Hidral celebrates its 50th anniversary with its sights set on the future and its commitment to innovation intact. For half a century, the company has made research, development and excellence in customer service the cornerstones of its success. With nearly 300 employees and a strong international distribution network, it continues to drive forward cutting-edge solutions to improve mobility and accessibility around the world. 

In 1975, a small company was founded in Seville with a clear vision: to manufacture lifting solutions that would make a difference in the sector. Half a century later, Hidral is a benchmark in the industry, with a presence in more than 120 countries and a track record marked by innovation, commitment and quality. From its modest beginnings in a 400 square metre workshop, it has evolved to become a multinational that exports 70 % of its production.

In these 50 years, Hidral has grown from a family business to a global benchmark in lifting. And this is just the beginning of a success story that will continue to shape the industry for decades to come.

The beginnings: A niche market

The history of Hidral begins with the initiative of the Sevillian engineer Florencio Chacartegui Vázquez and his partners, who in 1972 founded Suministros Auxiliares. They identified an opportunity in the manufacture of forklifts for the lift sector and, in 1975, they took a key step by creating Hidral S.A.

The company's first product was the EH-500 model, a forklift truck weighing up to 750 kg, which aroused the interest of major companies such as Zardoya and Giesa. Within a few years, the growing demand led the company to expand its facilities, multiplying its production capacity and consolidating its reputation in the sector.

Expansion and diversification

In the late 1970s, Hidral responded to market demand by developing new products, such as service lifts and dumbwaiters, with great success in the Iberian Peninsula. In 1980, the company moved into the design of passenger lifts, with its innovative MCH car lift, a key solution for buildings without space for access ramps.

Continuous growth led the company to found 2RD, a company focused on the manufacture of hydraulic components, consolidating its position as the only Spanish manufacturer of valve groups for hydraulic lifts. 

In 1986, Hidral expanded its catalogue with accessibility solutions, launching its first stairlift, the SH model. Subsequently, it presented the SHV vertical model and, within the line of rehabilitation carried out at that time of existing buildings, it developed the UH model, a hydraulic lift designed for very small spaces, especially for single-family homes where there is not enough space for a conventional lift.

A benchmark in the sector

During the 1990s, Hidral experienced strong growth, increasing its workforce, production capacity and investment in technology. The company consolidated its business model as an exclusive manufacturer for lift operators, without carrying out installations or maintenance, positioning itself as a strategic partner of large companies in the sector.

In 1992, Florencio Chacartegui Gómez, son of the founder, joined Hidral as Technical Director after finishing his studies in Industrial Engineering. Two years later, in 1994, the company went international, participating in the Brussels International Fair, which boosted its expansion in markets such as France, Belgium and Portugal. 

At the end of the decade, with a turnover of close to eight million euros and a constantly growing workforce, Hidral undertook a major expansion, reaching 11,000 m² of manufacturing surface area.

Internationalisation and global growth

The turn of the century brought with it an internal reorganisation and greater professionalisation of the different departments. With a staff of 120 employees in 2000, the company reinforced its commercial strategy focused on exports, reaching key markets in Europe, the Middle East and America.

In 2009, Hidral began its internationalisation process with the opening of a subsidiary and production plant in Brazil. Subsequently, it expanded its presence with sales offices in France, Lebanon, Russia and the United States. Thanks to this strategy, the company consolidated its global positioning and diversified its customer portfolio.

Innovation and specialisation

Currently, Hidral is not only committed to product and sales innovation, but is also promoting a Cultural Transformation that reaches the entire company. The aim is to redefine the way each department works and improve internal communication, consolidating a more solid and cohesive corporate identity.

This structural change seeks to strengthen the company's DNA, fostering an environment of collaboration and personal growth for each employee. At the same time, Hidral continues to modernise and expand its factories, optimising processes, reorganising production and renewing its machinery to reach new standards of excellence.

Today, Hidral is made up of three specialised business lines:

• Hidral S.A.focused on industrial and personnel lifting.
• Hidral Gobel S.L.focused on accessibility solutions in urban transport.
• Acros by Hidralspecialising in accessibility in buildings.

With nearly 30,000 m² of facilities in Seville and Logroño, the company maintains its commitment to innovation and the development of products adapted to the demands of the market.