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13 1.14 to 1.19.2019 For the automakers, the company registered an increase of 100% in exports last year and the projection for 2019 is to maintain the volume. “We send the components to the headquarters, which distributes to the automakers in Europe”. Along with the increase in exports, the company wants to grow at least 20% in Brazil, with the expansion being pulled by the aftermarket and the automakers that have already requested large volumes. “Even with a growth last year, Brazil has a very large repressed demand and the expectation is that all segments of the automotive industry will have grow in 2019. Our flagship is the supply regarding heavy trucks and buses, but we also supply premium cars such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche”. In order to support the projected demand for the year, Hengst will begin the works of expansion at the factory in Joinville in February, with investment of R$ 7 million - applied to increase the productive capacity by 30% and expand the inventory area. The company also evaluates the acquisition of a land or shed to use as a distribution center in São Paulo, a strategic region to serve its customers.  Thinking about the medium term, Hengst seeks to create new support pillars for its business, such as the industrial filter segment, used to filter particles generated from other operations inside the factories. To move forward in this area, Hengst has already bought three companies specialized in the production of these components - the last was from Delbag at the end of last year. “We believe that from 2024 the global demand for automotive filters will decrease because of the new electric motorizations that will emerge but it will not cease to exist. But by strategy, we are preparing to work in other areas”.