HEF
HEF is a surface treatment company and world leader in surface materials engineering, capable of offering its customers comprehensive services – whether they are major contractors or SMEs. These services range from research to the operation of processes or supply of components, including industrial development, technology transfer, metal surface treatment and finishing services.
Join HEFAbout us
About HEF
HEF is a world-renowned expert in surface materials engineering with three core competencies: tribology, photonics and hydrogen technologies. HEF develops new materials and processes to meet societal challenges, side by side with our customers in the mobility, construction, decarbonized energy, defense, space, and medical sectors. HEF is anchored in Saint-Etienne, a region of industrial innovation. HEF uses a vertical integration model that starts with high R&D intensity (which represents 8 to 10% of sales) and extends to globalized industrialization: 80% of our business is transacted internationally. HEF is a pioneer in social innovation, with two thirds of our capital held by our employees. This provides us with a financial solidity that supports our strategy of long-term investment and rational growth. Our commitment to protecting the environment is specifically reflected in the circular economy of our processes and a product offering focused on replacing technologies that pollute. HEF’s purpose is “to be a force for progress by transforming science into industry”. HEF is a multi-specialist in the field of surface treatments and components. HEF is vertically integrated, a leader in tribology, a challenger in photonics, and an emerging player in hydrogen technologies.
HEF – close to its customers throughout the world
New materials and processes developed in Saint-Etienne are rapidly being rolled out on an international industrial scale through HEF’s network of foreign subsidiaries.
Our teams are committed to ensuring local responsiveness, efficiency, service, and providing a local offering to our customers. HEF’s technologies and expertise are accessible, standard-compliant, and they are of uniform quality throughout the world.
A few figures to illustrate our international character: 80% of turnover is transacted with international customers, and there are 90 industrial sites in 21 countries including France.
HEF – a pioneer in social innovation for 50 years
In 1973, HEF transitioned to a majority employee-ownership model, with 66% of the capital held by employees. This means that employees are responsible for their own future and have autonomy and freedom in their decision-making. It also means significant freedom of action.
Employee shareholding is a guarantee of the company’s long-term future in the region. It also guarantees the loyalty and commitment of HEF employees.
Ultimately, employee shareholding ensures financial solidity, enabling us to invest continuously in research & development and a very long-term vision of the company.
Our environmental commitments
HEF surface treatment, production processes, and tools have been redesigned to operate in a circular economy on a European scale first and subsequently on a global scale.
After an initial pilot recycling plant in Andrézieux-Bouthéon, this operation will be developed in China and then in North America.
HEF is integrating environmental issues by diversifying into markets linked to decarbonized energy:
– Hydrogen: from upstream via hydrogen production (in the research phase) to using hydrogen for mobility or thermal mobility.
– nuclear energy via the safety of facilities or even in wind turbines with enhanced durability.
