After nearly eight decades, the San Balandrán factory in Avilés, known for its extensive history in aluminum production under names like Alu Ibérica and Alcoa, has officially closed its metallurgical chapter. Early last Thursday, in a simple yet symbolic act, workers removed the factory's sign, a gesture that signifies the end of an era for Avilés and the start of a new chapter focused on renewable energy.
This factory, once a cornerstone of the Asturian economy alongside other industrial giants in the region, faced its demise in 2018 due to the escalating costs of electricity, culminating in an economic scandal that remains under judicial scrutiny. The removal of the sign not only marks the physical erasure of the factory's presence but also represents a pivotal shift in the region's industrial landscape, moving away from traditional manufacturing to embrace the burgeoning renewable energy sector.
Windar Renovables, a company specializing in metal parts for the energy sector, notably wind power, is set to take over the industrial site formerly occupied by Alcoa. This transition highlights the evolving nature of industrial activity in Avilés, showcasing a pivot towards sustainable energy solutions and the region's adaptability in the face of economic and environmental challenges.
While the concrete footing of the old sign remains, a testament to the site's industrial heritage, the future activities on this land will bear the name Windar Renovables. This change signals not only a transformation in the type of industrial production but also a significant shift towards sustainable development and renewable energy, reinforcing Avilés' role in Spain's green transition.
