7O YEARS
7O YEARS
of Growth and Leadership in the Paint Industry
It is an honor for Boston Business Review to present this article about Grupo Solid, based on an exclusive interview with Ariel Koll-Nescher, Executive President of the company. This year, Grupo Solid celebrates seven decades of success, consolidating itself as a leader in the coatings industry across Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. From its beginnings as a small paint shop under the brand Paleta in Guatemala to becoming a regional benchmark, the company has evolved thanks to a clear strategic vision, commitment to its customers, business partners, and collaborators, and the building of strong brands.
THE BEGINNINGS: FROM A SHOP TO A REGIONAL GIANT
The story of Grupo Solid began on May 1, 1955, when Julia Girón de Ascoli, a visionary entrepreneur, opened a paint store in Guatemala City’s Historic Center under the brand Paleta. Her customer service focus defined the company’s DNA from its earliest days.
From the very start, Doña Julia understood that the success of her business depended on personalized attention. She learned to mix colors on demand and prioritized a close relationship with customers, knowing their names and needs. Her motto was clear: “A well-served customer always returns.” This philosophy not only helped the store thrive but also laid the foundation for the company’s future expansion and evolution.
Over time, Grupo Solid grew beyond its first store, expanding rapidly throughout Guatemala under the Paleta brand. Within a few years,
Expansion and Consolidation:
The Path to Leadership
Grupo Solid’s growth did not stop at paint commercialization. In a key strategic move, the company pursued vertical integration by developing its own manufacturing operations to ensure product quality and availability. This led to the establishment of its first production plant in Guatemala— marking the beginning of a new stage in its development.
In the 1990s, the company diversified its business model by launching Corona Paint Center, its franchise network, and entering the B2B segment with the Sytec brand. In the 2010s, it strengthened its production capacity with the it evolved from a local business into a national benchmark in paint sales, thanks to its focus on customer satisfaction.
During the 1980s, Grupo Solid expanded its infrastructure with new regional plants and the acquisition of iconic brands such as Pinturas Corona and Aplicadores Brosh. This period was crucial for its regional expansion, allowing the company to extend beyond Guatemala and establish a strong presence throughout Central America.
Doña Julia was the first to understand that the customer was the most important element. She knew that a smile and good service make businesses grow
- Ariel Koll-Nescher, Executive President of Grupo Solid (LAPCO) Latin America Paints Company
construction of Superbía, the largest manufacturing plant in the region, located in Guatemala. It also automated Farbe Internacional, the only applicator plant in Central America, using Asian and German technology to better serve Latin American markets.
Thanks to this solid structure, Grupo Solid has expanded strategically, consolidating its presence throughout Central America and strengthening its distribution model through an efficient network of hardware stores,
franchises, and key accounts. In the past five years, it has also made significant investments to bring its business models and brands to other regions, acquiring cutting-edge manufacturing plants in the Dominican Republic to serve the Caribbean and in Paraguay to serve South America. This has provided the company with a manufacturing platform, commercial operations, and business models that transcend borders, actively competing in over ten Latin American markets.
Strategic Investments: Infrastructure, Technology, and Logistics
To sustain its growth, Grupo Solid has made significant investments in infrastructure and technology. Aiming to improve logistics efficiency and optimize cross-border trade, the company developed the Logistics Solutions Corridor, comprising three key projects:
1. Terminales del Istmo in Tecún Umán, San Marcos.
2. Terminales del Caribe in ZOLIC Santo Tomás de Castilla, Izabal.
3. Más Agua Zona Libre, a Public Special Economic Development Zone (ZDEEP) in Escuintla.
The Logistics Solutions Corridor represents an investment of $42.5 millon and aims to strengthen our connection with global markets
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Ariel Koll-Nescher, Executive President of Grupo Solid (LAPCO) Latin America Paints Company
Working for the region since Years
Commited collaborators
Offices and Branches
United States (Miami)
Contact us
Dominican Republic
Spain
The logistics corridor will not only improve Grupo Solid’s efficiency but also has the capacity to serve third parties. This strategic corridor, representing a projected investment of $42.5 million, aims to optimize storage and transportation of goods while strengthening Grupo Solid’s connectivity to global markets. To date, $18.4 million has been invested in the first two projects.
Additionally, the company has implemented advanced technology to enhance its supply chain, incorporating SAP S4/Hanna for logistics planning and strengthening its distribution network with new truck fleets. It has also integrated CRM tools to better understand its customers and provide more personalized service.
Innovation in Manufacturing: Efficient and Sustainable
Production
In manufacturing, Grupo Solid
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Vision to grow… Passion to create
Since its founding in 1978 in Costa Rica, Grupo Comeca has distinguished itself as a leader in tinplate and plastic packaging for the food, paint, and aerosol industries. With 47 years of excellence and technological innovation, it delivers high-quality, sustainable products. Its network of plants, spanning from Canada to Argentina, ensures efficient and reliable supply across the American continent.
www.grupocomeca.com
continues to innovate with new investments aimed at increasing efficiency and expanding its product offering. Some of the latest projects at Superbía include:
• Construction of a Thinners and Solvents factory, with future expansion plans.
• Installation of a new state-ofthe-art aerosol filling line.
• Automation of the resin production process, improving product quality and consistency.
• Installation of a new biomass boiler, promoting more sustainable
and efficient processes. And at Farbe Internacional:
• In-house production of plastic components and synthetic bristles for brushes and applicators, reducing dependence on external suppliers.
These investments strengthen Grupo Solid’s manufacturing capacity and enable it to meet the growing market demand, ensuring quality and innovation across all its brands and products.
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Todos somos parte del éxito y debemos trabajar juntos para lograrlo. Sin relaciones estratégicas, es muy difícil triunfar en un mercado tan competitivo
Ariel Koll-Nescher, Executive President of Grupo Solid (LAPCO) Latin America Paints Company
Grupo S
Grupo Solid 70 years of success since 1955
Jebsen & Jessen
Jebsen & Jessen
Chemicals se complace en felicitar a Grupo Solid en la especial celebración de su 70 aniversario. Una ejemplar trayectoria de contribución al desarrollo del país y de la región latinoamericana, agregando valor a sus accionistas, clientes y empleados con pasión, profesionalismo y tecnología de vanguardia, llenando la vida de color y alegría. ¡Muchas Felicidades y que continúen los éxitos!
Chemicals is pleased to congratulate Grupo Solid on the special celebration of its 70th anniversary. An exemplary trajectory of contribution to the development of the country and the Latin American region, adding value to its shareholders, clients, customers and employees with passion, professionalism and cutting-edge technology, filling life with color and joy. Congratulations and may the successes continue!
Michael Ascoli ( Fundador), Yara Argueta (VP Junta Directiva; Juan José de Dios (Director), Ariel Koll Nesher (CEO); Apertura de tienda Paleta Proceres 2001
The Power of Partnerships: Strategic Relationships for Growth
For Grupo Solid, success depends not only on its ability to innovate or expand but also on the strategic relationships it has built over the years. The company recognizes that in a highly competitive market, sustainable growth is only possible through strong alliances across the entire value chain.
From raw material and packaging
suppliers to distributors, end consumers, financial partners, and strategic advisors—each link plays a vital role in Grupo Solid’s development. Ariel Koll-Nescher emphasizes that the company is not just about business transactions but about building relationships based on trust and collaboration. “We are all part of the success, and we must work together to achieve it,” he affirms. With this vision, Grupo Solid continues to strengthen its partnerships to innovate
and offer high-value products to its customers.
A Passionate Team: The Key to Sustainable Growth
Grupo Solid stands out for its organizational culture, where work is seen as a means for personal and professional growth. Through SGS SOLID – Sociedad de Grandes Soñadores (Society of Great Dreamers), the company promotes the continuous development of its team,
Una alianza que aporta valor
desde hace más de 25 años
Caldic, guiada por valores como la colaboración y el enfoque en clientes y representadas, ha sido un socio estratégico para Grupo Solid, proveyendo solventes (aromáticos, alifáticos, glicoles, ésteres, entre otros) que han respaldado su crecimiento.
Hoy, con un portafolio de resinas, pigmentos y aditivos, seguimos contribuyendo al crecimiento del sector de pinturas y recubrimientos, fortaleciendo el desarrollo técnico de nuestros clientes y consolidando una relación de confianza y colaboración a largo plazo.
Caldic, inspirando soluciones.
www.caldic.com
reflecting its commitment to nurturing talent.
To strengthen young leadership, Grupo Solid has created internal programs such as Sheizen, Seneca, and Meraki, promoting training and professional development. Additionally, it ensures that at least 20% of its employees grow within the organization each year.
Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Painting a Better Future
Grupo Solid is committed to sustainability and social impact, transforming communities through
color. Its commitment to urban beautification aims to enhance public spaces and honor community heroes, improving quality of life through color. The company also supports projects and individuals who use paint to create positive change, reaffirming its purpose of being more than just a supplier— an agent of transformation in the communities where it operates.
From Trainee to Executive President: The Journey of Ariel Koll-Nescher
Grupo Solid’s leadership has been shaped not only by regional growth but also by the evolution of its leaders.
Apertura Republica Dominicana (2019) Miembros programa Meraki (2023)
celebrating its professionalism, leadership, and reputation in the region.
At PROMISA, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Grupo Solid for their trust and partnership. Together, we have cultivated a relationship founded on innovation, which has enabled us to develop effective solutions that contribute to their success. We look forward to continuing our collaborative journey and achieving mutual growth
53 years of providing the best products, services, and assistance
promisalatam.com | ventas@promisa.biz
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One of Grupo Solid’s greatest assets is its people, those who work with passion and have enabled the company, its brands, and its goals to transcend, grow, and continue evolving
Ariel Koll-Nescher, Executive President of Grupo Solid (LAPCO) Latin America Paints Company
Ariel Koll-Nescher, the company’s current Executive President, is a clear example of how long-term vision and professional development can strengthen an organization.
His journey at Grupo Solid began at age 25, shortly after graduating from university. He started as a trainee with a commercial project that took him across Central America, where he gained firsthand knowledge of customers, market dynamics, and operations in each country.
Michael Ascoli ( Fundador), Yara Argueta (VP Junta Directiva; Juan José de Dios (Director), Ariel Koll Nesher (CEO); Apertura de tienda Paleta Proceres 2001
Creating Bridges
Later, he managed the purchasing department, deepening his understanding of the industry and building strategic relationships with global suppliers. He was then promoted to Chief Financial Officer, where he complemented his commercial insight with an analytical perspective on the company’s economic structure.
His growth continued as he became Executive Vice President, a role he held for over 10 years, overseeing key areas such as Procurement, Finance, IT, and Human Resources. Finally, in 2016, he assumed the role of Executive President, leading Grupo
Solid into a new era of growth and expansion.
Throughout his career, Koll-Nescher has learned that leadership is not just about making strategic decisions, but about being present at crucial moments, leading with passion, and spreading positivity. This philosophy has been key to maintaining the culture of commitment and dynamism that defines Grupo Solid.
With that conviction, the company continues to evolve and prepare for the challenges ahead, confident that these 70 years are just the beginning of many more to come.
FOUNDED: 1955
INDUSTRY: Manufacturing CONTACT: www.gruposolidca.com
