At Grupo Armando Alvarez, we were honoured last Saturday, 21 March, with the “Outstanding Industrial Company 2026” Award, granted by the Association of Industrial Engineers of Cantabria on the occasion of the celebration of Saint Joseph, their patron saint.

The award was presented to the Group’s Chairman, José Ramón Álvarez Ribalaygua, who expressed his gratitude on behalf of everyone who is part of the organisation.

During his speech, he stressed that this award is not individual, but collective:
“This award belongs to our team, to all the people who are part of Grupo Armando Álvarez and who every day contribute talent, commitment and enthusiasm to make it possible for our project to go further.”

Four decades of responsible internationalization

In his address, José Ramón Álvarez recalled that 40 years ago the Group began its first international expansion with the creation of a company in France, at a time when opening up abroad represented a significant strategic challenge.

Since then, the Group has evolved to be present in more than 100 countries, developing its own commercial companies and consolidating a growth model based on direct management, corporate responsibility and the integration of local professionals into a shared culture.

The Chairman highlighted two key factors in this trajectory:

  • Maintaining the competitiveness and growth of all the Group’s companies at each stage of expansion.
  • Committing to genuine internationalisation, directly managing strategy, investments, personnel and relationships with clients and suppliers.


“La internacionalización es un desafío, pero también una oportunidad para aprender y crecer, y hacerlo de verdad es sumar y no sustituir. Crecer en Estados Unidos ha ido de la mano de seguir generando empleo y riqueza en Cantabria y en España, al tiempo que seguimos manteniendo nuestras compañías competitivas y en expansión".


“Internationalization is a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and grow, and doing so effectively means adding to—not replacing—what we already have. Our growth in the United States has gone hand in hand with continuing to create jobs and wealth in Cantabria and Spain, while keeping our companies competitive and expanding.”


José Ramón Álvarez Ribalaygua, President of the Armando Alvarez Group
 


Recognition of collective effort


The gala also included a tribute to engineers with 40 years of professional experience within the association and was attended by institutional authorities and representatives from the industrial sector.


The “Outstanding Industrial Company” Award recognises the track record, strength and industrial contribution of Grupo Armando Álvarez, as well as its commitment to innovation, technological development and job creation.


This achievement belongs to all the people who are part of the Group and who, with responsibility, commitment, trust and innovation, make its continuous growth possible.