50 years have passed since the birth of one of Lanzarote's emblematic companies, Horinsa, established in 1973. Hormigones Insulares is dedicated to the construction of public works and large private initiative projects, especially in Arrecife, Playa Honda, and Puerto del Carmen.
In an interview with Ekonomus, Francisco Armas, CEO of Horinsa, reviews the company's history and its main construction milestones, including the Arrecife Ring Road, the Medular Road, and the Timanfaya National Park Interpretation Center.
- How was Horinsa born?
In its origin, a group of entrepreneurs from Lanzarote decided to cover a need in the construction market on the island. The installation of the first ready-mix concrete plant, as well as the provision of concrete mixer trucks for its transport, unlike how it was done previously, by hand and with on-site mixers.
"From our work, I would highlight the Arrecife Ring Road, the Medular Road, and the large works in ports and airports"
- How has the company transformed since its origins?
We complemented our activity by opening the first plant on the island to produce asphalt mixtures for roads and the acquisition of all the necessary machinery for the transport, spreading, and compaction of said material. Then we invested in a facility to prepare and classify aggregates.
"Horinsa's staff is around a hundred specialized workers"
Over time, we began to build all types of works, both public and private initiative. Also, homes in different locations, especially in Arrecife, Playa Honda, and Puerto del Carmen, which helped to alleviate the shortage of residential housing on the island. Horinsa's average direct staff is around a hundred specialized workers.
- How has it navigated the various crises, particularly the bursting of the real estate bubble that wiped out so many construction companies?
Fifty years is a long enough period to be affected by a few crises. Regarding the last one, in the so-called real estate bubble, due to prudence, in previous years we abandoned the promotion of housing and therefore the impact of the crisis was practically minimal, unlike other more exposed construction-developers.
"Due to its uniqueness, it is also worth highlighting the Timanfaya National Park Interpretation Center"
- Which projects are you most proud of?
We have participated in the vast majority of Lanzarote's infrastructure projects, but due to their significance, I would point out the Arrecife Ring Road, Medular Road, and the large works in ports and airport. In addition, due to its uniqueness, it is worth highlighting the Timanfaya National Park Interpretation Center.
"Horinsa has always listened to the society of Lanzarote and has been present in actions of sports, cultural and social support"
- Does Horinsa have any corporate social responsibility initiative or similar towards the society of Lanzarote or the Canary Islands?
Horinsa can boast of having facilities that meet environmental requirements, endorsed by three ISO seals in the areas of Environment; Quality; and Safety and Health.
We have recently obtained the registration of the Equality Plan, being one of the first construction companies in the Canary Islands to obtain it.
Horinsa has always listened to the society of Lanzarote and has been present in actions of support in sports, culture, and social aid that has been necessary.
- What has been your most recent contribution?
On this 50th anniversary, Horinsa has thought of the local community, which has always participated in one way or another in our evolution as a company.
In gratitude and to make it clear, on September 21, the sculpture 'Alisio', designed by the artist Eduardo Manrique, dedicated to Lanzarote, was inaugurated.
'Alisio' is installed in the Roundabout of Calle Mástil in Playa Honda and constitutes a donation to the City Council of San Bartolomé for the enjoyment of the inhabitants of Lanzarote.
