The plant of the company JEZ Voestalpine in Laudio celebrated its centenary today in a significant event. Attendees included Lehendakari Imanol Pradales, Industry Minister Mikel Jauregi, Álava Provincial Council Chairman Ramiro Gonzalez, Laudio Mayor Ainize Gastaka, councilor Iñigo Martinez, and SEA president Juan Antonio Sanchez Corchero, among others, as well as numerous media outlets.
Imanol Pradales arrived in Laudio around 12:00 PM. After a tour of the plant's main production areas, the public event commenced. Helmut Kreiter, a representative of the Voestalpine group, recalled the difficult crisis years of the 1990s, when they were "paying 15% interest," but noted that the situation improved, describing the 2000s very positively.
Kreiter emphasized that thanks to the work done, investments, and its trajectory, JEZ Voestalpine has become the world's leading railway supplier, particularly in high-speed rail. Looking towards Europe's future, he mentioned successive global crises and the changing landscape of historical allies, warning that the continent must be prepared to defend its values, such as "liberal democracy."
Both Imanol Pradales and Kreiter agreed that the international situation has compelled Europe to adopt strategic measures, highlighting the need to strengthen the railway industry. Kreiter stressed the importance of reinforcing European unity and positioned JEZ Voestalpine as a strategic industry.
Subsequently, Urtsa Errazti, representing the founding family of the company, recounted her family's history. The family started the company in 1926, and after the war, the factory was seized by the Franco regime. In 1990, during a critical period, Urtsa Errazti took on responsibilities, recognizing the need to open up to the global market. The merger with the Voestalpine group, particularly to leverage their financial capacity, has yielded positive results, she indicated.
Errazti proudly stated that the fourth generation of her family is now working at the company, with 26 relatives employed there. She mentioned the MCA company opened in Northern Basque Country as the fulfillment of a dream after her family's exile. In 2019, the family's responsibilities in JEZ were fully transferred to Voestalpine, and in Errazti's view, the project is now in the best hands.
Finally, Lehendakari Imanol Pradales closed the event, emphasizing that JEZ Voestalpine and the railway industry are "one of the industrial pillars of the Basque Country." He noted that Europe faces a new situation and will implement measures to strengthen its market and identity, adding that economic activity in the railway sector is crucial for this approach, and the Basque Autonomous Community is advocating for its inclusion in relevant plans.
Following the speakers' acknowledgments, the institutional event concluded, and all attendees enjoyed a traditional Basque snack (hamaiketako).
