With the proposed Industrial Accelerator Act, the European Commission is placing renewed focus on strengthening manufacturing within the European Union. Faster permitting procedures and greater emphasis on products produced in Europe aim to reinforce the continent’s industrial capacity at a time when supply chains and global trade dynamics receive growing attention. For many companies, the idea of Made in Europe is gaining new strategic relevance. For HACO, it confirms a path that has shaped the company for decades.
A manufacturing philosophy rooted in Europe
From engineering and design to production, HACO’s sheet metal machines are developed and manufactured in Europe. The philosophy behind this approach is simple: innovation thrives when design, manufacturing and industrial expertise remain closely connected. “European manufacturing combines engineering precision with deep workshop experience,” says Bart Huys, Global Sales Manager at HACO Group. “That environment naturally leads to machines designed for accuracy, durability and everyday reliability.”
This philosophy runs throughout HACO’s portfolio. Press brakes such as the EuroMaster-S, SynchroMaster and the recently launched OptiForm are engineered and built in Europe, combining rigid construction, intuitive CNC control and high-quality components developed for modern metalworking environments. The same European engineering approach guides HACO’s shears, including the TSX and GSX series, as well as special-built heavy-duty machines such as the HSLX shears and HDSY press brakes, designed for demanding industrial applications.
A global perspective
Through his international role, Bart Huys works closely with customers and partners across multiple continents, offering a broad view on how regional expertise shapes global manufacturing. “Each region contributes its own strengths,” he explains. “Europe has built a powerful ecosystem around engineering, industrial suppliers and metalworking know-how, and HACO grew from that environment.” At the same time, the group’s international footprint includes HACO India, where machines are produced locally for the Indian market according to the principle “Engineered in Europe. Made in India – for India,” combining European engineering standards with strong local expertise.
When industry and policy align
The renewed policy focus on European manufacturing highlights a principle that has long guided HACO’s development. Designing and building machines within Europe reflects an engineering culture focused on precision, reliability and long-term performance. For HACO, Made in Europe has always been a guiding principle, covering engineering in Europe or full European production depending on the target market.
