BBR | Magazine - January 2021 Edition

Federico Rosenberg, CEO for Rodio Swissboring in Central America

WHO WE ARE

Managing Director

Jassen Pintado

Creative Director

Omar Rodríguez

Editor in Chief

Rafael Tablado

Finance Director

Christina Schoch

Social Media Director

Maria Elena Gastelum

Content Coordinator

Alicia Barrantes

Project Directors

Ana Macfarland

David Alarcon

Giuseppe Modenesi

Lucy Verde

Marcelo Modenesi

EDITOR’S LETTER

January 2021

We’re closing the year in the same way we want to begin 2021: very strong… That’s the reason we’re boasting PETROPERÚ on our cover, the oil company is not just the stronghold of government-run businesses in Perú, but simply the most important company nationwide.

Holding its own crown is Rodio Swissboring, which seems to be underneath every important project in Central America with the support it offers to the construction, infrastructure and mining industries in geotechnical engineering, underground construction, excavation and foundations, among other specialized services.

We are happy also of covering the Mexico

Mateo Rafael Tablado, Editor in chief at The Boston Business Review Email: rafael.tablado@thebostonbr.com

affiliate for Karl Heinz Dietrich Logistics, the Germany-based family run business has earned a name for itself being reliable at the most critical times… Of course 2020 highlighted the best of them!

In other matters, we felt it was very important to come close and check out what Mauricio Claver-Carone is bringing to the table as he became the IDB’s first US-born president, we’ve found out very interesting policies which deserve to be fully-fledged in the times we are currently living through.

We wish all your professional and personal goals are met during 2021!

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IDB FACING CHANGES BROUGHT BY NEW PRESIDENT

MAURICIO CLAVER-CARONE

The Finance sector closes 2020 with a surprise: the first US citizen to become president of the Inter-American Development Bank is Mauricio Claver-Carone, who doesn’t seem to bring any downtime to the forecast

Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado

In more than 60 years after being founded, the Inter-American Development Bank (IBD) --the most important financial institution of its kind in the Western Hemisphere-- has worked as a bastion for its main partner’s policies (the US, with a 30% share of the bank) supporting megaprojects in Latin America and the Caribbean which have benefitted governments in the territory as well as the businesses involved in such projects. Aside from being the bank’s largest shareholder, the IDB had never been led by US citizen… until now.

Mauricio Claver-Carone, a 45 year old lawyer, was elected last September, becoming the first US-born president of the IDB. Claver-Carone is of Cuban and Spanish descent and he’s not only ending the institution’s tradition of being led by a Latin American officer, but he already declared he’ll be serving one five-year term only in this position, considering that in 61 years the IDB has only had four presidents.

Claver-Carone is succeeding Luis Alberto Moreno, from Colombia, who is leaving the bank after three successive five year terms.

CLAVER-CARONE’S DUTY IS TO SECURE THE NECESSARY FUNDS FOR THE BANK TO CARRY OUT POLICIES NOT ONLY BENEFITTING THE REGION, BUT ALSO WITH A POSITIVE

COLLATERAL IMPACT IN POLICIES AND INTERESTS IN NORTH AMERICA

WORK FOR GOVERNMENT AND ACADEMIA

The current IDB president, who’s also been a lobbyist, is a former Senior Director of the National Security Council and has previously held other positions for the US government. He served as Senior Advisor for International Affairs in the U.S. Department of the Treasury (201718), afterwards he was appointed Special

Assistant to President Donald Trump and Senior Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs on the National Security Council, and shortly after he was promoted to become a Deputy Assistant to the President.

Claver-Carone isn’t unfamiliar with the IDB, as he had previous experience in the institution as an executive director, in representation of the USA in the bank’s board of directors.

WHAT ABOUT THE OPPOSITION?

Before the election, the prospect of ending with the tradition of the IDB’s presidency being a position held exclusively by Latin American executives for decades brought itself some opposition. One of the other candidates to run against Claver-Carone was Laura Chinchilla, former President of Costa Rica, who retired her candidacy before the elections, leaving Argentinean Secretary of Strategic Affairs Gustavo Béliz as the sole opposition facing the American lawyer. A politician, Béliz has served Argentina since the early 1990s, holding different positions in government and had also previous experience in the IDB.

The opposition and other shareholders of the bank tried unsuccessfully to delay the elections until March.

A NEW DIRECTION IN AREAS RECEIVING SUPPORT

In an interview with The Hill, ClaverCarone mentioned the four areas the IDB is aiming to support. One of them is preparing public health policies, a relevant subject considering the COVID19 pandemic; the others are the creation of security networks for vulnerable populations, employment development through SMEs and development for fiscal policies. These plans undoubtedly stand far from traditional support to infrastructure megaprojects which would benefit businesses, could reflect on countries’ GDP and in many other ways, except finding its way into the pockets of workers, pillars of the region’s economies.

This intention to grow the middle class in Latin America and the Caribbean once again through employment development is a key strategy to the region’s economic development as it also benefits the US policies for this territory.

Claver-Carone is also in favor of

supporting women-owned businesses, which generate 10% more income than male-owned business, in spite of having 50% less access to financing. Another goal aligned to the main matters in Claver-Carone’s agenda is digitizing financial processes in the territory.

The possible impact of a growth in the Latin American middle class -which recently seemed to face extinction not only in this continentby benefitting the regions’ workforce can work for the US beyond commercial matters, but also having a positive impact on its policies about immigration and other subjects.

LOOKING TO INCREASE COMMITMENT FROM THE LARGE SHAREHOLDERS

The new IDB president also aims to accomplish the bank’s recapitalization, enabling the institution to obtain funds for over $20 billion in lending capacity, to be destined to the recovery of the region’s economies after the pandemic. Claver-Carone’s duty is to

secure a commitment from the US and its representatives to allow the creation of laws that would guarantee the necessary funds for the bank to carry out policies not only benefitting the region, but also with a positive collateral impact in different policies and interests in North America.

Since entering office, Claver-Carone has already engaged in commitments about different subjects concerning the IDB, such as nearshoring, growth, post-pandemic economic recovery,

governments, private sector, women in executive positions, men, IDB partners and beneficiaries, and even setting foot in subjects such as human trafficking.

Five years in office in the way the president has announced -and done, so far- may bring significant progress in the region if all of these efforts are enabled to be carried out down to the very last link of the chain, benefitting those whose sacrifice and effort bring support to the continent’s economies.

ON THE ROAD TO CLEAN CONSTRUCTION

Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado

This is more than a project, but rather a commitment to sustainability for future generations, capable of having a positive impact still today: Budapest, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Oslo take part on clean construction

The Clean Construction Declaration is part of the C40 forum, in which 97 cities and each city’s major is committed to observance of these goals, first established in the Paris Agreement in respect to climate change. This chapter is focused on a very

necessary activity worldwide --whose contribution to climate change is estimated in 25%-- and offers support to cities involved in a transition toward a sustainable construction model and zero emissions, also enabled to construct healthier buildings,

improving air quality for the millions of urban residents worldwide. Its main purpose is to arrive in 2050 without polluting emissions from buildings and other infrastructure constructions, focusing on construction machinery and materials.

The landscape for population growth, and the prospect for creating housing and infrastructure for the world population foresee an increase in construction activity in many years to come.

Oslo, Norway

Focus areas in which there’s already work in progress, brainstorming, strategies, challenges and policies include:

• Commitment and inclusion

• Market development

• Resources and data

• Benefits

FOUR CITIES LEADING THE WAY

On November 24, the current mayors of Budapest, Los Angeles, Mexico City and Oslo committed to reduce by half all the emissions produced by construction-related activities by 2030. It should be noted that the Clean Construction Forum is led precisely by the Norwegian capital. These mayors committed to revolutionize the construction industry globally, thrusting it into a sustainable future, resulting in a resilient, healthy lifestyle able to offer development capacity to all its inhabitants, especially those in vulnerable population groups.

Besides being the cause of more

than 23% of GHG and 30% of global resource consumption, the current pace for construction is leading the Earth to a 37°F increase.

This declaration sets ambitious targets to develop net-zero emission buildings and infrastructure of the future by:

• Reducing embodied emissions by at least 50% for all new buildings and retrofits by 2030

• Reducing embodied emissions by at least 50% of all infrastructure projects by 2030

• Procuring and when possible using only zero emission construction machinery from 2025

Being aware of the fact that cities cannot tackle the climate crisis alone, the Declaration places the circular economy as its core and calls for innovation and collaboration across cities, businesses, regional, national and supranational government and industry.

The Declaration commits cities to repurposing and retrofitting building stock to make better use of the buildings and infrastructure that currently exist, which also has huge potential to create new green jobs. Retrofitting reduces the need for raw building materials that have a high carbon footprint — concrete production alone is responsible for 8% of the world’s GHG emissions.

WHAT ARE THESE CITIES’ HIGHEST OFFICIALS SAYING?

The mayors have also committed to preach by example in clean construction by using their purchasing power and normalizing the use of zero emission machinery for construction work, as well as demanding transparency and responsibility in supply chains. These leaders aim at these goals by incorporating clean construction policies in the design, planning and procuring processes, as well as in construction codes.

“I’m proud to announce our firm commitment with business and

Claudia Sheinbaum, Head of Government of Mexico City

-

Photo by Tomas Martinez

industry to transform construction in Oslo and cities around the world. for the better. The climate crisis is a global problem that requires global solutions. We need to unite businesses, industry and government on all levels to advance climate action. We are confident that the C40 Clean Construction Declaration will contribute in shifting the construction market globally. Together, we can remove fossil fuels and reduce emissions from construction sites altogether,” declared Raymond Johansen, Mayor of Oslo, Norway.

On his behalf, Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles, California said: “The climate crisis affects every facet of our lives and every sector of our cities, that means we have to fundamentally change the way we operate across the board and revolutionize how we power our neighborhoods, consume natural resources, construct buildings, commute, travel, and lead. Los Angeles is doubling down on our commitments.”

“Mexico City has a firm commitment to CDMX, México

the best international sustainable building practices, not only because of the need to reduce the impact generated by construction and demolition waste, but also because of the potential in energy efficiency that can be achieved, thereby contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” expressed Dr. Marina Robles, main officer at the Secretary of Environment of Mexico City.

Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest, Hungary, said: “Budapest is a beautiful city with an incredible historical heritage and great architecture that we all adore. This, however, means a large building stock with rather poor energy performance and high GHG emissions. The Municipality of Budapest has committed itself to take active steps to reduce emissions in the city. Embodied emissions in construction activities and materials are uncharted areas, where large mitigation potential can certainly be found.”

Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest

Budapest, Hungría

- Photo by Dan Freeman

THE TOP 10 RENTAL COMPANIES

IN THE WORLD

Construction, infrastructure, retrofitting, events and other activities need reliable suppliers of machinery, equipment, tools and also portable resources. These companies earned a name for themselves and have certainly thrived in business as much as offering

their rental services in different locations. Of course plenty of projects have been halted or postponed during 2020, but other needs have also arised, demanding what all of these businesses have to offer. Let’s see the top names in rentals worldwide according to International Rental News.

www.modulairegroup.com

Before 2020, the UK operator was known as Algeco Scotsman. The group offers its storage and portable accommodation solutions in more than 37 locations worldwide.

www.nishio-rent.co.jp

This Japan-based company also operates in the neighboring markets of Australia, China and Southeast Asia, precisely in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Its strongholds are construction equipment, event and tool rentals.

www.boels.nl

This Dutch company works in 17 countries in Europe. Boels Verhuur offers solutions for the construction and industrial sectors as well as tool and event rentals.

www.kanamoto.co

Machinery, equipment and tool rental for construction. This Japanese giant also works through subsidiaries, affiliates and partners in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

www.hercrentals.com

This versatile rental company operates from Florida, offering construction machinery and equipment. Herc Rentals’ 253 locations spread throughout 39 states, with 34 other locations up North in Canada. Equipment sales and financing are the company’s other business units.

www.aggreko.com

The Scottish company working its way into the top 10 provides rentals for energy, energy storage, heating and A/C. Agrekko is a giant abroad, with presence in 75 countries, delivering solutions for the construction, energy, healthcare, mining and pharmaceutical industries.

www.loxam.com

Europe’s largest operation is headquartered in Paris, France, where rentals for equipment, machinery and tools are arranged, bringing solutions to the construction, industrial and landscaping sectors. Loxam’s field of work spreads across 30 countries, 21 of them in Europe and also in Brazil, Colombia, Morocco and the Middle East, among others.

www.aktio.co.jp

The Asian giant groups 25 companies --just in Japan-- where machinery, hardware and event rentals stand out. Its six Technoparks are strategically located across the country; in fact, these facilities are prepared to aid the community in case of an emergency. Aktio’s network covers also Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan.

www.ashtead-group.com

Machinery for construction, material handling in warehouses, compressors, earthmoving equipment, HVAC, road signage, masonry, cranes… Is there anything left uncovered by United Rentals? The company is based in Stamford, Connecticut and its 936 locations cover 49 of 50 states in the US, including Puerto Rico. Across the border in Canada, the company is represented through 133 locations spreaded across ten Canadian provinces.

www.unitedrentals.com

Maquinaria para construcción, para movimientos en almacén, compresoras, compactadoras de tierra, herramientas, generadores de energía eléctrica, calefacción y clima artificial, señalización, grúas, compresoras, albañilería… ¿Hay algo que United Rentals no cubra? La compañía tiene su base en Stamford, Connecticut (EEUU) y cuenta con 936 sucursales en 49 de los 50 estados de la unión americana y Puerto Rico, y 133 ubicaciones en diez provincias canadienses.

PETROPERU: on the road to compete globally

Competition in the domestic fuel market thrusts PETROPERÚ toward high efficiency, taking the state-owned subsidiary into becoming not only the most important company in the oil & gas sector, but also nationwide

Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado

Produced by Jassen Pintado

Interviewee

Carlos Barrientos, Gerente General de PETROPERÚ

The oil & gas and energy industries in Peru are highly complex due to the domestic and international competition level and also regarding evolution in standards and production, among other aspects. PETROPERÚ thrives in this scenery, leading the way in imports and fuel markets, becoming the most productive and important company nationwide.

In 2019, PETROPERÚ reached a 44% market share in the liquid fuel market, domestically, earning a US$394 million EBITDA, more than double the amount earned in 2018, reporting a net utility of US$171 million. The company became able to reach such figures by optimizing costs in acquisitions of raw material and other products, besides cutting expenses, among other factors. The company’s contribution to

the Peruvian state amounted to US$1,593 million.

PETROPERÚ’s competition has driven the company to take such actions as optimizing its offer at affiliated service stations, as well as a new brand placement.

“As I took my current position, I noticed the company had already entered the tier with heavyweight global players in the domestic market. The company’s economic recovery implies modernization to keep up with such a challenge,” pointed out Carlos Barrientos, CEO for PETROPERÚ.

THE RIGHT LEADERSHIP TO TAKE ON COMPETITION FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR

Carlos Barrientos took over PETROPERÚ in August 2019. Before being named to the top position in the state’s oil & gas company, he worked in the private sector in industries such as logistics,

“The company had already entered the tier with heavyweight global players. THE COMPANY’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY IMPLIES MODERNIZATION to keep up with such a challenge”

- Carlos Barrientos, CEO for PETROPERÚ

industrial machinery, as a consultant and other positions which translated into the experience and prestige that took him to the CEO office in PETROPERÚ. Barrientos earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru, where he also earned an MBA. Other postgraduate degrees for Barrientos include the Leading in Growth and Profitability course from the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flager Business School and taking part in the CEO executive program from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

“Being the CEO for PETROPERÚ is one of my highest challenges, professionally, considering it’s the most important company nationwide, which is under constant transformation toward becoming a world class enterprise,” Barrientos commented.

THE GREAT CHALLENGE OF THE TALARA REFINERY

The current works at the Talara refinery are more than 90% in route to completion. These efforts are led by contractors Consorcio Cobra and Técnicas Reunidas,

both companies share wide international experience in industrial facilities and other refineries.

The Talara refinery, which halted operations from January 2021, once the project entered its final phase before completion, is subject to the following improvements:

• Making the most from raw material. The Talara refinery is about to be introduced to the flexicoking method, a late-generation technology able to turn low-value residues into a environmentally-friendly fuel, thus becoming one of only seven refineries in the world where this process takes place.

• Higher capacity. The new Talara refinery relies on 16 processing units and five auxiliary plants, increasing capacity to 95,000 barrels per day, a significant improvement over the 65,000 per day max. produced by the old refinery.

Talara Refinery

• Sustainability and lesser environmental impact. At the new Talara plant -which will be selfsufficient in terms of power supply-, sulfur particles are to be reduced to less than 50 ppm. The removed sulfur will be used to produce sulfuric acid.

• Health. Fuel desulfurization is projected to bring a very positive, high impact on the environment, resulting in estimated savings by US$300 million annually in treatment for respiratory diseases among the Peruvian population.

“PETROPERÚ is under constant transformation toward becoming a

WORLD CLASS ENTERPRISE”

- Carlos Barrientos, CEO for PETROPERÚ

One more benefit brought by the refinery’s location will be the ability to process crude oil extracted from the Peruvian Amazonia, hence becoming more attractive as a recipient for investments in new oil lots, besides making the most out of the North Peruvian Pipeline.

“The new refinery possesses strategic value for the oil & gas industry. In the medium term, there’s a possibility of conveying crude oil from Ecuador to be processed in Talara, creating synergies both domestically and abroad,” the CEO added.

Reaching the highest global standards is part of the plan of the project to be completed in November 2021. So far there haven’t been any accidents resulting in fatalities or disabilities to any of the near 7,000 individuals involved in this project, working under efficient safety conditions and supported

by 190 health professionals on site.

WORLD CLASS PURVEYORS FOR A WORLD CLASS COMPANY

Operations from PETROPERÚ demand top level resources, such as licensed technology from the most important companies in the industry, worldwide. Banks and specialized companies with international reputation act as consultants for financial matters and social issues are being handled by the company in collaboration with government agencies and speciliazied organizations.

“This kind of support and consultancy wouldn’t be possible if our company didn’t count with skilled staff with enough experience to make the most from the knowledge we obtain from tech, business and social endeavors we are involved with,” Barrientos declared.

TECH SUPPORT IN ALL FRONTS

Speeding up processes through technology is constantly evolving in PETROPERÚ. Resources like SAP are joined by the virtual desk; management duties are sped up through digital signatures, ramping up procedures which formerly took paperwork and now have become digitized, speeding up interactions with suppliers,

clients and citizens, thus supporting integrity, transparency and good corporate governance policies.

The company’s processing plants and terminals throughout Peru are also undergoing a digital transformation and the COVID19 pandemic turned telecommuting into a standard for office staff.

The North Peruvian Pipeline is also subject to upgrades enabling it to transport more fuel in less time

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees: 192 trabajadores

Year Established: 12/11/2016

Industry:

Mantenimiento Plantas Industriales. Reparaciones, Fabricaciones, Montajes Electromecánicos, Limpieza Industrial, Pintado Industrial, Mantenimiento Flotas Pesada y Liviana.

Main Services: Mantenimiento de plantas industriales.

Recent Proyects:

SERVICIO DE REPARACION DE 35 ANOMALIAS POR PERDIDA DE ESPESOR Y 01 BOLLADURA DETECTADA CON EL RASPATUBO INSTRUMENTADO (LIN SCAN) EN EL TRAMO II DEL ONP (OLEODUCTO NORPERUANO)

- SERVICIO PARA RETIRAR INTERFERENCIAS OPERATIVAS EN LAS UNIDADES AUXILIARES, TRABAJOS COMPLEMENTARIOS Y DEL PMRT (PROYECTO DE MODERNIZACION REFINERIA TALARA).

CEO:

Víctor Arturo Cruz Vásquez - Gerente General

Webpage: www.vilocru.com

COUNTERACTING THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC

Before 2019, when different factors were taking oil prices into a downward spiral, plans and operations from PETROPERÚ performed above expectations for the year, rising optimism looking ahead to 2020.

As COVID19 hit with global quarantines, bringing plenty of economic activity to a halt, the company experienced a 70% drop in sales.

Nevertheless, PETROPERÚ stood as an essential activity without any production stoppage, fulfilling every commitment to wholesale clients and service stations. Besides providing its staff of the required consumables to avoid spreading the disease, the company also developed information campaigns and increased medical insurance coverage, guaranteeing attention to COVID19 cases.

“All of this has allowed the company to take a crucial role during the first months of the pandemic and also during the country’s economic recovery. This is an achievement for all of us,” the CEO said. January 2021

COMMUNITY AND VICINITIES: REFOCUSING PRIORITIES

PETROPERÚ’s nationwide presence through refineries, production plants, station services and the North Peruvian Pipeline brings the company closer to different communities with whom the company has established outreach projects. However, the pandemic resulted in the company refocusing its efforts to counterstrike COVID19 in these communities.

In Talara, where the refinery is being

optimized, the company will donate an entire modular hospital, furnished with the latest technology, including specialized equipment for the disease’s treatment such as ventilators and other breathing aid devices. This facility will be able to host 45 patients, between moderate and critical severity. The hospital is to be run by EsSalud, the healthcare branch for social security in Peru, which is not limited to patients with insurance.

New COVID19 modular hospital for Talara

Other donations include bio-security consumables and test kits, besides engaging purveyors and other oil companies to provide corporate contribution. Aid provided during the emergency is an additional effort to the yearly 3,500 medical appointments for vulnerable populations and campaigns to eradicate dengue, Zika virus and chikungunya.

In other zones of Talara, Iquitos, Ilo, Pucallpa, Villa Salvador and vicinities of the North Peruvian Pipeline, the

company donated non-perishables at the beginning of the pandemic. Other communities such as the Peruvian Amazonas, Loreto and the Datem del Marañón province were benefited with medical attention and other consumables.

The company expects to resume previously established programs for community outreach in more than 100 communities neighboring the pipeline as well as in other native communities once the disease is controlled.

NEW HORIZONS WITHIN THE ENERGY

SECTOR

PETROPERÚ is on its way to a successful run in lot 64 of the Peruvian oil concessions map. Operations in lot 192 are scheduled to begin in 2021 in partnership with companies in the private sector. Meanwhile, the North Peruvian Pipeline is to undergo a modernization process and upgrades in its infrastructure to keep performing

“The new refinery possesses strategic value for the oil & gas industry, creating synergies both DOMESTICALLY AND ABROAD”

- Carlos Barrientos, CEO for PETROPERÚ

as the most important crude oil transport system, from the rain forests to the Bayovar port terminal.

For the long term, PETROPERÚ is exploring possibilities within its current infrastructure to take part

in renewable energy, such as wind and solar energy, intending to power its own facilities and partnering afterwards with the purpose of its commercialization. This may undoubtedly result in a masterstroke, considering

possible affectations to fossil fuels, in a way that highs or lows in oil price don’t affect the company’s capacity to deliver energy nationwide.

ON THE ROAD TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY

After mid-2020, Peru and other markets slowly began the road toward economic recovery. The crude oil price experiences a gradual recovery and PETROPERÚ is resuming projects which had been already underway, such as plant construction in the Ilo, Pasco

PETROPERÚ’s leadership has taken the company to become the main player in a highly competitive market involving global companies

“WE

ARE DETERMINED TO CONTRIBUTE IN ACCELERATING ECONOMIC RECOVERY while keeping strict safety protocols in all our operations. This is what we are committed to as a company and as a nation”

- Carlos Barrientos, CEO for

PETROPERÚ

and Madre de Dios communities, and a signed agreement to export fuel to Bolivia.

After the critical stage in Marc, as quarantines worldwide began, from June and onwards sales increased in 65%, projecting a 92% recovery toward the end of 2020. The necessary adjustments saved

more than $120 million in capital expenditures and $287 million in operational expenses.

“We are determined to contribute in accelerating economic recovery while keeping strict safety protocols in all our operations. This is what we are committed to as a company and as a nation,” Carlos Barrientos finalized.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING

AND SPECIALIZED CONSTRUCTION WITH SOLID GLOBAL SUPPORT

With a wide presence across Central America, Rodio Swissboring is an outstanding partner for the civil engineering and energy sectors, taking care of specialized tasks in underground construction, maritime engineering and tunneling

Rodio Swissboring started more than 60 years ago, when the company opened in El Salvador as the Swissboring Overseas Crp. Ltd. The company’s history goes back to 1930s Switzerland. After the first projects were completed in El Salvador, the company’s headquarters moved to Guatemala in 1970, and new offices opened in the rest of the Central American countries through the years.

Once in the 21st century, the company’s partnership went through changes, ending up in Soletanche Bachy owning 100% of Rodio Swissboring from 2015 on, with the latter bringing leadership in geotechnical engineering, mining, maritime engineering and specialized civil engineering to the French group’s leadership.

“Since our beginnings, we have taken part in different stages during the construction of the main infrastructure

projects in the region”, said Federico Rosenberg, Regional Director for Rodio Swissboring in Central America, which has also taken part in important projects in other regions, precisely in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Mexico.

Rosenberg, a geologist and civil engineer graduated from Texas A&M. “I’ve been part of the group for 30 years. Had my start in Spain holding different positions, from project engineer, engineer in charge of machinery, production manager, CEO at Guatemala and finally as the regional director for the last ten years,” Rosenberg commented.

ENGAGEMENT IN IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN THE REGION

Rodio Swissboring’s involvement along the Central American market through the years has taken place in projects for both the private and public sectors. This market shares plenty of features, but it also presents different conditions, and its constant evolution demands adaptability and versatility.

- Federico Rosenberg, CEO for Rodio Swissboring in Central America

“We have taken part in the main infrastructure projects in the region”

“One of the key aspects to maintain ourselves at the forefront of the market is focusing on our clients’ needs, bringing as many innovative solutions as possible,” the executive declared.

Rodio Swissboring engages in highscale projects such as the Panama Canal, taking part in the canal’s recent expansion and its new third set of locks, as well as laying the

We are a group of investors and experts in the infrastructure sector with the objective of developing and building with strong bonds so that constructions are of great value and forever.

We set our bases to to respond effectively to the great challenges, because we understood that it is possible to believe in an infrastructure at international levels with the current requirements.

Infrastructures so well made, that they last forever.

Visit us at: vitsa.co

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees: 50+

Year Established: 2004

Industry: Construction

Main Services:

Bridge builder specializing in launching mixed configuration superstructures.

Recent Projects:

Superestructura PUENTE 15- VAS.

The project consists of planning the engineering and Construction of the bridge. Scope, assembly, transport of the parts, launching of the superstructure and assurance of the maquila. The typology of “BRIDGE 15”, object of this contract, is of three (3) spans of fifty-one (51), fifty (50) and sixty (60) meters, the ground plan is curved throughout its length following a circular alignment with a radius of one hundred forty-eight (148) meters with a constant longitudinal slope of three point fifteen percent (3.15%) ascending from the abutment identified with number one (1) to abutment number two (2). The cross section has a superelevation of seven point six percent (7.6%) and is designed to be launched from a platform to its final position. Total weight 1490 tons.

CEO: Alfredo Fernandez Valenzuela

Webpage: www.vitsa.co

foundations for the third bridge across the artificial waterway; also in Panama, the company worked in Line 1 of the Panama Metro rapid transit system. In San José, Rodio Swissboring was in charge of the excavation and protection of the basements at the building of the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica. Also in the Costa

Rican capital, the company laid down the foundations and built the slope protection at the new US Embassy in Tegucigalpa (Honduras); both of these last processes were also performed at the new US Embassy in Guatemala, as the next headquarters for the US in these two countries are currently under construction.

AVANT-GARDE PROCEDURES

Rodio Swissboring has brought to the territory a wide array of procedures and techniques supported by late-generation technology, such as introducing ground improvement to Central America. Ground improvement is becoming a standard procedure in complex grounds, using a proper

technique according to the land’s conditions. Rodio Swissboring relies on support from sister company MENARD when a plot of land must undergo such a specialized process. MENARD, also a Soletanche Bachy company, is a global leader in ground improvement and is constantly investing in avant-garde machinery

and equipment to perform these tasks.

Other specialized procedures also carried by Rodio Swissboring in Central America is tunnel and microtunnel boring and construction, with support from BESSAC, another sister company specialized in these kind of projects, useful for the mining, energy and transportation sectors as well as for public waterworks, to name a few.

PARTNERS AND PURVEYORS: BEYOND MERE COMMERCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Machinery, tools and equipment stand out from Rodio Swissboring’s supply chain. The company takes part in projects which demand specialized procedures in construction, mining and the energy sectors, among others; thus requiring unique machinery and equipment with certain features and capabilities, taking Rodio Swissboring into joining manufacturers in their R&D department, engaging with design and upgrades to equipment for required, specific functions.

“We deal with the subsoil and all of what’s below the surface, where conditions are always changing; there will always be some improvement to adapt ourselves to it and

Anchor blocks and soil nailing at the Vía Alterna Sur highway in Guatemala

Anchor pile foundation at Jiboa bridge, El Salvador

Piles and sheetpiling at Miraflores locks in the Panama Canal

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees: 450+

Year Established: 1954

Industry:

Mixto Listo belongs to the Construction Industry, specifically to the production and distribution of ready-mix concrete.

Main Services:

Guatemalan company with more than 65 years of experience in the production and distribution of ready-mix concrete, along with the services associated with its placement. We have been present in the construction of the most important infrastructure, building and housing projects in the country, as well as in the construction of thousands of private projects. We have more than 10 production plants strategically distributed throughout the country to serve all kinds of construction projects.

Recent Proyects:

We take part in the construction of the most relevant projects in the country, such as: Fuentes del Valle Norte, Altos de San Nicolás, Portal San Isidro residential projects; infrastructure projects such as the Quetzal Container Terminal and the new Embassy of the United States of America, among others.

Unit Manager: Astrid Pellecer

Webpage: www.mixtolisto.com

optimize our performance,” Rosenberg summed it up.

PART OF A GLOBAL NETWORK OF MUTUAL SUPPORT

The heralded support Rodio Swissboring receives from other Soletanche Bachy companies such as BESSAC and MENARD, among others, displays the advantages of being part of a solid group with global presence. There is technical and logistic support and plentiful resources, besides relying on a wide network of experts sharing experience, processes and new techniques. On its behalf, the Central American operation of Rodio Swissboring is highly specialized in mining and geothermal exploration and also offers support to other companies in the Soletanche Bachy Group.

“We have a fine-tuned network. Most companies have a specialty in a specific area and support each other,” the regional director commented.

Another advantage shared by every company in the group is that personnel receives specialized training, which is considered a crucial factor for the success of Rodio Swissboring.

“We regularly send our staff either to train based in specific programs in technical or operational areas or in other group companies, thus creating important opportunities for development,” Rosenberg explained.

LINKS TO THE COMMUNITY: EDUCATION AND ENVIRONMENT

Rodio Swissboring’s CSR efforts are focused on programs related to education, a crucial factor for every country’s development.

The company is also developing an action plan with the main purpose of reducing its carbon footprint by 30% before 2030.

“Our global group policy is this important commitment to the environment, which increasingly impacts our operation,” the executive pointed out.

UP NEXT: A WAGER INTO PROJECT CONTINUITY

2021 is foreseen as a very interesting year for Rodio Swissboring, facing different projects both for the private and public sectors which had to be stopped or started during 2020 and which certainly will go on

dywidaggroup.com | ventas.colombia@sistemasdywidag.com

- Federico Rosenberg, CEO for Rodio Swissboring in Central America

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees: 1500+

Year Established: 1865

Industry:

We offer solutions for Infrastructure, Commercial and Residential Construction, monitoring services, maintenance and repair

Main Services: eotechnics. Rock and soil anchoring systems for the stabilization of the soil and its infrastructure Life span management. Maintenance work, monitoring schemes and robotic inspections for each phase of the project.

Recent Projects: Hidroeléctrica Chivor - Colombia. Supply of 84 active ground anchors with DYWIDAG 47 bars with double corrosion protection for the stabilization of partially submerged slopes (1,775 m in total).

CEO:

Matti Kuivalainen,

Chief Executive Officer

Webpage: www.dywidaggroup.com/

during 2021, which means the company will certainly be engaged in infrastructure mega projects for transportation, energy, mining, maritime engineering and tunneling -to name a few-, both on its own and also with support from other Soletanche Bachy companies.

“We foresee 2021 as a very interesting year with a lot of challenges. Our main goal is to become more consolidated in the region and keep taking part in important projects as general contractors,” Federico Rosenberg finalized.

THE HUMAN FACTOR AS A DIFFERENCE MAKER

Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado

Produced by Jassen Pintado

Kevin Schoberth, General Manager for Dietrich Logistics in Mexico

Dietrich Logistics’ operation in Mexico displays its strengths, standing out from global players and coming through in critical times

Karl Heinz Dietrich International Logistics began operations in 1945 Germany as WWII came to an end. The company started by transporting much needed goods from humanitarian aid, thus setting its core values, which prevail to this day in Dietrich locations across 23 countries through Europe, the Americas and Asia. In 1950, the parent company became a pioneer among shipping agencies by obtaining IATA (International Air Transport Association) certification,

and to this today it stands among top volume export shippers from Germany. The operations with the most hired employees are the parent company and Rumania; in the former, main services include air, sea and land shipping, break bulk cargo and storage; the Rumanian operation offers, among other services, pallet washing for the automotive industry and packaging for other sectors.

After some work for the pharmaceutical and automotive industries in Latin America, Dietrich first set foot in Mexico in 1999, and finally established its affiliate in 2009, currently working from facilities in Mexico City (offices and AICM --the city’s International Airport), Guadalajara and Queretaro. The Mexican operation became an IATA agent in 2015, enabling Dietrich Logistics Mexico to obtain more contracts without depending upon deals worked out by the parent company in Germany.

“The goal was to create business

here, introducing ourselves directly to companies working in Mexico, and we’ve already achieved this goal,” explains Kevin Schoberth, CEO for Dietrich Logistics in Mexico.

Schoberth’s career started from the dual education system in his natal Germany, by achieving a diploma in Wholesale Trade, and afterwards graduating in Pedagogy at the Friedrich–Alexander University Erlangen–Nürnberg, where he also earned an MBA and a master’s in Industrial Economics.

Before arriving at Mexico to take over the Dietrich Logistics office, Schoberth worked for Ninz, the Italian steel door manufacturer, where he gained valuable experience in the purchases and export departments, getting ready for his upcoming role in the logistics industry.

“Logistics is a very aggressive, hostile environment, it is hard to remain at ease,” Schoberth commented.

“The biggest potential is in our attention to clients, it’s an area we are locked into. This seems like it’s not a factor anymore, especially in large companies”

- Kevin Schoberth, CEO for Dietrich Logistics in Mexico

FOCUS ON PERSONAL SERVICE AND CLIENT SUPPORT

Price is one of the two mostdefinitive factors in logistics; nowadays, this factor answers to the need to remain within a competitive range among the industry. When activity is limited to volume analysis, delivery times and amounts, there’s not that much aside from seeking the most convenient option; but once the

process is in the hands of the human factor, not everyone steps up to the task as Dietrich does.

There are always unforeseen events in logistics, too many factors fall in between taking something from A to B, and when any inconvenience arises, true pros stand out from the rest.

“The biggest potential is in our attention to clients, it’s an area we

L-R Hanns Ulrich Dietrich and his son, Hanns Alexander Dietrich, 2nd and 3rd generation management for KH Dietrich Logistics; and Kevin Schoberth, CEO for Dietrich Logistics in Mexico

are locked into. When problems arise, it’s always the human factor solving them; sadly, this seems like it’s not a factor anymore, especially in large companies,” the executive declared.

In recent years, Dietrich commissioned a special task force able to provide 24/7 support, reaching out where automation and digital resources can’t go.

PROCESS ACCELERATION

Starting 2020, Dietrich operates in Mexico with the same system as the parent company does, updating cloud-based data instantly, sharing real-time info about each shipment at a key’s stroke and accelerating processes when entering data for each new shipment in the system, viewable from the locations involved

First unit operated by Dietrich, a donation from allied forces at the end of WWII

Dietrich Logistics earned a reputation by stepping up during emergencies

“Logistics is some kind of support for conducting business, not the business in itself; business only works out if our part in the equation is done correct”

- Kevin Schoberth, CEO for Dietrich Logistics in Mexico

and avoiding a never-ending succession of emails, phone calls and text messages. The new system can be set to allow clients to track their shipments.

“This new system saves time, allowing our staff to do the kind of tasks that cannot be done through technology, like taking phone calls, as well as taking care of emergencies and critical situations,” Schoberth explained.

INCREASING DIGITAL PRESENCE

Dietrich has recently invested in its online presence by upgrading its website and increasing social media activity

in specialized platforms like LinkedIn.

Other interactions have also been digitized, such as the company having taken part in the virtual expo organized by CAMEXA (Mexican-German chamber of commerce and industry) in July 2020, considering physical interaction with prospect clients during the global pandemic has not been possible.

“We are now taking all of our virtual presence in Mexico by creating a plan we manage here, which will bring us plenty of benefits,” the executive pointed out.

KEY SUPPORT FROM PURVEYORS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS

The relationship between Dietrich Mexico and its suppliers rests on reliability and thorough communication, resulting in timely processes. Customs agents, warehouses and transport units, among others, are part of a reliable support network.

“We work 100% on logistics coordination and we make the most of our business partners. During the last few years, we’ve established a reliable suppliers network regarding costs and delivery times,” Schoberth commented.

IATA certifications for Dietrich and its branches worldwide keep the company atop the leading air freight shipping agencies

REPUTATION SUPPORTED BY THE PARENT COMPANY’S BLESSING

The relationship between the company’s office in Mexico and the executive headquarters in Germany displays an important balance between following plans from the parent company and autonomy to operate and increase the brand’s value. Europe provides operation guidelines and values which mix with what the staff in Mexico has to offer, delivering high quality service.

As often as there are contract and tender arrangements with multinational companies from

Dietrich’s global headquarters -which always contribute to sustain the workload-, the Mexican operation is already familiar with the domestic market, its capacity and possible eventualities and variables, in a way that it is tapped to create business opportunities.

PERSONNEL: A COMMITMENT TURNED INTO EFFORT AND FULFILLMENT

The importance of the human factor has been underlined, boasting a very low turnover rate and employees with 7-plus years seniority, including a staff member who has been a part of the company since it opened for business in Mexico back in 1999.

“Opportunities arise from crisis or desperate situations”

- Kevin Schoberth, CEO for Dietrich Logistics in Mexico

It’s worth noting that a very important aspect in the staff’s loyalty to Dietrich is the company’s perception of the cost/benefit relation of working arrangements such as outsourcing, determining it is more convenient for Dietrich to hire permanent employees with paid benefits, resulting in loyalty and a better performance not only to the company but also to its clientele. This approach in the relationship with its workforce translates into a better performance from workers feeling secure about their job.

According to Dietrich’s services portfolio, some positions demand certain abilities such as speaking different languages, knowledge of tax laws, as well as requiring certifications for handling dangerous items; the company not only provides the required trainings for employees designed for such matters, but opens the training course for the whole staff, benefitting individual employees with the desire to increase their expertise.

Dietrich Logistics is supported by HR specialists able to detect

prospect employees with an adequate profile.

“Logistics is some kind of support for conducting business, not the business in itself; the client’s business only works out if our part in the equation is done correctly,” the executive declared.

FACING COVID19 WITH A COMPLETE STAFF

Consequences derived from the global pandemic hit Dietrich Logistics and found a rock-solid company properly prepared to face such a challenge. Even with a decreasing imports volume, the company’s foresight allowed it to retain all of its personnel, which became subject to telecommuting as much as possible even before the local government’s order to quarantine; in fact, employees lacking any of the resources to work from home were furnished and enabled by the company to perform in the work from home modality.

The psychology department in the HR area has fulfilled its role neatly in

providing support to employees who needed it, helping Dietrich in covering every possible need to minimize any affectation suffered by company staff during the emergency.

Visiting prospective and existing clients became virtual visits with the use of digital resources.

Most of the work during the pandemic has derived from emergencies and complex shipments, the kind of conditions that bring the best out of Dietrich.

“Opportunities arise from crisis or desperate situations, and it’s about making the most out of it,” Schoberth emphasized.

Karl Heinz Dietrich Logistics corporate headquarters, in Germany

Skilled, specialized staff taking care of every detail in the logistics industry

WHAT’S NEXT? STABILITY AND NEW CLIENTS

In spite of everything the pandemic implies, Dietrich Logistics closes 2020 in Mexico maintaining stability and its structure, controlling costs where possible. Keeping up stability is one of the main goals for 2021, a year bringing uncertainty in most sectors, a year which may result in a search for survival for many businesses. According to Schoberth, maybe by mid-2021 the light at the end of the tunnel will shine, offering much needed ease and relief.

“This year had already brought significant changes after the new system’s deployment. There are things to improve, new business relationships were accomplished and we could offer support in critical situations. We’ll benefit from all of this,” finalized Kevin Schoberth, CEO for Dietrich Logistics in Mexico.

High value management providing electricity

The expansion of the Electricity Distribution Network, regularization in collection and the creation of an infrastructure inventory add up to continuity duties and upgrades in the service’s commercialization

Interviewee Ricardo Roa, CEO for Empresa Energía Honduras

Produced by Jassen Pintado

Empresa Energía

Honduras (EEHHonduras Energy Company) operates and provides maintenance to the Electricity Distribution Network in this Central American country; EEH is in charge of the commercial operation and its upgrades, besides reducing and controlling technical and non-technical losses in the power system. EEH is created from the partnership between Eléctricas de Medellín Ingeniería y Servicios, Unión Eléctrica and STENEE, adding more than 40-years experience with operations also in Colombia, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico and Panama. After its tender was accepted, operations began in August 2016 for an agreed length of seven years and six

months. After its third year of operations, supervising company Manitoba Hydro International (Canada) qualified EEH’s compliance with contractual obligations at 78.66%.

“EEH develops an important project for the country with challenges of its own with high grade complexity in terms of execution, requiring total coordination of authorities and players from the State’s energy sector in order to achieve the best results. We bring operation and maintenance services to the power distribution system without the required expansion for growth in demand and without being in charge of management, operations or maintenance of public lighting, which limits responsibility between what an operator can do and control,” declared Ricardo Roa, CEO for EEH.

Current management at EEH is focused on controlling power losses

A LIFETIME IN THE ENERGY INDUSTRY

Ricardo Roa Barragán is in charge of EEH. The experienced engineer graduated from the National University of Colombia.

“When I turned thirteen, I decided I wanted to work in the energy sector, as I was becoming an electromechanical technician I advanced in these studies during more than six years along with high school in a polytechnic school, The Salesian Don Bosco Center of Bogotá. Afterwards, I opted to become a Mechanical Engineer,” Roa pointed out, his graduate thesis was the design, construction and start up of a low potency (100W) portable wind turbine able to supply power to a home for natives in the La Guajira region of Colombia.

Roa has taken multiple courses and postgraduate studies, like the one on Engineering Management Systems from the Pontifical Xavierian University (Colombia). Before becoming CEO for EEH in April 2019, Roa was president of the La Luna Thermal Power Station (Colombia) between September 2018 and March 2019, he was general manager of the CELCO company (electric controls, in Colombia)

from January 2017 to March 2018, he was promoted to president for the Bogota Energy Group after being president of TGI (International Gas Transporter), a position he held for two and a half years. He was also director and energy business manager of the Incauca and Providencia factories (property of the Ardila Lülle organization) for more than three years. Other previous experience in Roa’s long career include the management position at Electrificadora de Santander, ANDESCO (National Association of in-property Public Services) and the Management of Public Services.

Roa is actually taking a Master’s in Political Studies at the Pontifical Xavierian University. Even with his plentiful resumé, Roa has shared his knowledge and has taught the Efficient Use of Energy and Energy Generation subjects at the National University of Colombia, Economic Regulation of Gas and Energy Rates as part of the Energy and Mineral Law specialty at the Externado University of Colombia, as well as Energy Generation and Thermal Cycles at the Antonio Nariño University.

Ricardo Roa, CEO for Empresa Energía Honduras

“EEH DEVELOPS AN IMPORTANT PROJECT WITH A HIGH GRADE OF COMPLEXITY

REQUIRING COORDINATION OF AUTHORITIES AND PLAYERS FROM THE ENERGY SECTOR”

- Ricardo Roa, CEO for Empresa Energía Honduras

VALUE INCREASE IN A SHORT PERIOD

When EEH took over the power Distribution System in Honduras, back in 2016, assets were worth approx. $279.4 million. In less than four years, thanks to the geolocated inventory of the entire system and its updates, these assets

inventory value increased in almost 400% to a $886.56 million value. Operation optimization, achieved thanks to the knowledge about the actual Distribution System, has allowed a substantial upgrade in the service’s quality indicators up to 88%; this figure belongs to failure frequency,

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Suppliers Profile

Number of Collaborating Consultants:

Between 20 and 100 consultants specializing in different technologies (according to project demand).

Year Established: 12/22/2017

Industry:

Technological Consulting

Main Services:

251 / 5000

Translation results

SAP implementation, migrations and maintenance. Provisioning and maintenance services for technological infrastructures. Implementation and Development of Technological solutions. Strategic Consulting. Project office services (PMO)

Recent Proyects:

Implementation of SAP S / 4 Hana. Migration from ECC6.0 to S / 4 Hana. Custom ERPs for different public and private sectors

President: David Perera | CEO

Webpage: www.dpes.es

service interruption average duration and performance time of incidents.

Other improvement -in regard to previous management- which has been a factor in the company’s value increase has been the regularization of more than 80,000 users, obtaining payments for 334.98

GWh in the commercial system, equal to $57 million, after anomalies were detected and normalized.

INVESTMENTS FOCUS: UPGRADES AND CONTINUITY

After four years in operation, EEH has already invested $120 million of which 65% has been destined to nationwide updating of infrastructure for metering and the remaining 35% to an upgrade of the SCADA (distribution control center) project, taking inventory of the Distribution Network and to deployment of the new InCMS commercial

EEH delivers a quicker response to emergency calls

system, replacing the IMB390 system, deemed obsolete. The new, reliable system brings support and velocity to commercial processes, provides a larger data control, as well as helps in delivering a better service to users.

Regarding service regularization, up until July 2020 the current management has installed 645,601 metering units, both for regular and remote data intake, thus answering to the market’s demands and consumers’ conditions.

“EEH has brought relief to the country regarding investments, knowledge transfer and the technology the country requires to control electricity theft, legalization and connection of users making illegal use of the power grid; this project becomes important in the process against theft, which impacts the country’s economy for

$510 million yearly, of which $240 million are technical losses from the distribution system and close to $270 million from electricity theft,” the CEO declared.

PARTNERS, PURVEYORS, SUPPLIERS

The entire EEH operation deals with more than 1,000 suppliers among materials, metering units, electrical goods, maintenance outsourcing, general services and logistics, to name a few. Dealing with them implies transparency in each process, searching for competitive options about every required item or service, considering quality, price, delivery time and flexible payment methods.

In the same way, EEH’s suppliers must comply with quality standards in their services and deliver certified products.

NON-STOP WORK DURING THE PANDEMIC

Different from other sectors in the economy, a company in charge of the nation’s power supply cannot stop working. EEH not only has been running 24/7, but it also adapted new measures to guarantee service availability as a basic resource

Since EEH was assigned to operate the electricity grid, power failures have been reduced

Núcleo – Grupo Amper carries out the implementation of the Advanced Electrical Distribution Management System (A-DMS) that includes the supervision of 53 substations of the national network of Honduras, operated by EEH.

Thanks to Núcleo -Grupo Amper’s technology, EEH will be able to efficiently and sustainably manage the network, reducing the number and duration of supply interruptions, allowing the reduction of non-technical losses and improving the quality of services provided to its customers. www.nucleocc.com

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees:

126

Year Established: 01/01/1979

Industry:

Global technology and industrial solutions company for the Communications and Control sector.

Main Services:

Provides turnkey solutions for Communications and Control projects based on the integration and own development of products and Control and Automation Systems for the Electricity, Oil & Gas, Water, Railway, Industry, Aeronautical, Maritime, Security and Defense sectors

Recent Prjects:

1) SCADA/DMS para EEH (Honduras): Sistema SCADA/DMS para gestión de la red de distribución de energía eléctrica de Honduras

2) Sistema SDAC para Enel (Chile): Sistema de Deslastre Automático de Carga para la red de distribución de energía eléctrica de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile

3) SCADA/AGC para CEPSA (España): Centro de Control de Generación con funcionalidad de Control Automático de Generación (AGC) para gestión de la zona de regulación de CEPSA

4) Sistemas de Control de Subestaciones para REE (España): Supervisión y control de más de 100 subestaciones de la red de transporte de 220 kV y 400 kV de Red Eléctrica de España

President:

Javier Valero Artola CEO: César Revenga Buigues

Webpage: www.nucleocc.com www.grupoamper.com

during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Regarding the workforce, EEH quickly identified vulnerable individuals, proceeding to rearrange their schedules, allowing more than 500 employees to work from home, and successfully deploying every protocol and standard in the book as demanded by the WHO and local authorities (SINAGERnational system for risk management), such as:

• Workplace sanitization

• Enforcing masks, gloves, protective eyewear and use of sanitizing gel

Also, more than 60% of the company’s workforce was tested for COVID-19.

Operation-wise, the power service has been continuously supplied and some measures have been taken, such as interrupting preventive and programmed maintenance works and the non-interruption of the service to consumers with delayed payments, besides opening new channels for consumer attention such as the EEH app, a WhatsApp business line and the 118 call center.

“EEH HAS BROUGHT RELIEF TO THE COUNTRY REGARDING WHAT IT REQUIRES TO CONTROL ELECTRICITY THEFT, LEGALIZATION

AND CONNECTION OF USERS MAKING ILLEGAL USE OF THE POWER GRID”

- Ricardo Roa, CEO for Empresa Energía Honduras

SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT FOR THE WORKFORCE

Leadership, working environment, compensation, benefits and growth opportunities make EEH a very attractive company to work for, being awarded a 2nd place in this category in Honduras from Central American recruiting company Tecoloco.

Many EEH employees receive monthly

bonuses, and their children also receive bonuses at the end of the school year for good grade average. Every employee in EEH enjoys 75% medical insurance, funeral services (applies for the employee, parents, spouse and children), extra vacation days for each year of service and accident insurance. Employees focused in continuing education also receive support from the company in determined

percentages for enrollment and tuition fees in diploma courses and other specialized programs at institutions such as UNITEC (Central American Technological University), CEUTEC (Centre for Technological Development), UTH (Technological University of Honduras) and FUNIBER (Iberoamerican University Foundation).

Training programs at EEH cover from technical and practical subjects to

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees:

1.281

Year Established: 07/16/1975

Industry:

Integrator of services and technological solutions supported by a valuable group of strategic manufacturers.

Main Servies:

Our approach is the outsourcing of processes and technologies, operating with a focus on service quality and permanent innovation, integrating information technology, unified communications and networking, cybersecurity, infrastructure and business continuity.

Recent Prjects:

EMPRESA DE ENERGÍA DE HONDURAS – Contact center especializado. AVANTEL – suministro e implementación de la red de Telecomunicaciones a nivel nacional.

TIGO COLOMBIA TELECOMUNICACIONES. Servicios de ofimática, conectividad, internet y televisión, servicios de voz y colaboración, servicios de Cloud Datacenter, ciberseguridad, Movilidad IoT.

President: Luis Alberto Bocanegra C.

Webpage: www.comware.com.co

soft skills. And every worker’s safety is supported by the multidisciplinary Workplace Health and Safety team, formed by a thirteen-member staff.

LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY

EEH leaves a footprint in every community it’s engaged in, be it an urban setting, the countryside or in the rain forests.

Regarding the environment, the company is constantly organizing reforestation programs, besides taking part in socioenvironmental themed events.

Also, EEH coordinates programs aimed at vulnerable communities and children by making donations and managing other activities, thus establishing bonds able to share wellness and education, enabling access to the community regarding knowledge about the electrical power supply service.

Along these four years, Corporate Social Responsibility activities by EEH have benefitted more than 230,000 inhabitants.

ESTABLISHING AND KEEPING ORDER, THIS ADMINISTRATION’S TRADEMARK

“Having high complexities in the social,

economic and cultural aspects of Honduras, EEH’s presence -as an important link in the supply chain of delivering electricity power- has tended toward order, legality, respect to institutions and total support to State Energy ENEE. This has not been an easy task among obsolete technology in the electrical grid, among lack in investment, but mostly among a culture in which fraud is deeply rooted; nevertheless, today’s power grid relies on true, trustworthy data about

almost two million consumers being served through a strong, safe, solid commercial platform which, for the first time, is a property in domain of the electrical sector in Honduras. Imposing order as a guarantee of the duties and rights of consumers and the minimal conditions for operators -no matter where they come from- demands important efforts and resources, but it specially demands having real conscience of having these responsibility institutionalized into

this quandary of power failures; if this situation is not properly controlled, society is facing the unwanted scenario of having a rationed power supply. Continuity of these areas is foreseen to add to the strategy and control of the service delivery honoring a commitment to investment pacted since our contract began running, with a main focus in recovery of non-technical losses in the system, regularizing users in energy-theft

condition and reporting until completion of corresponding penal and judicial procedures, a labor which can hardly be carried exclusively by EEH without the support and powers of incumbent authorities.

“We still believe in this project; our workforce knows it, experiences it, feels it. Besides the vast criticism we receive permanently, we are this system’s

El sistema comercial de EEH ha recibido inversiones substanciales para operar a la velocidad y estándares requeridos en la actualidad

“WE STILL BELIEVE IN THIS PROJECT; OUR WORKFORCE KNOWS IT, EXPERIENCES IT, FEELS IT”

- Ricardo Roa, CEO for Empresa Energía Honduras

operator and, unfortunately, we are not in capacity to create or assign any subsidy or exempt consumers which are recipients of the service we deliver and meter. These challenges become more relevant in the necessity of spreading an understanding of this market’s complexity and difficulties among society and state agencies, as we require them to take part to process and penalize users on fraud and electricity theft situations, changing the culture about fraud,” CEO Ricardo Roa finalized.

1,600 FOUNDED: 2016

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEEES:

INDUSTRY: ENERGY

DEPSA SETS ‘AFTER’ AND ‘BEFORE’ THE

FOR HOUSING CONSTRUCTION IN GUATEMALA

Different factors along with innovation combine to keep DEPSA thriving from its very beginnings, providing the company for the kind of leadership sustained from decision-making

ecoming a home owner in Latin America is a significant achievement as a material accomplishment in the ongoing quest to provide stability and well-being. Within a quarter of a century, DEPSA became a fundamental player for Guatemala in the housing construction sector since day one. All it took was their daring approach completing large, demanding projects.

After parting ways with previous partners in 1994, engineer José Felipe Obiols Del Cid considered housing as one of different divisions in which DEPSA would take part in the local construction sector. It didn’t take long before Obiols had to travel abroad to bring construction

systems which at the time were unavailable in Guatemala and became instrumental for timely completion of housing projects benefitting families in four-digit quantities, earning the company the “Golden Tikal” first prize award from the FHA (Institute for the Promotion of Mortgage Insurance, the leading Guatemalan housing authority) for five straight years.

“We stopped earning the award after the FHA decided to give the prize to developers instead of construction companies,” said engineer Álvaro Obiols, CEO for DEPSA since 2015. The younger Obiols leads DEPSA’s 2nd generation with support from the company founders’ experience and achievements, resulting in

Biography

Álvaro Obiols, a mechanical engineer, graduated from Rafael Landívar University in 2012. He also earned an MBA from the University of Valparaíso and finished postgraduate studies in Neuromarketing. He joined DEPSA while still in college in 2007. Obiols is the sixth son of nine of DEPSA founder José Felipe Obiols Del Cid. Alvaro’s main area of interest is personal development. He’s up to date on this subject following publications and podcasts from authorities in this matter such as Anthony Robbins and Simon Sinek, among others.

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees:

30 - 50

Year Established:

January 2005

Industry: Manufacturing

Main Services:

Plastic and chemical products for construction, pharmaceutical packaging, cardboard corners and metal handles for pails

Recent Proyects:

We currently have a presence in more than 30 projects of houses, buildings, warehouses, overpasses and gray works, among which the following stand out: FUENTES DEL VALLE NORTE, FUENTES DEL VALLE DE SAN MIGUEL DUEÑAS, PORTAL DE SAN ISIDRO Y ALTOS DE SAN NICOLAS

CEO: Gilberto León

Webpage: www.pronisa.com.gt

DEPSA’s contribution to developers, banks and other brokers involved in the housing construction sector earning the accolades nowadays.

Álvaro Obiols, a mechanical engineer, graduated from Rafael Landívar University. He also earned an MBA from the University of Valparaíso and finished postgraduate studies in Neuromarketing. The younger Obiols’ main focus is personal development; this subject leads him to keep up to date with authorities and professors within this subject matter. Obiols paved his way to the top of the company since he was a college student and became in charge of inventory, which led him to experience first-hand the day-to-day operations at every level, in order to become the company’s leader, able to face new challenges.

Both generations of DEPSA are aware that not everything is about accolades. The company has been through difficult times such as the 2008 global financial crisis, the recent COVID19 pandemic and a breach of trust situation in 2015 which brought grief to the company.

“This situation resulted in drastic changes within our organization, it was then that I took over. My father is still working in his specialty area and I’m in charge of

DEPSA is in charge of drafting, design, and planning up to work completion and finishings

administration and project execution,” Obiols expressed.

“WE ARE DEVOTED TO BUILD HOMES, A HOME IS THE SHELTER PROTECTING FAMILIES, WHICH ARE SOCIETY’S FUNDAMENTAL UNITS. THIS IS THE WAY IN WHICH SOCIETIES ARE BUILT”

- Álvaro Obiols, CEO for DEPSA

INNOVATION: THE KEY TO SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS

The first project completed by DEPSA was Ribera del Río, in the city of Villa Canales, which stands today as the cornerstone and starting point of the company’s successful run along with Valle de la Mariposa, completed afterwards in Amatitlán. Both projects are considered Guatemala’s largest efforts in housing developments,

boasting more than 2,600 units each.

In the mid-1990s, housing construction in Guatemala was in transition from brick to cast stone and concrete. Unit quantity and schedules demanded the company seek support and have top execs travel to the United States to bring formwork to Guatemala, done then with metal beams. This method brought DEPSA competitive advantage, allowing the company to rise one house

per day after its personnel was trained for this system, resulting in being granted more projects whose demands, both quantity and schedule-wise, became more feasible.

MUTUAL SUPPORT RELATIONSHIPS WITH PURVEYORS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERS

“We are the kind of company that looks after its suppliers. They support you and you support them, this creates a difference,” Obiols declared.

www.cempro.com

Supplier Profile

Number of Employees:

Year Established: 1954

Industry:

Mixto Listo belongs to the Construction Industry, specifically to the production and distribution of ready-mix concrete.

Main Services:

Guatemalan company with more than 65 years of experience in the production and distribution of ready-mix concrete, along with the services associated with its placement. We have been present in the construction of the most important infrastructure, building and housing projects in the country, as well as in the construction of thousands of private projects. We have more than 10 production plants strategically distributed throughout the country to serve all kinds of construction projects.

Recent Proyects:

We take part in the construction of the most relevant projects in the country, such as: Fuentes del Valle Norte, Altos de San Nicolás, Portal San Isidro residential projects; infrastructure projects such as the Quetzal Container Terminal and the new Embassy of the United States of America, among others.

Unit Manager: Astrid Pellecer

Webpage: www.mixtolisto.com

This way of conducting business has resulted in mutual growth, and during difficult times (either internal or globally speaking) the company has received support from purveyors such as Cementos Progreso (CEMPRO), PRONISA, Proyectos Futuristas, Multigroup and Mexichem, among others, which have always supplied the necessary goods for DEPSA to a timely fulfillment of its commitments.

EVOLVING TOWARD COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES FROM DESIGN TO FINISHES

Every project engaging DEPSA includes every aspect related with housing construction. For a long time the company recurred to subcontractors for wall finishes, flooring, doors, windows, plumbing and other specialties according to workload.

This changed from 2012 and on, when Obiols claimed each of these tasks as the company created its own finishes department. Centralizing this operation allows complete control on a project, avoiding any kind of shortage while depending upon third-parties and converting DEPSA into a fully-fledged operation covering drafting, design, planning, construction, completion and finishes, just about every single detail delivering turnkey projects.

“Developers seek for land, obtain permits, financing, investors and then engage into sales and marketing. They hire us to take charge of the project’s day to day labors,” Obiols explained.

RECENT PROJECTS

A number of projects involving DEPSA have been developed across different phases. The company currently works in Condado de las Fuentes, located in the Zona 18 area of Guatemala City. The development’s two initial phases

L to R, Álvaro Obiols and José Felipe Obiols del Cid. The two generations leading DEPSA into becoming the recipient of multiple accolades, and also to resurface unscathed from hard times

accounted for four-digits in units built, as Phase III is planned to be completed after 280 units are ready; Phase IV (which will boast 400 units) has been granted to DEPSA also, as Phase V of the project (which was first conceived in 2007) is currently being planned.

In Zona 16, Portal de San Isidro (an Hogares ISN development), contemporary Las Fuentes, has benefitted from the boom at Ciudad Cayalá, with its conceptual, elegant surroundings and luxury housing.

The mutual support relationship between DEPSA and its suppliers keeps every project demand in stock, avoiding any stoppage before completion

The Portal Residencias phase has been completed and currently DEPSA is adding finishing touches to the Portal San Isidro III phase. Other projects have been completed in the vicinities of the highway to El Salvador, where Toscana Campestre and Villa Campestre are located (both Grupo Campestre developments). Both were built with blocks, just like San Isidro, keeping a balance between block and concrete construction.

DIGITAL RESOURCES BECOME HELPING HANDS

The current management at DEPSA makes the most out of its embracing of technology at every level, starting with the deployment of the SKO ERP software since taking over in 2015. SKO is a customizable program based in the O4B (Open for Business) software developed in Costa Rica. SKO’s advantage is its offering of local technical support. The system is based in the Oracle platform,

fitting both management and construction operations in one single interface.

“We need an ERP system able to manage every resource in construction projects involving up to 300 persons,” Obiols expressed.

Other helpful resources for DEPSA’s operations include a giant Gantt chart and SCRUM methodology when assigning materials and workforce.

“Technology eases all these procedures that we have used

“INVESTING

IN THE FINISHES

DEPARTMENT, THUS CENTRALIZING THIS PROCESS, ENABLES US TO IMPLEMENT OUR OWN CONTROLS REGARDING FUTURE GUIDELINES”

- Álvaro Obiols, CEO for DEPSA

for years to complete all these projects,” the executive director explained.

DEFEATING THE PANDEMIC

The most serious worry

The size of some of the projects DEPSA is involved in have been built across several years in different phases, each of these is subject to a meticulous planning and execution procedures

brought by COVID19 among productive sectors as cases began to rise was the uncertainty about its impact extents. The first move by DEPSA was reducing salaries, except for workforce.

“Beating this illness’ effects has become a steeplechase,” Obiols commented. Avoiding the destructive effects of this pandemic the company’s

experience in previous crisis situations became crucial, along with this generation’s drive to push forward. Operations never stopped completely and DEPSA’s proper financial management was instrumental to keep every project running. Other fundamental factor into keeping the company running was the possibility brought by current technology of

working from home, allowing for management procedures to be performed remotely, as the finishes department prevented any stoppage derived from depending on third parties.

“Investing in the finishes department, thus centralizing this process, enables us to implement our own controls regarding future guidelines in physical distance and personnel

management,” Obiols declared.

HUMAN RESOURCES: HEADING TOWARD FORMAL ECONOMY

DEPSA considers its workforce as the main ally in every commitment, and one of the main premises shared by the company’s board is to lead each individual employee towards formal economy.

“Our business is based in

“THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CONTRIBUTES TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF URBAN AREAS. OUR FOCUS IS THE COMMITMENT WE HAVE OF IMPROVING OUR COUNTRY FROM WHAT IT WAS WHEN WE STARTED”

- Álvaro Obiols, CEO for DEPSA

people earning a worthy living through stable employment enabling them to fulfill long term commitments such as being granted a credit to become homeowners. Housing construction is our platform to develop individuals,” Obiols stated.

BECOMING PART OF THE COMMUNITY

In every community hosting a project in which DEPSA is involved, the company endeavours to hire local workforce, thus establishing a link with the area’s inhabitants.

The city of Iztapa, Escuintla, benefitted from DEPSA building churches and a school, and also by the company’s sponsorship of the latter by providing meals for 150 students, which if not for

this effort would lack access to this opportunity.

LOOKING UP TO THE FUTURE

DEPSA is about to complete the Condado de las Fuentes project along with works in the San José Pinula, San Miguel Dueñas, Fuentes del Valle and Guatemala City’s Zona 18 areas. But most of the company’s upcoming engagements will be vertical housing projects, considering the rise in vehicle transit in urban areas in Guatemala.

“The construction sector is the most profitable one, it contributes to the development of urban areas surrounding Guatemala City. Our focus is the commitment we have of improving our country from what it was when we started,” Obiols finalized.