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Solid foundations for Central America’s top buildings
SANTOS INDUSTRIAS (Honduras)
Innovation in precast, blocks and other concrete structures
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December 2021
Our final issue for 2021 allows us to look in hindsight to a year that has meant recovery on multiple fronts after the most demanding phases of the pandemic we are still suffering from seem behind.
Lodging enterprises such as TAFER’s Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun and 1 Hotel South Beach, in Miami, have seen the hospitality industry begin a slow path to recovery.
Also within the food and beverage
sector, Licores de Guatemala has become some kind of ambassador for the Central American country creating and exporting different flavors of their unique brands, which are part of local tradition.
Thanks for reading and sharing the Boston Business Review throughout 2021, as we look forward to bringing you the industry leaders’ unique insight during 2022!
Mateo Rafael Tablado, Editor in Chief at The Boston Business Review
Email: rafael.tablado@thebostonbr.com
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Freeway is part of the portfolio of Salesforce Ventures investments
Managing Director
Jassen Pintado
Creative Director
Omar Rodríguez
Editor in Chief
Rafael Tablado
Editor for Brasil
Flavia Brancato
Translations
María Murgui
Finance Director
Christina Nichole
Social Media Director
Maria Elena Gastelum
Content Coordinator
Alicia Barrantes
Project Directors
Ana Macfarland
David Alarcon
Giuseppe Modenesi
Lucy Verde
Marcelo Modenesi
10. A unique stay and experiences in Cancun
24. A blend of comfort and nature
40. High quality standards and operations
56. Geotechnical engineering and specialized construction with solid global support
72.
88. Embodiment of innovation and inventiveness DELUXE Private Yachts
In a very short time, TAFER Hotels & Resorts has positioned Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancun as the travelers’ choice by offering the attributes of high standards by which the chain is distinguished.
Prpduced by Jassen
Pintado
Interviewee
Susana Ramírez Horta, Corporate director of Sales & Marketing at TAFER Hotels & Resorts
Translation by María Murgui
he TAFER Hotels & Resorts chain takes the “Grand allinclusive” concept in Mexico to a new level through unique stays in its proprieties in the Mexican Caribbean, Los Cabos and Jalisco. Among its most luxurious resorts we can mention Garza Blanca Resort & Spa in Cancun, in the area of Costa Mujeres, 30 minutes aways from the airport. Besides being its newest and most innovative property, Garza Blanca Cancun is designed to be visited during a family vacation as well as for romantic getaways, besides having adult-only exclusive spaces.
Garza Blanca Cancún started its
positioning at the end of 2020 to be opened in December 2021. It received a boost through different sales and marketing strategies created by the team run by Susana Ramírez Horta, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at TAFER Hotels & Resorts. Garza Blanca Hotels in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas have managed to be distinguished by its innovative fidelity programs and successful alliances with key business partners in the US and the international market, thus expanding the Garza Blanca brand to a new destination, Cancún Quintana Roo.
“We are ranked as the number one resort in Cancún at Tripadvisor, according to the travelers’ experiences ranking”, pointed out Ramírez Horta.
For 20 years, Ramírez Horta has worked in the hotel industry in chains such as Hoteles Buenaventura and Grupo Velas.
Since 2012, Ramírez is part of TAFER Hotels & Resorts. She first joined TAFER as Sales Director at Garza Blanca Preserve, Resorts & Spa, in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Her career is distinguished by having developed strong management and leadership skills, which has led her to oversee important projects such as the opening of Hotel Mousai -also in
“We are ranked as the number one resort in Cancún at Tripadvisor, according to the travelers’ experiences ranking”
- Susana Ramírez Horta, Directora Corporativa de Ventas y Mercadotecnia en TAFER Hotels & Resorts
Puerto Vallarta- in 2015, ranked as the first and only resort to be awarded the AAA Five Diamonds certification in Puerto Vallarta and in the State of Jalisco. After the great and successful opening, Ramírez Horta also played a leading role in the opening of Garza Blanca Los Cabos and Garza Blanca Cancún.
Since May 2021, Susana Ramírez Horta runs the business area at TAFER Hotels & Resorts in Cabo San Lucas, Cancún and Puerto Vallarta.
Garza Blanca has got a capacity of 452 rooms, including different types of suites with a modern design, offering unmatched sea and garden sights and even “swim-up” rooms.
Fun spreads throughout the six heated pools, including an “ infinity pool” on the rooftop for adults-only use.
The wellness element is seen in Spa Imagine, a space that offers different
PLENTIFUL POSSIBILITIES FOR DEMANDING APPETITES AND TASTES
Garza Blanca is also the ideal host for important events such as weddings and other celebrations, as it has an events hall with a capacity for 220 people, a great scenario for different celebrations.
“We have kept an eye on every detail to offer the most extraordinary services”, commented the executive.
At Garza Blanca Cancún we can find multiple possibilities to satisfy our appetite: gourmet restaurants, a food truck and a gourmet hall which offers a great variety of international cuisine.
Undoubtedly, the Blanca Blue restaurant stands out, having obtained the Excellency 2021 recognition from the Wine Spectator Magazine. The massage treatments and therapies, besides a very complete beauty parlor.
array of possibilities provides a worldclass gourmet cuisine experience, also including a unique atmosphere outdoors with oceanfront options.
One can also cool off with refreshing beverages prepared by our mixologists, as Garza Blanca offers two conceptual bars, each one with a unique atmosphere.
ADVANTAGES OF BEING PART OF TAFER
TAFER Hotels & Resorts specializes in the design of luxurious experiences, displaying
attributes such as excellency, quality and creativity, with the aim of affording an extraordinary vacation. This purpose is undoubtedly witnessed at Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancún, as well as in other properties managed by TAFER.
Having again the possibility of traveling and staying at fantastic destinations after the restrictions generated by the COVID-19 pandemic currently requires taking strict
“2021 has been a year of recovery for all the TAFER hotels and 2022 will follow the same path, with great and successful results”
- Susana Ramírez Horta, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at TAFER Hotels & Resorts
measures to keep guests, hotels collaborators and even the staff from the supplying companies for each property safe.
Garza Blanca Cancún is not an exception and has got health and disinfection protocols in all the hotel areas for the safety of all the people in these spaces.
“Thanks to our strengthened business structure, 2021 has been a year of recovery for all the TAFER hotels and 2022 will follow the same path, with great and successful
results”, declared Ramírez.
Shot-term future offers good signs for the Garza Blanca Resort & Spa Cancún guests. The TAFER chain focuses on the obtention of the Five Diamonds certification from the AAA (American Automobile Association), and soon will also be part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.
One of the most important projects is planned for the spring 2022 with the opening of “Tierra Luna Cancún”,
“Garza Blanca Cancún will become a high-level hospitality referent all around Quintana Roo and will also be an icon of the Cancún essence”
- Susana Ramírez Horta, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at TAFER Hotels & Resorts
a shopping mall under the “shopping village” concept, which, besides prestigious shops and boutiques, will also offer a hall for weddings and events, crafts exhibitions, attractions such as a merry-go-round and other attributes to offer a family plan.
“Garza Blanca Cancún will become a high-level hospitality referent all around Quintana Roo and will also be an icon of the Cancun essence”, concluded Susana Ramírez Horta, Corporate Director of Sales and Marketing at TAFER Hotels & Resorts.
FOUNDED: 2021 INDUSTRY: Hospitality CONTACT: Desde EEUU 1 (877) 929-7329
www.taferresorts.com/garza-blanca-resort-cancun susana.ramirez@taferresorts.com
At 1 Hotel South Beach we have been extremely fortunate thanks to our loyal guests who have continued to travel and stay with us during these unprecedented times,” says 1 Hotel South Beach General Manager Xavier Moulin.
“As a result, in 2021, the hotel has experienced one of their best years in terms of highest occupancy. We owe this to not only our guests but our dedicated team and staff who have worked endlessly to deliver the highest level of service with the utmost attention to detail.
At 1 Hotel we believe in a culture that incorporates the community while embracing nature and sustainability
“Happy to say that as we continue to grow, our team and guests who have been so loyal to the hotel have a big part in our success and with that, I thank them.”
We invite you to read the full article about 1 Hotel South Beach on the following page
A
The 1 Hotels brand goes beyond the concept of lodging and into sustainable living with its flagship, the 1 Hotel South Beach, in Miami
Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado
by Jassen Pintado
Xavier Moulin, General Manager for 1 Hotel South Beach
For decades, Miami has been an attractive destination both for leisure and business, and seems to remain this way, as its fair weather and sunny beaches provide a warm welcome to visitors.
The SH Hotel & Resorts management company (affiliate of the Starwood Capital Group) opened 1 Hotel South Beach in March 2015, which became the flagship of the 1 Hotels brand. From 1 Hotel South Beach, guests experience astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean, Biscayne Bay and the skyline at Downtown Miami.
The 425-room facility built on an entire bock on Collins Avenue was awarded #1 in Conde Nast Traveler’s top 10 Hotels in Miami, and it’s not hard to find out about the attributes contributing to earning such an accolade for 1 Hotel South Beach, whose blend of nature and comfort in
an environmentally-friendly atmosphere becomes the perfect setting for an ultimate vacation experience in Miami.
1 Hotel South Beach also earned the LEED Silver certification under the New Construction standards, which is also the starting point for the hotel’s maintenance and operations.
The driftwood furnishings, a 600 feet long beach and the sound of the ocean bring a very special connection to the area’s natural habitat
“Guests continue to choose the hotel because our team provides an unprecedented level of service matched with understated luxury. The hotel celebrates nature and sustainability,” Xavier Moulin commented.
Xavier Moulin is the general manager for 1 Hotel South Beach. He’s gathered more than 25 years of successful experience after graduating in International Hospitality Management from the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne (Switzerland). Previous experience for SH Hotels & Resorts after joining
-Xavier Moulin, General Manager for 1 Hotel South Beach
the company include his tenure as Managing Director of the 1 Hotel & Homes Cabo development (Cabo San Lucas, Mexico) and also neighboring sister property Hacienda Beach Club & Residences; his outstanding work for the 1 Homes Preview and the upcoming 1 Hotel Cabo received coverage in Travel+Leisure magazine and the Robb Report during 2019.
Moulin’s experience has also spread through the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, French Riviera, Germany, Switzerland and the United States in places such as The St. Regis (Los Angeles), Raffles (Beverly Hills), Société des Bains de Mer (Monte Carlo), in AMAN Resorts, sbe properties, SLS hotels and Starwood Hotel & Resorts, among others, earning awards from Conde Nast Traveler, Travel+Leisure magazine; “Best Guest Experience
Index”, “Top Regional Production” and “Best HR Practices” among Starwood Hotels and the “Outstanding GM Leader” award by Hotel Management Magazine in November of 2013.
The kind of habitat that makes it hard to leave
1 Hotel South Beach offers different kinds of accommodation according to the number of guests in each
group. Room categories at 1 Hotel South Beach include rooms & suites, homes & penthouses and the Retreat Collection, which can be personalized according to required services.
Aside from all the furnishings a highend lodging facility is expected to meet in every room, the whole concept bringing every accommodation together is the blend of nature accents within a comfortable ambiance, where
you may come across wooden flooring and bookcases, rattan seats, hempblend mattresses by Keetsa, oak platforms and other elements bringing an organic feel.
While in Miami staying at 1 Hotel South Beach, guests must make sure to take time to visit the many attractions the city and its vicinity have to offer, since amenities at the hotel can make it hard to leave after experiencing all that 1 Hotel has to offer.
Four swimming pools -including a rooftop pool-, seven different food & beverage outlets and a 18,000 sq.ft. wellness center -host to the award-winning Bamford Wellness Spa and Anatomy gym are some of the building’s different places to enjoy anyone’s stay. And the 600 feet long unsullied beachfront -which is also a serviced area- is enhanced by the Atlantic Ocean.
“It’s the best natural amenity. We have four pools that face the ocean. So
whether guests want to relax in the sea or pool, they can enjoy endless ocean views from all,” the general manager pointed out.
To enhance the beachfront’s appeal, 1 Hotel South Beach offers the Beach Club exclusive memberships, allowing members to indulge all of the amenities offered by the hotel. Younger guests 4 to 10 years old can take part of the Seedlings program, which offers fun and learning activities and shows.
1 Hotel South Beach offers seven different options for food and beverages. WATR at the Rooftop offers full menu service while sharing unique sights with the pool; WATR has earned OpenTable
Awards for Best Sushi, Best Scenic View and Best Late Night Find. Habitat, on its behalf, serves Mexican dishes for breakfast and dinner offering both indoor seating and an outdoor patio featuring live music four nights a week. PInthouse offers snacks and other healthy options
We created a food & beverage program while staying true to the 1
- Xavier Moulin, General Manager for 1 Hotel South Beach
in a plant-decorated terrace, while Neighbors also offers ready-to-go healthy dishes. Drift serves the best cocktails surrounded occasionally by live music. And Wave at 1 Beach Club offers a an outdoor sea-to-table dining experience.
The main trait shared by all of these options is offering fresh, seasonal, local ingredients in every dish.
Timely resolutions to surpass COVID-19
Beyond local ordinance to close facilities at the beginning of the quarantine as consequence of the global pandemic, the 1 Hotel South Beach ramped up a strategy that began with the creation of the Director of Environmental Health & Safety position, which implemented different measures
once hotels were allowed to reopen on June 1st, 2020:
• Hotel personnel have been involved in regular COVID-19 testing and new health and safety training sessions and screened for temperature as they begin their shift.
• Property entrances are equipped with temperature scanners, public areas are equipped with hand sanitizing
stations and proper signage has been placed for social distancing and other measures.
• Elevators are being sanitized and their capacity is limited and monitored.
• In-room air filtration systems have been enhanced.
• Guests are encouraged to download the 1 Hotel App for contactless communication.
-
Guests continue to choose the hotel because our team provides an unprecedented level of service matched with understated luxury
Xavier Moulin, General Manager for 1 Hotel South Beach
“1 Hotel South Beach was one of the first in the market to reopen and welcome guests incorporating procedures to ensure both guests’ and team members’ safety,” Moulin declared. Transcendental purposes beyond business goals
As organic and nature accents along most of the hotel furnishings and decorations display, there is an attitude encompassing the purpose of 1 Hotel South Beach, which is its aim
toward sustainability, having earned the property the LEED Silver certification.
The hotel’s construction took place in a previously developed site with a number of nearby attractions and high interconnectivity with public transportation. The property features vegetated wide open spaces and features several living plant walls. Electric vehicles have plenty of charging stations at 1 Hotel South Beach. Other elements, including energy-related systems reduce heat and energy consumption. Finishes such
as painting, ceiling, flooring and adhesive products with low-emissions were used to avoid air contamination. Intelligent toilets and sinks along with a highly-efficient irrigation system reduce water use and recycling policies are implemented for elements such as cardboard, paper, plastic, glass and metals.
The hotel is accessible to guests with special mobility requirements.
The atmosphere among the staff at SH Hotels & Resorts and 1 Hotel South Beach is one where love, inclusion, respect, and trust are shared values. Growth and development are not unforeseen factors and the COVID pandemic has only enhanced the entire personnel’s skills through cross training.
“At 1 Hotels, we consider ourselves a family of likeminded individuals,” the executive said.
In every 1 Hotel location, listening to guests’ and members’ feedback is a top priority. The recently opened 1 Beach Club is a result of tapping into guests’ inquiries and suggestions. Plans to enhance the experience at 1 Hotels are being developed.
“We know what they want and they like. We took that feedback to create our newest outdoor venue, 1 Beach Club. We created a food & beverage program with their likes in mind all while staying true to the 1 Hotel brand standards,” Moulin declared. Also, new locations are set to open in the United States and abroad in cities such as London, Nashville, Toronto and San Francisco, to name a few.
FOUNDED: 2015
INDUSTRY: Hospitality
WEBPAGE: www.1hotels.com/south-beach
CONTACT: +1 (833) 625 3111
standards and operations
A comprehensive and certified operation from sowing to distribution is the cornerstone for Licores de Guatemala to endure as one of the companies exalting the name of the Central American country.
Pintado
Luis Ibáñez Guillén, General Manager at Licores de Guatemala
Licores de Guatemala has exalted the name of its country internationally through the exportation of fine beverages of high quality and excellence in their production processes; its brands come to be a model which is earning more and more prestige with the passing of time. In its country of origin, its rums and “aguardientes” are already a part of the local tradition for the best occasions, serving in each sip more than 80 years of experience which is also present in more than 25 countries. Besides extending its presence internationally, in 2013, Licores de Guatemala got the “Ron de Guatemala” Designation of Origin, thus affording status not only to the land and environment where the cane grows, but also to the quality of the materials in which it is stored and aged.
Later, in 2020, Industria Licorera Quezalteca won an award as Exports of the Year, which acknowledges the company’s quality, sustainability and competitiveness.
“Licores de Guatemala is currently at a very important point after five years of uninterrupted growth and a profitability of each of its production units”, pointed out Luis Ibáñez Guillén, General Manager at Licores de Guatemala.
Ibáñez is an industrial engineer and public accountant whose education took place in Peru. He also earned an MBA at ESAN (Spanish acronym for Business School for Graduates, in Peru) University Business School and is currently a doctor candidate at the University of Seville (Spain). The executive also completed specialization courses at the Marketing Society (London, England) and
“Licores de Guatemala finds itself at a very important point after five years of uninterrupted growth and a profitability of each of its production units”
- Luis Ibáñez Guillén, General Manager at Licores de Guatemala
executive formation programs at the INCAE (Spanish acronym for Central American Business Administration Institute, in Costa Rica) Business School.
Its prime field of expertise is Business Strategy and Innovation in the trade front. Throughout 25 years he has worked in the alcoholic beverages industry in countries such
as Argentina, Ecuador, Panama, Peru and, currently, Guatemala.
“My job is results-focused, I take part in all the business development aspects”, declared Ibáñez.
The operation of Licores de Guatemala has got the structure of an
integrated chain: from the sugar cane plantations, the sugar mill where raw material is processed, distillery, aging centers, packaging factories, its own distribution system and contracted distribution through first-tier partners for the global presence of the product. Moreover, the company has a division for imported liquors of different kinds, through which first-
class brands are commercialized.
The operation is complemented with Casa del Ron, its own retail chain, which has different locations in the country.
Licores de Guatemala is formed by rum, “aguardiente” and gin brands,
Somos
Latas de aluminio de dos piezas.
Más livianas para transportar y fáciles de guardar
Diseñada para una apilabilidad perfecta
Enfriamiento rápido
Amigables con el medio ambiente debido a que el alumunio es infinitamente retornable y reciclable
each one with its own personality, capable of reaching different market niches.
Ron XL: Beverage aged in oak casks for at least one year, distilled four times. Excellent selection for cocktails and a choice beverage for young adults. Available in pineapple/coconut, lemon/cucumber, berries, and apple flavors.
Ron Venado: This rum is offered in two different varieties, according to their alcohol content. It stands out due to its mixability.
Aguardiente Venado: A real tradition in the Guatemala central area, aged for a year and with tinges of intense flavor. A version with cinnamon scent and flavor was added recently to this brand.
Quezalteca: Flagship brand in the country, rooted to customs and flavors from Guatemala. Quezalteca is beyond social classes and age groups. Different flavors have been adapted to the Central American taste in different graduations, which allow
for a democratic consumption among different groups.
Ron Botrán: Botrán rum varieties are recognized worldwide thanks to their raw honey-based production, obtained after the sugar cane’s first pressing, which is grown in the Retalhuleu region, in the South-West of Guatemala.
Ron Colonial: Conceived up in one of the first cities to be founded in this continent, Antigua, Ron Colonial is produced from the maceration of plums, raisins and vanilla.
Ron Zacapa Centenario: Zacapa has been catalogued as the best rum in the world due to its production, from the soil type, climate and other natural elements combined in the region where its cane grows, its one of a kind distillation process and, specially, its aging at high altitude.
Xibal: This liquor is produced from Mesoamerican herbs which are
characteristic from Central America, in perfect symbiosis with the gin traditional flavors.
As trendsetters in low-grade and low-calorie alcoholic beverages, the company created brands such as Cubata, VIP, OBIT, Mangiatto, Xibal and Kick, aimed for different occasions and different markets with flavor variety.
We are pleased to represent brands from top level wineries and companies such as Viña San Pedro, Casa
Orendain, Tito’s, Pernod Ricard, E & J Gallo Winery, PradoRey, and Segura Viudas, which trust our commercial and brand development system.
“We are proud of producing rums which are really world-class”, commented the General Manager.
The capability of building up brands and innovating when affording them an evolution element was joined to Licores de Guatemala’s tradition of producing high-quality liquors for decades.
Currently, the company offers both the domestic and international markets an average of 25 innovations a year in the form of new products, new flavors, new brands and packaging.
“We have converted the company into a lean organization to respond to the faster and faster changes in the markets”, Ibáñez pointed out.
Among these innovations, we could highlight high quality products which can make a difference in the market, such as: Ron Botrán Creole Apple Fusion, Botrán Vintage Wine Cask, Botrán Guatemalan Oak, Cinnamon Flavored Venado, Zacapa Royal, Ron XL in different combinations with lemon, XL Sour Blast, XL Pineapple/
“We are proud of producing rums which are really world-class”
-
Luis Ibáñez Guillén, General Manager at Licores de Guatemala
Coconut, Xibal Gin & Tonic, Xibal
Equinox; Blackberry Quezalteca, Guatemalan Mango, Pepita
Orange, Pineapple, Hot Corn flour
Drink; “ready to drink” (pre-mixed)
Mangiatto, XL Kick and Quezalteca
Chispuda, just to name a few.
Beyond alcohol as a beverage, COVID-19 pandemic took Licores de Guatemala to develop Alkoh, making an incursion the in medicinal alcohol market, thus contributing to fight the virus.
In order to work as a complete operation, Licores de Guatemala manages its own retail channels, which have been modernized and reshaped through physical sales channels Casa del Ron, in different cities in the country, whose unique concept has been renovated.
After the transition to e-commerce on the part of the consumers, which was accelerated during the quarantines derived from the
pandemic, the company has focused its efforts on developing its electronic commerce channel.
Each line of Licores de Guatemala’s suppliers is properly segmented according to each stage in the production and commercialization of beverages.
For the farming stage of the process, the company has got suppliers who can afford the best fertilizer and riper which not only fullfils the sowing and optimal development of the cane, but also are friendly to the environment and the soil quality for sowing. Another important partnership is the one with packaging material suppliers (both glass containers as well as lids and labelling).
An important task with companies which take part in key areas for the creation of formulae, such as flavoring, aromas and natural scents is also carried out.
“We have converted the company into a lean organization to respond to the high speed of changes in the markets”
- Luis Ibáñez Guillén, General Manager at Licores de Guatemala
The purpose of directing the company towards sustainable operations has resulted in important investments on behalf of Licores de Guatemala, accomplishing effective actions such as a reduction in the use of fossil fuels and the optimization towards clean processes, having received the ISCC Certification Plus (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and verified the entirety of its production chain. This rank also guarantees the optimal management of the production chain’s resources, from plantations, mills, distilleries, aging and packaging
centers to experience centers.
This way, the company guarantees the sustainability of Guatemalan rum, which keeps up to world standards not only for its quality, but also for its caretaking of the environment and respect of human rights.
The company earned the Neutral Carbon certification in May 2021 from SGS, thus fulfilling ISO Standard 14064:2006. This was achieved by eliminating its carbon footprint, without turning to the purchase of carbon footprint credits as other companies do, as it owned an inventory of more than 1,850M to achieve its own mitigation of
greenhouse effect gases.
Towards the external part of the company, Licores de Guatemala created the “Tranquilo Camilo” campaign, which consists of enjoyable communications to promote the moderate consumption on behalf of consumers.
Fundación por la Vida (Foundation for Life) was created in 1986. It changed its name to Fundación Licorera, which contributes to the complete development of the Guatemalan society focusing on three
main points: life standards through nutrition, education and productive programs.
This organization has managed to have an impact on children and surrounding communities through two schools with about 1,000 students, and also more than 200 women through different trainings who seek to empower and improve their living standards. They also distributed about 12,620 bags with food in Jocotan, Chiquimula, known as the “Dry Corridor” in our country. In addition to this, our Ingenio Tulula office for relationships with communities has benefited more than 14,300 neighbors and 2,800 families from San Andrés Villa Seca, Retalhuleu, with health,
communal infrastructure and human development projects.
The main goals for Licores de Guatemala are the consolidation of the growth experienced over the last years and make it sustainable with the passing of time.
After the positioning of its brands in Guatemala and Central America, Licores de Guatemala seeks to emerge in new markets beyond the organic growth.
“We keep an eye on new growth opportunities and we look toward the future with optimism”, concluded Luis Ibáñez Guillén, General Manager at Licores de Guatemala.
FOUNDED: 1939
INDUSTRY: Food & Beverage
CONTACT: (+502) 2470-9696
www.licoresdeguatemala.com
info@licoresdeguatemala.com
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Written by Mateo Rafael Tablado
Produced by David Alarcon
Construction and infrastructure development in Honduras has an important ally in Santos Industria for concrete, precast structures, blocks and aggregates.
Sfrom the foundations
the top
antos Industria was created in 1996 as a building materials supplier, starting with crushed rock and asphalt concrete production. The company derived from the Santos & Cía. group -with more than 60 years in businessand became independent afterwards.
From the ADM 1 model asphalt concrete plant and the first Nordberg crusher to the different creations from its production plants, it didn’t take long for Santos Industria to earn a place in Honduras’ construction sector. The company is certified under local regulations and global standards, such as ISO:9001, besides receiving accolades from efforts in social and environmental matters.
The company operates mainly from its headquarters in Tegucigalpa, and also has locations in Choloma, Choluteca, San Lorenzo and San Pedro Sula.
Through the years, Santos Industria has taken part in very important infrastructure projects in Honduras, including bridges and tunnels nationwide and in the Canal Seco highway, where 162 prestressed concrete beams were deployed, resisting
“HONDURAS
- Delmy Romero, CEO for Santos Industria
recent hurricanes in Honduran territory. The company contributes to the country’s development through an innovative approach, creating a wide array of options to go beyond any limit, led by a resourceful
team and supported by the latest technology in the industry.
“Honduras needs support in road infrastructure and Santos Industria relies on the best available technology,” Delmy
Romero, commented. Romero is the CEO for Santos Industria.
Romero graduated in accounting from the National Autonomous University of Honduras and is currently taking her MBA. Romero has also worked in the telecommunications sector for the Millicom multinational company, where she held different positions in the finance department and led the ERP (enterprise resource planning) design and implementation. She also accomplished successful mergers and IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) deployments, having completed courses for purposes of the latter as well as for KPI (key performance indicator) implementations during an internship in Europe. Romero also qualified for the highest honors in the Human Relations course from Dale Carnegie Academy (Australia). Romero enjoys working at Santos Industria as well as sharing the company’s vision, where it didn’t take her long to learn all that is related to the business.
“We are in constant motion, we must possess flexibility and adaptability. I’ve had
to learn from basic principles to complex subjects,” the executive explained.
Santos Industria main production lines include:
• Grinding. Processing of volcanic rocks, such as basalt, through different cycles with cutting-edge technology. Minimal capacity is approx. 3500 ft3 per hour. This area produces gravels, granules, sand and other mixing materials.
• Hydraulic concrete. Produced through a hi-tech, computerized process under strict quality standards.
• Asphalt concrete. A 100 ton per hour latest-generation continuous flow production plant delivers the best concrete in the region, processed in laboratories for quality control before distribution.
• Small precast units. The latest technology in the region relies on a minimum capacity of 3,000 units per
“WHAT MATTERS THE MOST IS MAKING OUR CLIENTS FEEL SUPPORTED AND ALLOW THEM TO HAVE A SATISFACTORY EXPERIENCE”
- Delmy Romero, CEO for Santos Industria
hour for production of cinder blocks, cobblestone, split-face block, filler slabs, floor tiles and retaining wall block.
• Precast structures. This flexible production line creates large items for different uses, mainly in infrastructure, such as catch basins, manholes, prestressed columns of any size, column capitals, panels, and ready to use prefab sheds.
All of these products undergo strict testing in a laboratory equipped with the necessary technology to control and validate production processes before being approved by quality control management.
Honduras’ infrastructure development demands companies which are up to the task, Santos Industria has timely foreseen this and is currently working on increasing its production. In 2019, the company opened its fourth block factory in Tegucigalpa, whose minimum capacity is 3,000 units per hour. In 2020 -and
surpassing the consequences derived from the global pandemic-, the company managed to finish a second concrete plant, located also in the country’s capital, relying on a minimum capacity of approx. 1236 ft3 per hour.
“We’ve been updating our machinery and specialized equipment in order to create any product our clients need, thus adding value to our company,” Romero remarked.
Both operational and management processes in Santos Industria are supported by reliable tech resources.
The customized ERP for this segment speeds cost, inventory and invoicing processes, besides offering up to date financial information, which results in better decision-making.
In the production areas, machinery is computer-controlled and constantly updated, it receives remote support from Europe.
On its behalf, the design and development department upgrades construction and production processes, reducing costs and time, a benefit for clients.
Among the newest additions to the Santos Industria catalogue, prefab underpasses stand out during difficult weather conditions; these units possess high capacity for stormwater flow, making them more convenient over traditional sewage works, having proved their functionality in infrastructure projects.
Column capitals for girder support have been included recently into the product portfolio as well as prefab sheds, a storage solution created with wall panels, prefab
beams and columns. Santos Industria is a trend-setter in this time and cost-reducing option.
Santos Industria’s value chain is formed by strategic partners and purveyors capable of meeting quality standards, policies and procedures in a number of operations, making quality the cornerstone from raw material to finished product. These guidelines result in the “intimacy with the client” value proposition.
“What matters the most is making our clients feel supported, that they are not alone, allowing them to have a satisfactory experience with our products and services,” the CEO explained.
As it happened with businesses worldwide, consequences from COVID19 brought Santos Industria a series of challenges which have been surpassed through intelligence and creativity.
The company reinvented itself and
was reorganized from restrictions set by incumbent agencies, achieving continuity in projects and client relationships.
“We’ve learned a lot across the pandemic, we discovered new markets and ways to reach them with the products we’ve been developing and looking to launch during 2021,” Romero commented.
The human element at work in Santos Industria flourishes in an open communication environment of
collaboration, which allows easy detection for areas of improvement, new ideas and carrying these out with a sum of efforts.
Staff development is a key aspect, achieved through training, access to postgraduate studies, specialization courses and certification.
“The internal motto for Santos Industria is ‘materializing human inventiveness’. Our company’s main trait is our innovation culture, with young, dynamic, skilled talent, ready for multitasking with the idea that anything can be done,” the executive explained.
The solid relationship between Santos Industria and surrounding communities through neighborhood associations and churches has resulted in benefits for these populations in the receiving end of building materials donations, logistic
support, street maintenance, reforestation and environmental workshops. The state of public school facilities within these communities reflect the valuable help received from Santos Industria.
Support provided by Santos Industria in these areas is not limited to material goods,
“OUR COMPANY’S MAIN TRAIT IS OUR INNOVATION CULTURE WITH THE IDEA THAT ANYTHING CAN BE DONE”
- Delmy Romero, CEO for Santos Industria
FOUNDED:
WEBPAGE: 1996 www.santosindustriahn.com
INDUSTRY: Construction
but also through the company’s architects’ and engineers’ knowledge.
Next steps for Santos Industria will increase the company’s distribution reach nationwide through strategic partnerships. New plans are currently in the works with Construmarket, the official distributor.
Other plans include strengthening the market in Southern Honduras, reaching a new customer tier with a new “VIP” product line from the precast production plant, and increasing sales by 20%. These goals are foreseen to be accomplished during 2021.
“We don’t stop dreaming. Part of our vision is to expand across Honduras’ borders,” concluded Delmy Romero, CEO for Santos Industria.
We are a Colombian Company with qualified experience, consisting of several business units, specialized in engineering, construction and project development.
H.D.S.T.M COLOMBIA SAS desires to become recognized nationally and internationally as a leading company in management and engineering in the mining and construction industries by being successful in project execution with a high degree of responsibility in safety and the environment
Expansion of the mining project in de-quilling processes, installation of metal arches, concrete launching, reinforcement with helical bolts and electro-welded mesh in Gran Colombia Gold Minas Carla –ProvidenciaSilencio and Sandra K
Construction of Apique in rock types IV and V on the Bieniawski scale, installation of metal arches with 28 MPa reinforced concrete
Construction of Bocamina access for the entry of personnel and materials for the Sandra K mine in the Gran Colombia Gold mine
Adrian Kaye, the owner, started the company by himself nine years ago, with just a small 24’ Sea Ray. Nowadays, we have five private vessels for rent.
Our boats reflect who we are as a company, so we make sure that our fleet is in pristine condition, being unique in its range of designs, sizes, and styles.
We offer personalized service, tailored just for you and your guests and/or family; we use only the highest quality products and we have the most experienced and knowledgeable crew providing a flawless service.
We know the best private and secluded beaches. If you want to lie in the sun, snorkel the most beautiful reefs in the Caribbean, relax on
sandbars that stretch as far as the eye can see, and take in the most beautiful sunsets, contact us today and book your very own private yacht in Cozumel.
All our boats are extremely well cared for. Our staff is fluent in English and Spanish, enabled to help you with whatever you need, whenever you need it.
We feel that our commitment to protecting the privacy of each and every one of our clients and our
attention to detail makes us stand out. Enjoy the unique experience of spending quality time with your family, sailing through paradise. We offer the best options and personalized service. Why would you snorkel with another 50 people when we can take you far from any crowds to enjoy paradise with friends and family? We have the perfect boat for you, for your group, and for your budget. We will take you to places like Cielo, but not surrounded by another 20 boats.
Don’t just rent a boat book an incredible experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
Amazing yacht for your family
Amenities: Three cabins, two restrooms, outdoor seating, open front furnished with cushions, full sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, snorkel equipment, and premium food and beverages prepared on board with the highest-quality products.
The PERFECT yacht for spending the day in Cozumel. Amenities: One cabin, one bathroom, two indoor seating areas with AC, open front furnished with comfortable cushions, full sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, snorkel equipment, and premium food and beverages prepared on board with the highest-quality products. Cozumel has a lot to offer and this boat can take you to private beaches you can only get to by sea. You will see the bluest water anywhere in the Riviera Maya and the best reefs in the world.
The perfect boat for spending quality time with your family.
Amenities: Bathroom, an open front area with shade, full sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, snorkel equipment and premium food and beverages prepared on board with the highest-quality products. This boat is ideal for reaching shallow-water beaches. We will take you to the best spots and private beaches where you can be at one with nature.
Amazing speed boat perfect for shallow waters. Amenities: Bathroom, an open front area with shade, full sound system with Bluetooth connectivity, snorkel equipment and premium food and beverages prepared on board with the highest-quality products. You can enjoy your trip and forget about crowds on board the comfy Sea Ray 24’. It is plenty big enough for the entire family. There is a comfortable seating area with cushions.
Great catamaran for you to enjoy paradise. Amenities: Four cabins, two bathrooms, interior living room with AC, front living room and sundeck, full sound system with Bluetooth, snorkel equipment, and premium food and beverages all prepared on board with with the highest-quality products. Enjoy your day and forget about the crowds going private on this comfortable 39 ft Catamaran. Plenty of space for the whole family. Sitting area with cushions all around for everyone’s comfort and shaded area on the back.
