The economy improved under General Ernesto Geisel, who was elected president in 1974. As a military man with economic experience, he promoted the country’s industry, which led to an initial economic boom. Many American and European investors also wanted to benefit from this development and founded their own companies in Brazil. The Federal Republic of Germany also supported investments in Brazil through special funding programmes.
After an impressive IHK fact-finding trip to Brazil, Bernhard Beumer from the neighbouring machine factory in Beckum approached Rudolf Haver, third-generation managing partner, to propose the establishment of a joint subsidiary in the state of Sao Paulo. In view of the state funding and the expected good business in this region with the largest share of industry, the two medium-sized family businesses quickly agreed. As Haver + Beumer Latinoamericana, however, they had to contend with many unexpected challenges – galloping inflation and instability in the management required not only enormous financial efforts, but also a great deal of personnel support from the two parent companies.
Haver & Boecker took over Beumer’s shares in 1991. Gradually, the company was stabilised and Haver & Boecker Latinoamericana was expanded. Today, HBL is one of Haver & Boecker’s most successful subsidiaries.
