 1980s, WEG began its internationalization process, opening commercial offices and later industrial units worldwide. From the 2000s onward, WEG diversified into renewable energy, electric mobility, and smart automation solutions, consolidating its role among the world’s leading electrical engineering companies.

3. Global Structure and Presence

Today, WEG operates with:

• Over 40 industrial plants, including 12 outside Brazil;

• Commercial presence in more than 135 countries;

• Engineering and technology centers in all regions;

• Approximately 40,000 employees worldwide.

3.1 Key International Industrial Units

• Americas: Argentina, Mexico, United States, Colombia, Chile, and Canada.

• Europe: Portugal, Germany, Spain, Italy, France, United Kingdom, and Sweden.

• Asia: China, India, Singapore, and the Philippines.

• Oceania and Africa: Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

The subsidiary WEG Electric Corp., headquartered in Georgia, USA, serves as a strategic hub for the North American market, supplying motors, generators, and electrical systems to industries, utilities, and aerospace companies.

4. Markets and Sectors Served

WEG operates across nearly all industrial and electrical infrastructure sectors:

Sector Key Products and Solutions Energy Generators, transformers, substations, solar and wind power systems Industrial Automation Inverters, motors, controllers, PLCs, and control panels Oil & Gas / Offshore Equipment for platforms, FPSOs, pumps, and electric propulsion systems Mining & Steel Large-scale motors, drives, and automation systems Infrastructure & Construction Electrical panels, lighting, and building automation Electric Mobility Motors and inverters for buses, trucks, and monorails Industrial Coatings Protective coatings and industrial varnishes

5. Innovation and Technology

Innovation is a key differentiator for WEG.
The company invests approximately 2.5% of annual revenue in R&D, focusing on:

• Energy efficiency (IE3, IE4, and IE5 motors);

• Integration with automation and Industrial IoT (IIoT);

• Electric traction and sustainable mobility;

• Solar and wind energy solutions.

WEG is a pioneer in Brazil in intelligent motors that communicate with digital control systems for real-time performance monitoring and energy optimization.

6. WEG and the Aerospace Sector

WEG is recognized as an indirect supplier to SpaceX, contributing to the global aerospace supply chain.
Although not a direct supplier, WEG motors and electrical systems are integrated into industrial structures and ground support systems operated by North American integrators working with SpaceX, NASA, and Blue Origin.

Key applications include:

• Pumping and compression systems;

• Electrical systems for ventilation and cooling;

• Industrial control panels and automation systems.

This involvement demonstrates WEG’s presence in high-tech global ecosystems, built on quality, reliability, and international certifications.

7. WEG and Aeromovel / Electric Mobility

WEG has a technological and indirect role in the Aeromovel project — a fully electric, automated urban transport system developed by Aeromovel Brasil S.A.

The company supplies:

• Electric motors, frequency inverters, and control panels;

• Automation and energy solutions integrated into the traction system.

WEG’s involvement reflects its broader electric mobility portfolio, including:

• Electric buses and trucks, in partnership with Volvo, Marcopolo, BYD, and Scania;

• Charging stations and energy management systems for urban fleets.

8. International Comparison

9. WEG’s Importance to Jaraguá do Sul

WEG is the largest economic and social driver of Jaraguá do Sul, transforming the city into a technological and industrial hub.

9.1 Economic Impact

• Largest private employer (~15,000 employees locally).

• Contributes significantly to the municipal GDP and tax revenue.

• Generates local supply chains, stimulating commerce, construction, and services.

9.2 Education and Workforce Development

• CentroWEG, a technical school that trains young professionals in mechatronics, automation, and electronics.

• Partnerships with universities and institutes for applied research and innovation.

9.3 Social and Environmental Responsibility

• WEG Science and Technology Museum, providing interactive educational experiences.

• Social, cultural, and sports programs, including sponsorship of Jaraguá Futsal.

• Investments in clean energy, recycling, and industrial energy efficiency.

Thanks to WEG, Jaraguá do Sul has achieved high Human Development Index (HDI) scores and become one of Brazil’s most prosperous and organized cities.

10. Sustainability and the Future

WEG positions itself as a global leader in energy transition and sustainable industry. Key initiatives include:

• Achieving carbon neutrality in operations;

• Expanding solar and wind energy solutions;

• Electrifying urban and road mobility;

• Developing high-efficiency motors (IE5 and above);

• Implementing digital factory integration with real-time monitoring and control.

WEG aims to be recognized as a “clean energy and smart automation company”, preserving the culture of innovation that began in Jaraguá do Sul over six decades ago.

11. Conclusion

The trajectory of WEG S.A. exemplifies successful Brazilian industrial entrepreneurship:

• Strong local roots,

• Strategic global expansion,

• Continuous technological innovation,

• Commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

Today, WEG is:

• The largest electric motor manufacturer in Brazil,

• Among the top three globally,

• A global reference in energy efficiency and industrial automation.

Keywords:
WEG S.A., Brazilian electric motors manufacturer, industrial automation, renewable energy solutions, global presence, Jaraguá do Sul, mobility solutions, sustainable industry, energy efficiency, electric mobility, aerospace suppliers, Aeromovel, top motor manufacturers.

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Brazil's Clean Energy | Aeromobile | Hybrid Car