The Fogel company inaugurated a new industrial plant developed together with the Japanese corporation Hoshizaki. The project incorporates automated technology and will expand production capacity, given the potential of the manufacturing sector.
With an investment of US$50 million, the Guatemalan company Fogel inaugurated this Thursday a mega industrial plant in Villa Canales, a project developed in strategic alliance with the Japanese corporation Hoshizaki that will allow it to expand its production capacity, generate up to 1,800 direct jobs and reach US$170 million annually in exports over the next five years.
The new facility has the installed capacity to manufacture 350 thousand units per year using state-of-the-art automated processes. Production will be aimed mainly at the North American and Latin American markets, while in Guatemala the company projects sales of US$53 million annually, which will strengthen its position in the manufacturing of commercial refrigeration equipment for the food and beverage industry.
A new stage for the company
During the inauguration, Jacobo Tefel, president of Fogel, stated that the new plant represents the beginning of a stage focused on the incorporation of new technologies, automation and greater efficiency in production processes.
The businessman recalled that the company was born in Nicaragua in 1967 and moved its operations to Guatemala in 1981. Since then, it went from producing about 100 units a month to consolidating itself as a company with an international presence. He attributed this growth to the work of his collaborators, the trust of clients and the strategic alliance reached with the Japanese firm Hoshizaki. In addition, he maintained that the investment constitutes a sign of confidence in the future of Guatemala.
Employment generation and technology transfer
According to the company, the plant will reach up to 1,800 direct and formal jobs when it operates at 90% of its capacity, which will contribute to boosting the economy of Villa Canales and neighboring municipalities.
Juan Carlos Tefel, general manager of Fogel, assured that the project demonstrates the country’s capacity to develop world-class industry.
“Today we demonstrate that in Guatemala we have the capacity to execute world-class industrial projects. This plant not only increases our production, but is a source of formal employment for thousands of Guatemalans and a solid platform for our products to compete in the most demanding markets in the world,” he stated.
The company added that the alliance with Hoshizaki will also strengthen the transfer of Japanese technology and promote a more efficient and sustainable manufacturing model.
Japan sees Guatemala as a strategic destination
During the event, Ryosuke Kuwana, Japanese ambassador to Guatemala, stated that the new plant reflects the strengthening of economic relations between both countries and highlighted that Guatemala has competitive advantages to attract new investments, including its geographical location, macroeconomic stability, availability of labor and its potential to become a nearshoring platform.
The diplomat pointed out that the facility will allow products to be manufactured for Guatemala, Central America, Mexico, North America and South America, which will become one of the main results of the strategic alliance between Fogel and Hoshizaki.
Investment reflects confidence in Guatemala
President Bernardo Arévalo described the inauguration as “a new chapter” for the company and for the country. He stated that the expansion of Fogel’s operations constitutes a sign of confidence from the private sector in the productive capacity of Guatemala and in the talent of Guatemalan workers.
The president highlighted that manufacturing continues to be one of the main engines of the national economy. He indicated that the sector produced around Q125 billion in 2025, registered an interannual growth of 4.5% during the first quarter of 2026 and currently generates more than 527 thousand jobs, so he considered that there is still potential to attract industries with greater technological content and added value.
Likewise, he announced that Guatemala and Japan are negotiating a partial scope agreement to facilitate the arrival of new Japanese investments and strengthen trade relations between both nations.