Bus Building at Global Scale

Supporting Growth in Portugal

Hess’s journey into Portugal marked a key moment in their expansion strategy. Looking to extend their presence in Western Europe, Hess sought to establish a competitive production hub in Portugal to rival major players in bus manufacturing. Sika’s global presence and technical expertise played a crucial role in ensuring a seamless transition of production processes from the company’s site in Switzerland to the new facilities just north of Porto.

Sika’s specialists from Switzerland worked closely with Hess’s team in Portugal, providing hands-on training and detailed product handling recommendations to support the bonding of 16-meter bus rooftop panels, among other applications. From open time to pre-treatment steps and evaporation times, the recommendations were carefully defined to replicate the successful processes established in Switzerland. This collaborative effort has positioned Portugal as a vital production center for Hess.

Expanding Horizons in Australia

The partnership between Sika and Hess extends far beyond European manufacturing centers. When Hess secured the Brisbane Metro project — a major public transport initiative in Australia in which Hess will supply and service a fleet of electric busses powered by a roof-mounted charging system — they faced challenges with their original supplier of underbody coatings. Sika stepped in quickly to provide locally available solutions to ensure that Hess’s aftermarket services meet the same standards set in Europe.

Through rigorous testing and approval processes conducted by Hess, Sikagard® coatings were validated for use in Australia. Sika’s ability to supply certified products locally and translate working instructions from Switzerland into localized documents ensured smooth operations across borders. This collaboration highlights how Sika’s global network empowers customers to expand their reach while maintaining consistency and reliability.

In 2023, Sika Schweiz AG was honored as Hess’s “Valuable Supplier of the Year,” a recognition of the strength of this collaboration and its impact on quality, cost efficiency, technology, process optimization, and logistics.

Driving Efficiency in Switzerland

In Switzerland — the heart of Hess’s operations — Sika has long been instrumental in optimizing production processes through innovative solutions like PowerCure technology and Sikaflex®-500 Series adhesives. These advancements have enabled faster curing times for side flaps and rear windows while transitioning from the existing adhesive range to the more efficient STP adhesive range.

A shared commitment to sustainability also shines through packaging innovations like unipac systems that reduce waste and streamline supply chains. Annual training sessions further reinforce the long-term partnership by onboarding new employees and refreshing existing staff on essential applications such as bus construction and repair techniques.

A Partnership Built on Trust

With over 30 years of collaboration, Sika remains one of Hess’s top four suppliers — a position earned through consistent delivery of high-quality products and reliable technical support across all active markets. Whether it’s providing local product recommendations or ensuring timely availability of materials, Sika’s reliability and local technical support have been integral to Hess’s success.

Looking ahead, Sika remains committed to keeping Hess at the forefront of design, quality and reliability in bus building, wherever in the world their next opportunities may be. Together, we aim to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and deliver superior results for customers worldwide.

 Learn How Sika’s Local and Global Support Can Move Your Business Forward