The story of our family business began in 1962, when Oscar Hege, a passionate botanist, founded a nursery and landscaping company with the support of his father. Thanks to his dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment, the business flourished, laying the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey.
In the 1980s, Oscar Hege’s sons, Denis and Michel, joined the company and expanded into sports field maintenance, overcoming significant technical and financial challenges. This strategic diversification led to the creation of Hege Sports & Jardins in 1991, bringing together landscaping and sports maintenance under one brand.
Hege
To ensure high-quality services, the company invested in specialized machines from the German company Fischer, further strengthening its reputation. In 1994, it undertook vertical drainage operations for Monaco and Toulon, becoming the only company in France to offer this service.
To enhance profitability, the company began designing its own machines. During the winter months, Denis and his team leveraged their field expertise, a high-performance workshop, and creative innovation to refine their tools.One of their most notable achievements was the development of a custom-built 260-horsepower machine, created in collaboration with the agricultural machinery manufacturer Horsch. Today, the company is fully equipped to handle all aspects of sports field maintenance, renovation, and construction.
In 2008, Samuel Escach, Denis Hege's son-in-law and an Arts et Métiers engineer by training, joined the company and helped design and manufacture a 6-meter, 200-horsepower drainage machine. This project rapidly improved the company's competitiveness and performance on major worksites.
But the team's efforts did not focus solely on developing machines for large-scale works.
Many customers were confronted with earthworm castings that choked the turf and degraded the land. The ban on chemical treatments with zero phyto limits the available solutions.
The R&D team then works on a mechanical solution and in 2009, the Joker turf comb
joined the company's fleet of machines. Designed and manufactured in-house, the tool is extremely precise, and is quickly offered for sale.
Practical and environmentally friendly, it is particularly valued by local authorities for the maintenance of sports complexes. Over time, with the addition numerous accessories, it has evolved into a highly versatile and efficient solution for natural grass fields, synthetic fields, and gravel surfaces.
Within a few years, the range of machines for sale became more specialized. The development team turned its attention to landscapers, equestrian center managers, and golf course operators, designing machines tailored to the specific challenges of each sector.
As the company evolved, it refined its services, expanded its product range, and strengthened its expertise—all while remaining true to its core values of quality and customer satisfaction.
In 2019, the company’s service provision and machine manufacturing activities were split into two distinct entities. The development and manufacturing division became Hege Applications, entirely dedicated to the design and production of high-quality machines. With 15 years of experience in the sports field sector, Samuel Escach took over the management of this new entity. Shortly after, the company expanded its capabilities by establishing a 400 m² hall dedicated to prototype production.
Hege
In 2022, the company took on the ambitious challenge of designing and manufacturing the first Joker XXL machines. Measuring 7.40 meters (291,34 inches) wide, they were commissioned by the ADP Group to equip Roissy Charles de Gaulle and Le Bourget airports.
Two years later, Hege Applications inaugurated an ultra-modern 1,100 m² production hall to drive innovation meet growing demand, and expand its export activities.This investment enhances productivity, improves working conditions, and reduces energy consumption. The project was supported by funding from the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER).
Hege
In recent years, Hege Applications has been expanding into neighboring markets, including: Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. In September 2024, to accelerate its international growth, the company exhibited at GaLaBau, Europe’s largest landscaping trade fair in Nuremberg (Germany). That same year, several Bundesliga clubs in Germany invested in Hege machines, providing valuable references to build trust with future partners across Europe.
Other projects are in the pipeline, so keep up with us on Linkedin!
