Innovation

The wind energy market has seen significant growth in recent years. Leveraging their expertise in producing high-quality tower flanges, the company has established itself as a leader in this vital sector. This success prompted them to embark on an international expansion, choosing India as a key location to further their growth. 

The globalization efforts of Industrial Barranquesa highlight how international business expansion can foster positive social and cultural transformation. By bringing European work methods and safety standards to its new operations in India, the company sets a precedent for improving working conditions in a globalized context. Employees in India are already experiencing notable differences, including less hierarchical structures and more respectful personal interactions, which are not always standard in the local industrial landscape. This cultural shift is poised to ripple beyond the workplace, benefiting not only employees but also their families and communities, gradually fostering a more equitable and inclusive work environment. 

This approach demonstrates how globalization, when aligned with ethical practices, can elevate labor standards and promote sustainability. Industrial Barranquesa’s emphasis on safety, internal promotion, and workplace equity reflects its strong commitment to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), positioning the company as a model for responsible global business practices. In its Ethics Code, Industrial Barranquesa pledges to uphold SDGs 5, 9, 10, 12, and 16, and its efforts in affordable and clean energy (SDG 7) and decent work (SDG 8) further reinforce its dedication to creating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Industrial Barranquesa in India

Inspiration

The inspiration behind the innovation to internationalize the company was for Industrial Barranguesa, according to Manuel Turiel to “be a benchmark in our product for our clients”. This led the company to go to India to provide jobs for the Indian people and expose them to European work methods as well as health and safety standards. “I wanted to make the idea of the India factory a reality, including the development of people, machinery, plans, suppliers, and organizing the team to carry out the project,” said Manuel Turiel. “It was a huge challenge, completely taking me out of my comfort zone in Spain: a different culture, legislation, language, market, clients, negotiation methods… it gives the company a necessary international focus”. 

Industrial Barranquesa is revolutionizing the way they do business with their global clients by creating a more direct line of communication for management problems with global clients. Globalization has begun to create easier, better and more business connections for the company while also allowing more productivity to be put into achieving their sustainable goals. This coupled with the idea to support the development of renewable energy sources are the main ways that Industrial Barranquesa has aimed at achieving some of the UN sustainable development goals.

Overall impact

The overall impact of the internationalization project for Industrial Barranquesa has been significant, both in the short and long term. In the short term, expanding to India provided immediate employment opportunities and brought European work standards, including health and safety practices, to the local workforce. This change impacted not only the factory employees but also brought a different management approach, which emphasized less hierarchy and more personal interaction, creating a work environment that was unique for the region. Evidence of this immediate impact can be seen in the factory’s success in securing a substantial client contract, covering its production capacity for an entire year. This milestone showed that the new operation could be profitable and that their approach had value in the market.

Long-term, the project has set the stage for deeper cultural and organizational shifts within the company. By establishing a presence over 8,000 kilometers from their home base in Spain, the company transformed from a local operation with three nearby factories to a global player with access to new markets and international clients. This move is expected to open further opportunities, like collaborations between the Spanish and Indian facilities, helping to build a stronger, more resilient business. On a broader scale, Barranquesa’s involvement in renewable energy and their commitment to the green economy has the potential to support sustainable growth in India. As they continue expanding, there’s hope that these initiatives will contribute to narrowing the development gap between Europe and regions like India, improving lives and setting higher standards for the industry.

Business benefit

Since Industrial Barranquesa expanded to India, they brought European work methods and safety and health standards. They are at the beginning of the project, so it is too early to measure the impact this project has on society. Right now, Industrial Barranquesa reaches a small number of people, but these employees already notice a different treatment compared to what they might receive in an Indian company, whether in terms of working conditions (less hierarchy) or in personal interactions. This different treatment will affect the entire workforce and their families across the company, not just in India. There will be greater safety across all plants, more opportunities for internal promotion, and the culture will change.

In 2025, this change will be measured through revenues and results, which will provide tangible, measurable indicators. In 2025, the company is expecting to generate 6.329.850€ in sales with the plant in India, increasing up to 12.950.775€ in 2027. The company’s image has grown significantly since it is now an international company. There is an organizational shift; they are reaching global clients, and many opportunities will open up between Spanish and Indian factories that aren’t yet able to fully assess.

Social and environmental benefit

The international expansion of Industrial Barranquesa benefits both society and the environment in meaningful ways. By setting up operations in India, the company created jobs for the local community and introduced higher standards for workplace safety and health. In a place where working conditions can often be less regulated, Barranquesa’s focus on employee welfare brought a new level of care and respect to the workforce. This approach improves the lives of the employees directly and also sets an example for other companies in the region, showing that treating workers well can be part of a successful business model.

Environmentally, the company’s commitment to renewable energy is an essential part of its expansion. By prioritizing green energy in its operations and supply chain, Barranquesa contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future. In the long run, this can help reduce pollution and carbon emissions in a rapidly industrializing country like India. The positive impact here extends beyond just the local area. The more companies that adopt renewable practices, the better it is for the global environment.

Finally, this project has a ripple effect on society by encouraging global connections. Barranquesa’s presence in India not only serves its own growth but also bridges cultural and business practices between Europe and India. This kind of cross-cultural exchange can lead to a better understanding and shared standards that benefit both regions, creating a positive cycle of growth, sustainability, and improved quality of life. 

Interview

Manuel Turiel Alonso, CEO