Since its founding in 1969 in Quetzaltenango, Textiles Intebonsa has been a benchmark in Guatemala’s textile industry. With 55 years of experience, the company has been able to adapt to market changes, consolidating its position in the sector and being an engine of employment and development in the region. This is a journey through its history, its achievements, and its vision for the future.
From Beginnings to Expansion
At a time when polyester was beginning to gain popularity, Fábrica de Tejidos Sportex saw an opportunity in the growing demand for fabrics and quickly established itself in the market. By collaborating with JC Niemann, its sister company specializing in importing textile machinery, Fabrica de Tejidos Sportex developed a business model that allowed it to take full advantage of these resources. Using Cantel’s yarn warehouses, the company focused on weaving, dyeing and manufacturing products, soon becoming a benchmark in Central America. Its high-quality products boosted the demand for sportswear in the region, consolidating its position in the market.
An Economic and Social Pillar in Quetzaltenango
Today, Textiles Intebonsa employs more than 350 people, making it the largest textile factory in Quetzaltenango. The company prides itself on being a significant source of employment for the local community, recognizing the value and dedication of its people.“The strength of Textiles Intebonsa is in our personnel,” states Engineer Juan Niemann, the company’s General Manager, emphasizing that the company’s success is the result of the effort and commitment of each of its collaborators. This philosophy of valuing human talent led to the creation of the Intebonsa Textile School, where new talents are trained in the art of sewing, offering them the opportunity to join the team.
Innovation, Quality and Global Commitment
Textiles Intebonsa’s commitment to innovation has been constant. The company has invested in new technologies and machinery to improve its production processes, which has enabled it to remain competitive in a demanding market. This focus on excellence has led the company to comply with rigorous international standards, obtaining certifications such as SMETA 2 Pillars, GSS from Hanes, and CTPAT from Gildan. In addition, it has received WRAP’ s Gold certificate on multiple occasions, confirming its active labor compliance. Intebonsa currently enjoys the trust of recognized brands such as Fruit of the Loom, Puma, Hanes, Gildan, Sears and SanMar, due to the quality and competitiveness of its products worldwide.
Adapting to the Global Market and the Nearshoring Trend
Throughout its history, Textiles Intebonsa has faced significant challenges, such as the migration of some customers to cheaper options in Asia. However, Guatemala’s strategic geographic position, described by Juan Niemann as “the heart of America,” and the growing trend of nearshoring have been determining factors in winning back U.S. customers. Faced with increasing logistical difficulties in shipping from China, many companies have opted to return to the region, which has once again strengthened Textiles Intebonsa’s position in the U.S. market.
Taking Advantage of the Benefits of Decree 29-89
Textiles Intebonsa’s success in the international market has also been facilitated by Guatemala’s Decree 29-89, which grants tax benefits to exporting companies. These incentives have been crucial to the company’s ability to export much of its production to the United States, maintaining its competitiveness in an ever-changing global environment.
An Ethical and Socially Responsible Company
Beyond textile production, Intebonsa is distinguished by its commitment to ethics and social responsibility. The company operates under a strict code of ethics and strives to comply rigorously with local and international laws. Social responsibility has been a fundamental pillar of its strategy, motivating the company to continue generating jobs and contributing to the development of Guatemala and its community.
Vision for the Future
“Guatemala is a country of opportunities, and to take full advantage of them, we need the support of the authorities. We hope they see us as generators of employment. The apparel and textile sector is the leader in Guatemala and should be valued and continuously supported.”
– Juan Niemann, General Manager of Textiles Intebonsa.
Textiles Intebonsa has demonstrated that, with dedication, innovation and a strong social commitment, Guatemala can stand out in the competitive global marketplace. With a vision that integrates continuous improvement, quality, agility and compliance, the company continues to visualize opportunities for growth and expansion. Its commitment to the country is clear: to continue generating employment, contributing to economic development and taking advantage of the many opportunities offered by Guatemala, a country full of possibilities.
