Helma SA Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence and Five Years with Hitachi
In 2025, Greek construction industry stalwart Helma SA is raising a glass to two significant achievements: its 40th anniversary as one of the country’s leading machinery suppliers, and five years as the official dealer for Hitachi Construction Machinery (Europe) NV (HCME). These twin milestones aren’t just markers of time passed. They’re a testament to a company that’s quietly reshaping the heavy machinery landscape in Greece.
Since joining HCME’s dealer network in 2020, Helma has gone from strength to strength. In just half a decade, the company has dramatically increased the Hitachi brand’s visibility across the Greek market, especially through the rapidly expanding Hitachi Premium Rental programme. A recent example speaks volumes: ten ZX350-7 medium excavators were delivered on a rental basis to a single client — a sure sign that the demand is both real and growing.
Hitachi Premium Rental takes off in Greece
The Premium Rental scheme has been a game changer. For contractors and machine operators grappling with fluctuating workloads, the flexibility and reliability of a top-tier rental solution are invaluable. And Helma has been instrumental in rolling this out.
By offering high-performance Hitachi equipment under the Premium Rental banner, the company has enabled construction firms of all sizes to access modern machines without long-term capital expenditure. It’s not just about affordability either. It’s also about reliability, uptime and after-sales support — all of which Helma delivers in spades.
Serving Greece’s diverse construction sector
Helma SA has carved a solid reputation by focusing on quality and partnership. Today, it serves a wide-ranging customer base that stretches from major contractors and civil engineering firms to independent equipment operators. Most of its clients are active in sectors like road building, general construction, quarrying, earthworks and recycling.
This diversity is a key strength. It gives the company the agility to adapt to shifts in market demand, while ensuring its team maintains broad technical knowledge across applications. And by aligning itself with trusted global brands like Hitachi, Helma offers a portfolio that speaks directly to the priorities of Greek contractors: efficiency, endurance, and value.
A family legacy with modern ambitions
The company’s roots run deep. Founded in 1985 by Dimitris Tsoumas, a seasoned veteran of the used equipment trade, Helma was built on an ethos of hands-on knowledge and long-term customer relationships. That legacy is now in the capable hands of his daughter, Iris Tsouma, who took up the reins in 2019 after finishing her studies.
Reflecting on the path she’s chosen, Iris shares: “I always knew that one day I would be part of this. Growing up, I watched my dad and never imagined pursuing a different path.”
That connection to the company’s founding vision is more than sentimental. It fuels a leadership style grounded in loyalty, attention to detail, and a fierce commitment to progress. Iris adds: “I truly believe we’ve succeeded in making Hitachi products not just known, but genuinely loved by the Greek market — and that passion drives us to keep reaching for the very best.”
Expanding to meet future demand
With the Greek construction sector on the rebound and infrastructure projects gathering steam, Helma is gearing up for its next chapter. A major expansion effort is already underway.
Iris confirms: “We are creating a dedicated Hitachi showroom for stock machines, renovating our existing facilities, and growing the Helma family.”
These aren’t cosmetic upgrades. They reflect a larger ambition: to create a customer experience that’s aligned with international standards while maintaining the local expertise Helma’s known for.
The showroom, for instance, will allow clients to experience Hitachi machines up close, explore their capabilities, and make more informed purchasing or rental decisions. The facility upgrades will also improve turnaround time on servicing and increase inventory capacity.
The Hitachi partnership: five strong years
HCME President and CEO Francesco Quaranta had this to say: “I would like to congratulate Helma not only on its 40th birthday, but also on its fifth anniversary as our valued partner in Greece. We appreciate Helma’s commitment to quality and the dedication it has shown in providing excellent after-sales service to our customers. We look forward to many more years of our successful partnership.”
This endorsement isn’t just lip service. It underscores the trust HCME places in Helma as a brand ambassador and technical partner. That trust has translated into a stronger foothold for Hitachi across southern Europe, with Helma acting as a critical conduit between the manufacturer and the region’s end-users.
Why this matters for the Greek construction industry
In an industry where downtime costs money and reliability is king, having a partner like Helma is invaluable. The company’s ability to offer dependable service, access to world-class machinery, and flexible rental options gives Greek contractors a vital edge.
Moreover, its customer-first culture and emphasis on local support mean that even smaller operators don’t get lost in the shuffle. That’s a rare thing in today’s increasingly consolidated industry landscape.
Eyes on a bright horizon
Helma’s story is about more than anniversaries. It’s a vivid example of how a company rooted in tradition can embrace innovation, build meaningful partnerships, and thrive in a competitive market. Whether you’re digging trenches, paving roads, or shifting earth in a quarry, chances are Helma’s got the kit — and the expertise — to help you get the job done.
As Helma SA turns 40 and celebrates five years with Hitachi, the message is clear: the best is yet to come.
