Reactivate the use of the rail network in Guatemala for the connection with the port system and the main commercial partners, it is an aspiration that the actors of the logistics chain are demanding.
Michael E. Ascoli, founder of the Solid Group, which is a painting and coatings manufacturer, exposes the needs to improve the logistics systems of Guatemala Land, Airport, Port and Railways within the framework of the Nearshoring and Reshoring.
He stressed that what is needed is to enable the use of the rail system that is an important asset for the logistics chain and see with good eyes the exploratory visit of an mission of the United States Army Corps of Army to the facilities of the Quetzal Port Company (EPQ) in Escuintla.
What is the origin of Grupo Solid in participating in the logistics industry?
This project began by necessity. We realized that in order to grow in the export market that we are (paint manufacturers) we dispatched 70% of production, so we begin to open logistics centers in the Atlantic, Pacific and with Mexico and the US.
When analyzing we perceived that there was no small measure, that we had to make an acquisition or a large purchase, so we say first to learn with us and then open it to the market. The most ambitious thing is the free area plus water where there is space for 40 users to install factories, maquilas or distribution centers.
So, it was a necessity on the road, and we believe that Guatemala needs to improve in the infrastructure and the attraction of Mexico or the Dominican Republic must tell us.
What program has been materialized?
These Caribbean terminals in Zolic have liquid and solid bulk; Five ships have been brought to date with solvent, soybean oil, among others, but we start with self -consumption. We are importing what we need.
The important thing is that Guatemala has a geographical position that should take advantage of, because Mexico already did, Honduras, Dominica Republic, Costa Rica and we have to do it.
In the part with Mexico, what is the goal?
With isthmus terminals on the border, the most important objective is to facilitate the traffic of Mexico to Central America. The operations are not supplied, there is congestion, there are no tanks. The facilities includes the wide railway of Mexico that connects with the United States and there is a promise to start in March 2026, because now the lines that had been damaged by the passage of a hurricane that will connect to Texas through Mexico are being built, so we believe we take advantage of the opportunity.
We already have a list of users of the packaging industries, chemicals, cars and parts manufactured in Mexico, so it is a more active border area in the La Tecún Umán region.
Guatemala is not exploiting the railway asset, why is it important?
It is vital; Guatemala has a privileged as well as the Panama Canal, the Mexico train that joins the Pacific with the Atlantic, and the railroad that was recovered that it goes from Puerto San José and Puerto Quetzal to the Atlantic; Walk from Tecún Umán to Anguiatú-La Salvador hermitage, so the property is, which is wonderful.
What is not useful is the railway that is for a different freighter, but the property, the road and the opportunity is unique and to take advantage of it.
In the logistics activity, do you consider that it is already necessary to use the rail?
It is very simple. A land container can be worth $ 1 per kilometer traveled, on a railroad it can be worth US $ 0.33 cents. The truck damages the road, generates smoke, contaminates and generates traffic, passes through populated areas, but the train does not touch anyone, it is very efficient in fuel and load. It does not use roads and relieve traffic.
In all developed countries they use the railroad and in Guatemala you have to activate.
Is the road recoverable?
At all, you have to change the current railway route, but the line, the location and the unique property is wonderful. There are some invaders to talk to them, move them to a good land, with their title, because they arrived there for an economic need.
This has to be fixed, it has been done in other countries, knowing how to do it with a negotiation and give them a better chance.
Recently there was an exploratory mission of the US Army Engineers. UU., To cooperate with EPQ, how do you analyze it?
You have to call the one who knows; We have been bogged down on the logistics issue for more than 20 years, and for them it can be a “breath” to make another port. You have to be humble and bring the one who knows.
Today you can’t expect more; We are with tails in the ships in the docks, costs in costs, shallow and we are being late for the consumer.
That is something to explain why all bad roads, bad ports, affect prices, and that has to be improved.
Logistics Solutions Corridor
Of paint and coatings manufacturer in the region, Grupo Solid also ventures into the provision of logistics services in three projects for users.
Isthmus terminals in Tecún Umán San Marcos, facilities that was recently opened and will have a railway spur that will connect with the Kansas City Southern system of Mexico to use the network and transport goods from Central America to Mexico and the United States.
Caribbean terminals located in Santo Tomás de Castilla, in Izabal within the free zone of industry and commerce (Zolic) to promote the logistics corridor of the maritime trade.
More water that is classified as a zone of Public Economic Development (ZDEEP) that is located at kilometer 62.5 in Escuintla, to promote trade and investment in the railway line with Puerto Quetzal, the Palín Escuintla highway already a future with the cargo airport.