The company's management has emphasized a strong industrial commitment, stating that significant preliminary work, involving social sacrifice, was undertaken to implement these investments. Although 75 million euros were initially announced, the final figure has risen to 80 million euros, which is expected to maintain the Llodio plant in a stable situation for at least the next five years.
“"We have a strong industrial commitment; we do things with a purpose. We did significant preliminary work, with social sacrifice. I believe we did it with rigor and social dialogue, which led us to announce investments of 75 million euros, which have ended up being 80 million euros, and which should leave us in a stable situation, at least for the next five years."
In Aiaraldea, in Laudio, the company's management has reaffirmed its commitment to its headquarters, stating that “Llodio is a plant with a future.” However, they have insisted that the main reason the company invests more in some locations than others is “competitiveness.” This was highlighted in relation to the announcement of an investment plan exceeding 180 million euros for its Caudete (Albacete) plant, aimed at strengthening sustainability and energy efficiency.
Competitiveness is linked to energy costs, investment incentives, and labor competitiveness, according to the company's CEO. This encompasses historical conflicts, absenteeism, and access to labor in the surrounding area. Despite this, it has been reiterated that the investment plan for the 2023-2027 period in the Laudio facilities will ultimately reach 80 million euros, highlighting the commissioning of the new photovoltaic plant, which involved an investment of 3.2 million euros.
The company has “favorable” forecasts for 2026, expecting its earnings per share to grow by more than 5%, despite the challenging context. In the first quarter, it recorded a net profit of 53.7 million euros, almost 13% more than in the same period last year, with an Ebitda of 104 million euros. Although sales decreased slightly by 1.3% to 367.5 million euros, the growth of the business in South America has partially offset this moderation.
The evolution of the business in South America, reinforced by the recent acquisition of Cristalerías Toro in Chile, now accounts for 20% of the group's business volume. 50% comes from the five plants on the Iberian Peninsula, and the remaining 30% from the United Kingdom and Ireland. Although the activity of the Llodio plant represents less than 5% of the group's total activity, it remains the company's decision-making center and headquarters.
