IHT Group specializes in heating solutions, thermal stress management, and animal welfare, as well as applicable cooling systems
By Pedro Augusto
The Canadian company IHT, specialized in energy efficiency for animal agriculture, predominantly in the swine industry, is in the process of expanding to Brazil, with plans to establish a production facility in the country later this year. The goal is to use the Brazilian market as a strategic hub for distributing its products across South America.
According to Chris Grant, the company’s president, the decision to set up operations in Brazil is driven by the significant potential of the country’s swine industry and the opportunity to access government incentives for local production. “The Brazilian pork market is very large, and our technology can provide energy savings of up to 60% for producers. We want to bring this innovation to the major players in the sector,” Grant stated.
Brazil accounts for 4% of global pork production, ranking behind only China, the European Union, and the United States, according to data from the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). In 2024, external sales totaled 2.89 million tons, generating revenue of $12.8 billion, according to the Brazilian Animal Protein Association (ABPA), with China being the primary destination for the product.
IHT Group already markets its solutions in various countries worldwide, including Canada, the United States, Europe, China, and Australia. Establishing a local factory presents an alternative to bypass high import costs and facilitate access to the domestic market. “Our product offers a competitive advantage that does not yet exist in the Brazilian market, but import costs have been a challenge. That’s why we decided to invest directly in the country,” the executive explained.
To make the operation viable, the company has been holding a series of meetings in recent months, seeking strategic partnerships for manufacturing and logistics, as well as evaluating different Brazilian states for the installation of the production unit. “We have visited potential suppliers and assessed different locations, mainly in southern Brazil, where swine production is concentrated,” Grant said. The region accounts for 52% of the national herd and nearly all of the sector’s exports, with Santa Catarina, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul standing out, according to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). The choice of location also considers factors such as infrastructure, a skilled workforce, and security.
The IHT president acknowledges the challenges of establishing a new operation, including bureaucracy and the complexity of the country’s tax system. “I like to make quick decisions, but this process has been slower than we expected. Brazil is not an easy country for business, and there are many steps to follow. I hope we can resolve everything and start operating in September,” Grant commented.
The next steps for the company involve selecting the site for the facility, formalizing industrial partnerships, and adapting to Brazil’s regulatory environment. With the expectation of overcoming these challenges, IHT plans to strengthen its operations in Brazil and expand to other South American markets in the coming years.
