Winoa Iberica: 90 years of industrial passion and sustainable transformation

In 1934, in Balmaseda, a small town nestled in the Spanish Biscay, Fabio Murga Acebal laid the foundation of what would become a global reference in the shotblasting industry. Initially, the workshop manufactured welding electrodes to meet a growing market demand.

However, this small workshop quickly evolved into much more than a simple business. It marked the beginning of an industrial journey, steadily building over the years and, despite challenges like the Spanish Civil War, the workshop grew and established its presence in the industry.

In the 1950s, as the Spanish industry experienced a new surge, the company made a decisive strategic choice. The production of steel shot became the main driver of its activity, catering to a growing demand for surface preparation in the country’s foundries and forges.

This strategic shift reflects a clear vision of the evolving industry’s needs. Quickly, Talleres Fabio Murga stood out for the quality and reliability of its products. By the early 1990s, as the company established itself as a national leader, expanding internationally became an obvious step. In 1992, the acquisition by Wheelabrator Allevard (future Winoa) marked a new phase, opening the company to new opportunities and strengthening its global presence.

After its integration into Wheelabrator Allevard in 1992, Talleres Fabio Murga entered a new phase of growth. The company gained access to a global network and technological resources, enabling it to strengthen its position in the Spanish market and beyond. Over the years, this integration has fueled modernization projects, reinforcing the goal of making Balmaseda a key site for the group. In 2015, the company officially adopted the name Winoa Iberica, aligning itself with the group’s global identity.

In 2012, this vision took shape with an ambitious relocation project in the heart of Balmaseda. It was not just a change of address, but a true industrial transformation designed for the future. With the support of local authorities and a €20 million investment, a state-of-the-art plant was established. Inaugurated in 2018, it quickly became a world reference in steel shot production, integrating cutting-edge technologies and environmentally friendly solutions. This project symbolizes the company’s evolution towards sustainable and innovative production while securing its strategic position within the group.

Discover the Winoa Iberica site

Winoa Iberica continues its development with determination. In 2021, the Balmaseda plant reached a new milestone by launching the production of stainless steel shot using advanced centrifugal atomization technology. This progress affirms the site’s position as an innovation hub within the Winoa group. Today, Balmaseda is much more than a production site; it is a technological showcase demonstrating the group’s ambitions for sustainability and industrial excellence.

Winoa Iberica’s future is aligned with an ongoing commitment to modernization and environmental responsibility. The plant, recognized as one of the most advanced globally, implements advanced recycling processes, energy recovery, and sustainable resource management. This commitment extends well beyond the factory walls, strengthening the connection between Winoa, its local partners, and the industry of tomorrow.

For nearly a century, Winoa Iberica has evolved with dedication and expertise. From the workshop in Balmaseda to today’s state-of-the-art facilities, each step reflects a constant commitment to progress and sustainability. The Balmaseda site is a symbol of industrial excellence and plays a key role in the future of shotblasting. The story continues to unfold, driven by the teams and projects that shape Winoa’s future every day.